tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19699556703794268932024-02-07T06:27:09.484-08:00The adventure...laura newmanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16515951360170007806noreply@blogger.comBlogger45125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1969955670379426893.post-47275890348307064492012-11-03T06:56:00.002-07:002012-11-03T06:56:36.914-07:00USA & Canada...And Mexico for a day!<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Arriving into LAX, me and John had no idea of where to go and what to do. After my interrigation from the immigration official who cleverly asked me questions about our trip after viewing the vast amount of visa's we had in our passports, he gave us our own USA stamp to cross into the country. </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">We quickly decided we would take up our friend Dan's offer to visit and stay with him in San Diego. We first met Dan in Fiji on the beautiful island of Qumea, he is really into the surf and was brilliant at taking on left and right hand waves. He was a great fella who me and John really liked so we hopped onto a train and chutted our way down a couple hours South. After arriving into the airport we bumped into an English girl called Danielle. She was lovely and had been on her own adventure of travels, so after sharing stories and experiences we all realised we where heading to San Diego. We had a great laugh and chat with Danni on the way down and we arranged that we would all spend the day crossing the border into Mexico. </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">Arriving into San Diego was great. The atmosphere of the place is uber chilled and the weather was sunshine and calm winds. Me and John felt instantly relaxed when we met Dan at the station and a huge smile awaited us. He welcomed us into his wonderful home...on the beach! We spent the next couple of days, catching up with Dan, visiting the lovely sights of San Diego and relaxing into the 'American' way of life! Outside Dan's place, it literally was like a scene out of baywatch...rollerbladers, bicycles, runners, lifeguards, surf waves...it was all very gnarly! </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">We arranged on one of the days to see Danni, so at the tram station we headed South and towards the Mexican/American border. Once there, we followed the lines of people and fluttered across a bridge and through a gate. Then, before we all knew it we where on a street in Mexico. We had not seen any type of securty government official it was literally walk through a gate freely and we where all in Mexico. We wandered through the streets of Tijuana, taking in the smells, the amigo's, the language, culture and most importantly the food. I have grown very fond of Mexican food lately and couldn't wait to try out some fresh authentic food in Tijuana. We bumped into an American guy who joined us for lunch and we all spent the afternoon relaxing, listening to the music, street banter (everyone shouting £1 tequila!) and enjoying my Mexican experience. As the evening drew upon us, we headed back towards the border. A local barman persuaded us all to pop into his bar just for one drink...well that turned into a hustling game of pool with a local prostitute's pimp and three bottles of beer each...only in Mexico!</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">As it was time to say goodbye to Dan, we felt so appreciative of being able to stay in such a wonderful home with a great man. When you travel, you meet so many people every day and it's those people who share your experiences and truly relate to is when you know you've found a friend for life. </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">We caught our famous greyhound bus upto Las Vegas. Well...as we cruised in late afternoon, the 'Strip' glistened and the atmosphere was that of excitement. After arranging somewhere to stay, we headed out to explore the famous 'LV Strip'. John attended a famous boxing match with England's own Amir Khan fighting...I opted to play some slots and down a glass of wine! We spent a couple days enjoying the sights of Las Vegas, its basically a playground for adults....totally random, fun, eccentric entertainment for everybody! </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">We felt ready to leave after a couple of days, its one of those places where a couple of days it just enough. So, we hopped back onto our greyhound and cruised upto San Francisco. I was excited to see San Fran its always one of those places I'd imagined being in and love seeing it in movies. Arriving early morning, we initially found it tough getting a price to stay and the cost of things here is so much more to anywhere else in America. We settled for a place in the 'ghetto' downtown at a reasonable price. After a day of exploring the city spaces, we returned to see a murder had just occured outside our hotel infront of our room...I felt this was a sign that maybe we should stay somewhere else tomorrow. San Francisco is a lovely city, but the amount of homeless people and people of drugs is huge, the most I have ever seen in my life. It sort of overshadowed my experience of the great city as I almost felt sad for a lot of these people. Our second evening was much more blissful, after spending the day having a picnic by the Golden Gate Bridge and walking Fisherman's Wharf, we chilled in Little Italy. A more chilled and rustic part of the city, this was nice in terms of relaxing before our long journey upto Portland. </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">After a crazy ride through the night on our greyhound bus, we cruised into Portland early morning. We arranged to meet our lovely friend Julia, who is from Portland. Julia was ever so kind to allow us to stay with her while we visited the city. We originally met Julia randomly on our travels in Laos, Julia was on her own adventure after spending many years teaching in SE Asia. When we arrived she knew exactly how we felt and the need of a lovely hot shower and afternoon nap. We where so lucky in being able to stay in Julia's lovely home, spending the days exploring Portland, visiting the Oregon Beer Festival, meeting up with friends and having a lovely time. We thoroughly enjoyed tasting all the locally brewed beers around the State and no better place than in the Beer Festival. We'd originally met an Austrian couple on our greyhound bus and funnily enough bumped into them again at the festival....plenty of beers, music, sunshine...good times! </span><span style="font-family: Arial;">Julia treated us to a great trip just before left, we ventured out to the 'Fruit Loop' out the city an hour or so, we explored the fruit and wine country and even visited the very lodge parts of the film 'The Shining' was filmed. As the time came to say goodbye, I felt really sad to say farewell but so happy that I am blessed to have such wonderful friends in the world.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">Our bus ride up over the border took us to Vancouver...such a vibrant, multi-cultural city! We where again ever so lucky to be staying with our friend from back home, Steven Sanders. He met us and took us to his lush apartment right on the waterfront. The city was really buzzing and I was excited to spend my next week or so exploring this place. We enjoyed our days venturing into the city each day and then spending our evenings relaxing and making tea for Steven. It was great seeing our friend from home, it made us feel that little bit closer of being back home. As Steven is well travelled and has so many experiences too, we would spend our evenings catching up on old stories and discussing our love of travels. The weekend was spent ventured out of Vancouver and meeting Steven's lovely friends. We visited a beautiful place caleld Deep Cove, such a relaxing place just on the outskirts of the city. After ten brilliant days, we said our farewells to Steven, again feeling a pinch of sadness but also happiness of our time spent here. I felt an eagerness for our next main destination...New York. </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">So cruising up on our last evcer greyhound bus to the city of Seattle, we spent our last day taking in some sights, enjoying a meal and eventually moving ourselves to the airport for our evening flight. The flight passed us by quickly through the night and with the couple of hours time difference...(yes America is huge! ) we arrived into JFK, New York!</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">New York is a magical city...oozing excitement, noise, culture, vibe and something that I think everybody will love. We had arranged to stay at an apartment in Harlem. The district of Harlem is super cool, with a character and coolness, music and diversity, we fell in love with this place straight away. The people are so friendly and we got to meet lots of local people. Each day we ventured around the city, doing all the sightseeing things but also doing some relaxation and take it all in time too. I always remember being on top of the Rockerfeller Centre and enjoying the sunset...a special way to remember this great city. After spending our final week of our amazing adventure, I began to feel an excitement of going home....Liverpool. </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">We had arranged to surprise our families and after flying from New York, we quickly stopped off in Iceland before gracing the UK with our backpacks once again...as we had started all those thirteen months ago. Such an amazing year, the most best experience I have ever had in my life. This life experience is something I will always cherish and remember forever and has now made me the person who I am today. With excitement, I head home and feel happy to see all my friends and family and to embrace my own culture and feel proud of my own city...My home, My Liverpool! </span><br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxSsNZ2MJnqIBjJkPvu7GkdyeyEuujHEDcnBzipSISZ8Eer7l5wktWLPIE6AamvRc5r5v8As7OXtEF-FwtmnjeK4iXIhPkdrfQCCLlkf0r15j6zk3F154BIjdP3ACkYwnOtlmSk-l-Oqy5/s1600/DSC_4028.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" kea="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxSsNZ2MJnqIBjJkPvu7GkdyeyEuujHEDcnBzipSISZ8Eer7l5wktWLPIE6AamvRc5r5v8As7OXtEF-FwtmnjeK4iXIhPkdrfQCCLlkf0r15j6zk3F154BIjdP3ACkYwnOtlmSk-l-Oqy5/s320/DSC_4028.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Hello San Diego...nice walk along the beachfront</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjgFnDokryhJPXoshLykzgO3NgCDJn5_gpmFeOh0uhtrUobCB5P8-zzqDfbi8LkXTiIBCn9S8xGgmu33l9OVcKcsrlSxai2k93P5MgMykJSkYV_JfDfIxv_wY8BEK-vcjhIt0xqDVbfxq3/s1600/DSC_4055.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" kea="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjgFnDokryhJPXoshLykzgO3NgCDJn5_gpmFeOh0uhtrUobCB5P8-zzqDfbi8LkXTiIBCn9S8xGgmu33l9OVcKcsrlSxai2k93P5MgMykJSkYV_JfDfIxv_wY8BEK-vcjhIt0xqDVbfxq3/s320/DSC_4055.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Dan treating us to his special bbq dish...delicious!</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgj6Dfocw4-DTe9hZ13erXWKftRg8ziigbSf-jwiHHLhvknGKEpgcAN665M0PZxexXXqEzpKuUYoxtg9TlCkMlZGDwG0GbqRh_I84IagRPZjw6jDoLL21SapraPCBFqi9ZNcVe2oFmDjdJq/s1600/DSC_4231.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" kea="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgj6Dfocw4-DTe9hZ13erXWKftRg8ziigbSf-jwiHHLhvknGKEpgcAN665M0PZxexXXqEzpKuUYoxtg9TlCkMlZGDwG0GbqRh_I84IagRPZjw6jDoLL21SapraPCBFqi9ZNcVe2oFmDjdJq/s320/DSC_4231.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">John enjoying a surf...loving it!</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCEfZUFe7bRt24z0wo-LHuPhFsXMrKmgdT46FHJd3ONG8tYgbZWXfEXE0fI_2PqzgtT7JdvnDL9XJ1FNGQIqBAKhoame1GN5RPbhuSdTuQvEXNoO9_D1DTWmB7OwsrX-kN9AoJLHSNJsj0/s1600/DSCF2404.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" kea="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCEfZUFe7bRt24z0wo-LHuPhFsXMrKmgdT46FHJd3ONG8tYgbZWXfEXE0fI_2PqzgtT7JdvnDL9XJ1FNGQIqBAKhoame1GN5RPbhuSdTuQvEXNoO9_D1DTWmB7OwsrX-kN9AoJLHSNJsj0/s320/DSCF2404.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Enjoying a nice curry in San Diego</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcaeOeuvO-dps5nDZQOaEPg-lnFzWlSrI9xxz_TzjpvD0_yCTtp2LVcpHlse66fWGsljKwZPopMnrUGSNJPL_gvDvUP4lrGwpbu4lWrSKvAd4u5Ouw2qFJIOtWmBJTBadmdvRfolZBDHRx/s1600/DSCF2354.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" nea="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcaeOeuvO-dps5nDZQOaEPg-lnFzWlSrI9xxz_TzjpvD0_yCTtp2LVcpHlse66fWGsljKwZPopMnrUGSNJPL_gvDvUP4lrGwpbu4lWrSKvAd4u5Ouw2qFJIOtWmBJTBadmdvRfolZBDHRx/s320/DSCF2354.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Mexico!! Loving our day trip over to Tijuana...lots of taco's and tequila!</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_4o6Y9JF32WplDvDw-GLHx__djlshzFsb4udlmqbdmSIPwevTIcv61uuLV3rpKTQyqE1eZnFlf6rRcUaFdDVm9MH8bm0i4HC4fG056rfRqS5ImWe6kmchQpt1xXi7Z8fmVb52Lmj57J5d/s1600/DSCF2424.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" qea="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_4o6Y9JF32WplDvDw-GLHx__djlshzFsb4udlmqbdmSIPwevTIcv61uuLV3rpKTQyqE1eZnFlf6rRcUaFdDVm9MH8bm0i4HC4fG056rfRqS5ImWe6kmchQpt1xXi7Z8fmVb52Lmj57J5d/s320/DSCF2424.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Viva Las Vegas...enjoying our time along 'The Strip'</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGNwgaNyXp6pxS81ZDEBX7C4AVuuqrLjtl9GNPvP2WI0TL5suB3d4lBorgbc5-69OnkB3-glD_YDylh92_gdt2P1A_7_L9MaOxbsybnrJ7Z-qUbSwY3TWij7i2G05S60ecA8LOmCIY-Q16/s1600/DSC_4396.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" qea="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGNwgaNyXp6pxS81ZDEBX7C4AVuuqrLjtl9GNPvP2WI0TL5suB3d4lBorgbc5-69OnkB3-glD_YDylh92_gdt2P1A_7_L9MaOxbsybnrJ7Z-qUbSwY3TWij7i2G05S60ecA8LOmCIY-Q16/s320/DSC_4396.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The volcano show, enjoying our night in Vegas!</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiN9Pv6zHlD6Z9YLLxvCiZCO6kLXsZ0GklEDeBllqFrvV6_QrLG_Wunp92Ry30hoUCJO9r5Y3rY7SoF83DVZv0e3f2DVo-tw_uwhCkUGLQcomSOUyG-v42nRDI0_-s4Tg7pPn7pdfLPn17u/s1600/DSCF2409.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" qea="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiN9Pv6zHlD6Z9YLLxvCiZCO6kLXsZ0GklEDeBllqFrvV6_QrLG_Wunp92Ry30hoUCJO9r5Y3rY7SoF83DVZv0e3f2DVo-tw_uwhCkUGLQcomSOUyG-v42nRDI0_-s4Tg7pPn7pdfLPn17u/s320/DSCF2409.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">John with one of his idols 'Joe Cortez' after an amazing Boxing Show in Vegas!</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhX0Cl9dgkXbns3rcJ8oqiGQju-Ygetd_Sv8Dk34n2n2FaAng41bgMVubVQ_DiRRy-j7Wk_2YJE4xv2DktwHJ8mjgyhNWMWYGfY76x2BT_Ihp1xkHMRGL-S-4BoyP07vCPyP354BXfcZ8zf/s1600/DSC_4250.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" qea="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhX0Cl9dgkXbns3rcJ8oqiGQju-Ygetd_Sv8Dk34n2n2FaAng41bgMVubVQ_DiRRy-j7Wk_2YJE4xv2DktwHJ8mjgyhNWMWYGfY76x2BT_Ihp1xkHMRGL-S-4BoyP07vCPyP354BXfcZ8zf/s320/DSC_4250.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Enjoying a wee bit of gambling...1cent slot machines all the way!</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxhQFDl7KkZqsFr-8Qeti3N-WwwsZCau5jc6ywgvY1K4_dsj9F5m6Un-7PudBf75LW_Pq5mcxc63nniI0q8bpAprgmQxYeN-IBEK4hRTaINGoZ_zUAlGDBN8GPoCemkUDN6tc_-4tkCE56/s1600/DSC_4493.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" qea="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxhQFDl7KkZqsFr-8Qeti3N-WwwsZCau5jc6ywgvY1K4_dsj9F5m6Un-7PudBf75LW_Pq5mcxc63nniI0q8bpAprgmQxYeN-IBEK4hRTaINGoZ_zUAlGDBN8GPoCemkUDN6tc_-4tkCE56/s320/DSC_4493.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Hello San Francisco...</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjm-pxBck97-lVdlkum345EDNgbOyr7Jr7sCHooWvYxRsVQlINaOtbr52zez5M2ITww2A57lUgAKYKDDSPuPAcCqBHBvtLFuCOxo6TLD1TM7UP8-ijcSzXYY2RPGpoeXgdaMWUxcY5mmZid/s1600/DSC_4563.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" qea="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjm-pxBck97-lVdlkum345EDNgbOyr7Jr7sCHooWvYxRsVQlINaOtbr52zez5M2ITww2A57lUgAKYKDDSPuPAcCqBHBvtLFuCOxo6TLD1TM7UP8-ijcSzXYY2RPGpoeXgdaMWUxcY5mmZid/s320/DSC_4563.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Admiring Alcatraz...the wild wind blows</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfoFVp05CLTI60qntHKpcE0lz5-aHmPxVY3MdOYErJ9LBb_xbFMIFTV4jxQT18GpHiN_2uZjXXdod1xJc2lMh46ti9YngMPg_p9-ACtrVyBOd_lNtWCSX3MkCS43I9NUzwNGmelVaCHbgI/s1600/DSC_4613.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" qea="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfoFVp05CLTI60qntHKpcE0lz5-aHmPxVY3MdOYErJ9LBb_xbFMIFTV4jxQT18GpHiN_2uZjXXdod1xJc2lMh46ti9YngMPg_p9-ACtrVyBOd_lNtWCSX3MkCS43I9NUzwNGmelVaCHbgI/s320/DSC_4613.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Golden Gate Bridge in the distance beneath the midst of the bay</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwIRaNhwlzpuGEdVAfTaFY5EFuawhaoEZNUOimp2KYdyssrCQpB36fb3DI_qlaOLRGKpNF0NnxtiKuJ_wwjlajoIYWCQPowEThOUZh8JmZ8qZ-Z4CMmkfV5cRlyDh-xlCj2eVHE_4bfuiq/s1600/DSC_4643.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" qea="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwIRaNhwlzpuGEdVAfTaFY5EFuawhaoEZNUOimp2KYdyssrCQpB36fb3DI_qlaOLRGKpNF0NnxtiKuJ_wwjlajoIYWCQPowEThOUZh8JmZ8qZ-Z4CMmkfV5cRlyDh-xlCj2eVHE_4bfuiq/s320/DSC_4643.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Enjoying our lunchtime picnic...bagels and fruit</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEid_iY1hBlasbxdDu5N99B3pi8Lq7Db7QtjPu9GHgpwUlfYHp7N5JLPIJetPLiILCzq3jySAD8rR_M60npussPH_OGP8mJUbc9UtIqqpoeUo2T1AN4mrspHsaErTx4a1ospJaKh7rzIiV1t/s1600/DSC_4650.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" qea="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEid_iY1hBlasbxdDu5N99B3pi8Lq7Db7QtjPu9GHgpwUlfYHp7N5JLPIJetPLiILCzq3jySAD8rR_M60npussPH_OGP8mJUbc9UtIqqpoeUo2T1AN4mrspHsaErTx4a1ospJaKh7rzIiV1t/s320/DSC_4650.JPG" width="213" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Enjoying a Vietnamese Restaurant in San Fran...takes me back to SE Asia</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMCUwIHx7ttIVFoorrbXMLl-srMy-wP7YCDw7MWnzFEnYCM9NwUHTvl_VgFice1ne64z6RLzoRWn_xZ11zkxLHtMdt9JZLQjPK_B__2VkcaoCFaWBFGcRuBMjfUImr1ISRQWW9ZoSgxQym/s1600/DSC_4655.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" qea="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMCUwIHx7ttIVFoorrbXMLl-srMy-wP7YCDw7MWnzFEnYCM9NwUHTvl_VgFice1ne64z6RLzoRWn_xZ11zkxLHtMdt9JZLQjPK_B__2VkcaoCFaWBFGcRuBMjfUImr1ISRQWW9ZoSgxQym/s320/DSC_4655.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Enjoying a long conversation, laughs and good stories with homeless artist 'Elvis Christ'</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6IdAe8P-xHz4lAL3HMJjObV03iasXglTtit-rocfT8fd5GraD1pbd8uY3kTP__GR1HQGW_UVVeYypC5tijg2aRAp5qUClpLLs0Mm42nz6k9f7o6rVLBxWx8ItJlY5seeGmcUovPG9prTH/s1600/DSC_4669.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" qea="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6IdAe8P-xHz4lAL3HMJjObV03iasXglTtit-rocfT8fd5GraD1pbd8uY3kTP__GR1HQGW_UVVeYypC5tijg2aRAp5qUClpLLs0Mm42nz6k9f7o6rVLBxWx8ItJlY5seeGmcUovPG9prTH/s320/DSC_4669.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Outside our room in San Fran...Chinatown and Little Italy!</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3oIPCq_iyFtMDcOsGF2SaYoGGuID9_YEllt4Dt5fZFplj9nXdDozoV0tL1gJPjkewFunvKIWUE_PhdgUm4v67rX2bDzoFIa4bLbNpLVRzS-RgQkfKCBR7yP9bwJdVzNvSXuQLbxQMMktt/s1600/DSC_4703.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" qea="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3oIPCq_iyFtMDcOsGF2SaYoGGuID9_YEllt4Dt5fZFplj9nXdDozoV0tL1gJPjkewFunvKIWUE_PhdgUm4v67rX2bDzoFIa4bLbNpLVRzS-RgQkfKCBR7yP9bwJdVzNvSXuQLbxQMMktt/s320/DSC_4703.JPG" width="213" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Gracing Portland...the wonderful Rose Gardens</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyBJSWULnkrV-VB1M9eTHdbLB3jGqvZE0ywOdtOt9NR2Ss3WEPRqJ-vAZ7SW0n6cFiwsGrZ_MDbrjGbtYIt8G4rJxNCvg_XnVkuALkVj1kFBYV3dr6upVx7CUabAlkASBCfxMyahoGjyOy/s1600/DSC_4719.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" qea="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyBJSWULnkrV-VB1M9eTHdbLB3jGqvZE0ywOdtOt9NR2Ss3WEPRqJ-vAZ7SW0n6cFiwsGrZ_MDbrjGbtYIt8G4rJxNCvg_XnVkuALkVj1kFBYV3dr6upVx7CUabAlkASBCfxMyahoGjyOy/s320/DSC_4719.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Julia, John and me enjoying a trip around the Rose Gardens, beautiful place!</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQ7ak1AMrKsM3Aanw-NqHEsamh9zh6o7S1ZPBgOn8a2BKI1PEQyK6LFO5aZb_KgTb6rlKsOXKrVF3umz9k94U7bF1iFBAauKFTiwr8-Uf5gtEh0bHZqLRTIqw2ri00WMfP7VHgKiEnjlv4/s1600/DSC_4738.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" qea="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQ7ak1AMrKsM3Aanw-NqHEsamh9zh6o7S1ZPBgOn8a2BKI1PEQyK6LFO5aZb_KgTb6rlKsOXKrVF3umz9k94U7bF1iFBAauKFTiwr8-Uf5gtEh0bHZqLRTIqw2ri00WMfP7VHgKiEnjlv4/s320/DSC_4738.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Introducing 'Josie' the magnificent Jack Russell...dressed in style</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-6kmvpAWzGg6NmFT53Pjyfn_dO1_lka8XW6GkAuRK40Vv3Q0o2vyZbF3zcr3lHwHhZQLn4L-nMV-1asNA6f9l-iZCixgW_WMWP_LR9EFMdJ_BcNIQsgqUjZ6elLMEsmYzxbfOtSjCsQ7-/s1600/DSC_4773.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" qea="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-6kmvpAWzGg6NmFT53Pjyfn_dO1_lka8XW6GkAuRK40Vv3Q0o2vyZbF3zcr3lHwHhZQLn4L-nMV-1asNA6f9l-iZCixgW_WMWP_LR9EFMdJ_BcNIQsgqUjZ6elLMEsmYzxbfOtSjCsQ7-/s320/DSC_4773.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">At the Portland (Oregon) Beer Festival with our friends, Julia, Dominik and Stephanie</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgI6cGY_EdzPu7YYSvZxPKCOhjv3X4StWxlLNPTb033bcsgRFqvuCf_SHeAkbSZlZMIiKnqQKN5DTlepF8jFQIH790lYSwFWgNp0uOqo1-TxLtg-g5IUgywt4nxpaS27_9B31IuuieUqdoT/s1600/DSC_4777.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" qea="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgI6cGY_EdzPu7YYSvZxPKCOhjv3X4StWxlLNPTb033bcsgRFqvuCf_SHeAkbSZlZMIiKnqQKN5DTlepF8jFQIH790lYSwFWgNp0uOqo1-TxLtg-g5IUgywt4nxpaS27_9B31IuuieUqdoT/s320/DSC_4777.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">John rustling up a dish and Julia entertaining him...we do love a beer!</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsjMCGonBdhGdm1aloAVK-iXSpuwTqOyrTQTPtLyHRqo1OdhHDX1PS63SY5Qw4zPxpyxdKcHZxDLCtgEJPdnMjXBciA4r3c97hSwCdScX2Kdegj08JwnD_zAd8FRKwpjIIGtFGhDBpz0k_/s1600/DSC_4811.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" qea="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsjMCGonBdhGdm1aloAVK-iXSpuwTqOyrTQTPtLyHRqo1OdhHDX1PS63SY5Qw4zPxpyxdKcHZxDLCtgEJPdnMjXBciA4r3c97hSwCdScX2Kdegj08JwnD_zAd8FRKwpjIIGtFGhDBpz0k_/s320/DSC_4811.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Our amazing trip with Julia, enjoying the amazing landscapes...</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxnaFLsOc8sM9BVQ3T2eXEI1Ozc85Vit1nH2WECkgdP4y5UisJhxeDpfM-CTS8pwn0I2EeBqZ4-_nFP54SIlnCUPMlAYQvuTqzVnEn8GLfVWfEHHOLJ2mFS26Idk4nYfqDMkynPwA7GWJg/s1600/DSC_4848.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" qea="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxnaFLsOc8sM9BVQ3T2eXEI1Ozc85Vit1nH2WECkgdP4y5UisJhxeDpfM-CTS8pwn0I2EeBqZ4-_nFP54SIlnCUPMlAYQvuTqzVnEn8GLfVWfEHHOLJ2mFS26Idk4nYfqDMkynPwA7GWJg/s320/DSC_4848.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Stopping off to do some fruit picking...I love this place!</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6uRXASDIlomvPW1P0GFQ8cARFg8tpDSqejbVhIsKqt4XRcakBXNSv3jK1bRPSzPXTCb3j8LpF3LDXyF8BDkEY76WO6u1IRz-scFYv2qiPS32OlxrK2pMuDiIjMsWsUsSVWGiX8KAw22gs/s1600/DSC_4872.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" qea="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6uRXASDIlomvPW1P0GFQ8cARFg8tpDSqejbVhIsKqt4XRcakBXNSv3jK1bRPSzPXTCb3j8LpF3LDXyF8BDkEY76WO6u1IRz-scFYv2qiPS32OlxrK2pMuDiIjMsWsUsSVWGiX8KAw22gs/s320/DSC_4872.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Couldn't resist eating my cherries whilst on the swing, enjoying the day...</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcAW2xdEdqWPqkA9k4_3e5kvJbQAuMKr5a8oWEZmWbG7McNH3u1PIySftxt23IL7fDONcWaT7zhj3FaGGEKec4guwwvUjWzN8miEl2kNGK7L6tZfW_bggmjrZngwawZPhcFex1ean7HkSn/s1600/DSC_4907.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" qea="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcAW2xdEdqWPqkA9k4_3e5kvJbQAuMKr5a8oWEZmWbG7McNH3u1PIySftxt23IL7fDONcWaT7zhj3FaGGEKec4guwwvUjWzN8miEl2kNGK7L6tZfW_bggmjrZngwawZPhcFex1ean7HkSn/s320/DSC_4907.JPG" width="213" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">John and Josie exploring the Lavender Fields, the aroma and beauty was so relaxing</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRwystuaxjNnlvyLVAILYXYXMGjjmWstfaL-mScZLxUBnx8x8qJMPH-2RHUHvJEsqLYj_WqpgekMrTMLgpZGtrKA4LYunht10O543EzxlwvKQcdb-vOhZnOX_jxl0V-00HoYwYPQ1UAxFd/s1600/DSC_4940.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" qea="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRwystuaxjNnlvyLVAILYXYXMGjjmWstfaL-mScZLxUBnx8x8qJMPH-2RHUHvJEsqLYj_WqpgekMrTMLgpZGtrKA4LYunht10O543EzxlwvKQcdb-vOhZnOX_jxl0V-00HoYwYPQ1UAxFd/s320/DSC_4940.JPG" width="213" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Loving the National Park and admiring a waterfall along our travels of the day</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0ghBtxN2K97k1Nmy8tTYu9QBmeugF8kC7ZsPGChzA21_LaYQHCcesUdzSaNCg2WETGBlW4aQ9Vkx6RTWHtIA3HUcJ7N8K_l4jyPJbce_h_HK_DWcGI3dWmp31NVfRTj3jwNB73u7jACWw/s1600/DSC_4984.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" qea="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0ghBtxN2K97k1Nmy8tTYu9QBmeugF8kC7ZsPGChzA21_LaYQHCcesUdzSaNCg2WETGBlW4aQ9Vkx6RTWHtIA3HUcJ7N8K_l4jyPJbce_h_HK_DWcGI3dWmp31NVfRTj3jwNB73u7jACWw/s320/DSC_4984.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Me and Julia having a laugh and enjoying our day out...</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaL5vKX08796C56bjqQT01fMOeuKmAif9MfJoWoeXFeTIURnXr0cVJyAo-szoPpor8GcsTIlKoB2P9uokvVaz5sWxbyMLn1EwWE43fAT88zHNhNkWE5kF4F3tW85HdhHGZdSjurNRWyQa-/s1600/DSC_4994.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" qea="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaL5vKX08796C56bjqQT01fMOeuKmAif9MfJoWoeXFeTIURnXr0cVJyAo-szoPpor8GcsTIlKoB2P9uokvVaz5sWxbyMLn1EwWE43fAT88zHNhNkWE5kF4F3tW85HdhHGZdSjurNRWyQa-/s320/DSC_4994.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Julia, John and Josie saying farewell Portland...</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj82on4ktGeJ23SJAlxxNBpFCOytzEWkXzZg_ZQVPxBh4IVayEDhSsSLDb8DvY1bJwwu7xlmIAaCxz9pO1XI7BDV70-0Vb_VjFLgtIH-7G2PL5aeTFmufOZjsYx_lrRq0K2koBdyVx_r7UA/s1600/CSC_5558.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="212" qea="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj82on4ktGeJ23SJAlxxNBpFCOytzEWkXzZg_ZQVPxBh4IVayEDhSsSLDb8DvY1bJwwu7xlmIAaCxz9pO1XI7BDV70-0Vb_VjFLgtIH-7G2PL5aeTFmufOZjsYx_lrRq0K2koBdyVx_r7UA/s320/CSC_5558.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Hola Vancouver! With our friend from home, John Steven and me...</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5LRNYfBMFs2viZpaMCiMZeCYREZPYR3lefk7Tf5PxOg3CM-Fn_GLfvhh8ua6ijVHH-Rt_tGCre58-0_30m2wt5AbgFyHhZTNoqzjCnA_as5MTAbe6gfXsbUujYgjduPlMIex3DgwXhly1/s1600/DSC_5022.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" qea="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5LRNYfBMFs2viZpaMCiMZeCYREZPYR3lefk7Tf5PxOg3CM-Fn_GLfvhh8ua6ijVHH-Rt_tGCre58-0_30m2wt5AbgFyHhZTNoqzjCnA_as5MTAbe6gfXsbUujYgjduPlMIex3DgwXhly1/s320/DSC_5022.JPG" width="213" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Bumped into this little fella on my walk around the city...</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEje8fNRGTKMPeJJZMKHbW5f4ZlIRmOradV7HvF0sxgX0fgvAKLBw07HAf50IxWOGaTGAJ8lYTHUXHEZ38238vR_Q4TjdbF3e8fUnlsIJL1R723OYQYHC61PIyzRX3HsercCDzaMRfC35atZ/s1600/DSC_5092.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" qea="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEje8fNRGTKMPeJJZMKHbW5f4ZlIRmOradV7HvF0sxgX0fgvAKLBw07HAf50IxWOGaTGAJ8lYTHUXHEZ38238vR_Q4TjdbF3e8fUnlsIJL1R723OYQYHC61PIyzRX3HsercCDzaMRfC35atZ/s320/DSC_5092.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Steve, Steven and John enjoying the beach...aswell as many rides on the sea slide!</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgp32K83i0tqZn7ONujkQgO5etqDiBW0QAgjSm14J0aZy8X6GvG44BdLSetL0r9CBXybM9Mj-INXLtOmqaYBqWx_aKmSJNFYbFNc0F2uzYVYlNMGkXEsJCFgs1ZECFauNV3kO_cAXPgHFpm/s1600/DSC_5125.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" qea="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgp32K83i0tqZn7ONujkQgO5etqDiBW0QAgjSm14J0aZy8X6GvG44BdLSetL0r9CBXybM9Mj-INXLtOmqaYBqWx_aKmSJNFYbFNc0F2uzYVYlNMGkXEsJCFgs1ZECFauNV3kO_cAXPgHFpm/s320/DSC_5125.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Tranquility, relaxing on our walk through Stanley Park</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggh9w3zx-mRPlgrDC-EUV9OXveEBfjtxy6xmmMwjWaFZ6m4jf5MfvOtrqO6xmYcDkwYE3IRmtZGrYP4UsIsq9XOKHBP_5Xhqaj4U2LgM85Ye9xr-r4fgfhOPa2gNfXt5jqeSc0c1e4o2X3/s1600/DSC_5140.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" qea="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggh9w3zx-mRPlgrDC-EUV9OXveEBfjtxy6xmmMwjWaFZ6m4jf5MfvOtrqO6xmYcDkwYE3IRmtZGrYP4UsIsq9XOKHBP_5Xhqaj4U2LgM85Ye9xr-r4fgfhOPa2gNfXt5jqeSc0c1e4o2X3/s320/DSC_5140.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Enjoying the day, admiring the city in the distance</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcqF4YqmdT9rhiWCNzKwIhWWtfy9XagIAc_DlhEM9c4sph_lDTYIFy5zxaLiTJs_zf6LDwKidsv1_1KtI-eKF8ka_QEMGmbJmXA19psFlxdwz_SeD2GIGJu6-EqHensfx8uTgK5LTWxuFo/s1600/DSC_5415.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" qea="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcqF4YqmdT9rhiWCNzKwIhWWtfy9XagIAc_DlhEM9c4sph_lDTYIFy5zxaLiTJs_zf6LDwKidsv1_1KtI-eKF8ka_QEMGmbJmXA19psFlxdwz_SeD2GIGJu6-EqHensfx8uTgK5LTWxuFo/s320/DSC_5415.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Sunset...time to chill on the beach, beers, guitar and friends...nothing more!</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjs8qyEBqEOWZHYM0jwGsJN0x3cx150FMVREdjiS8bqt7zVJlSTk25zSAhVSB7cCOqVn0MQ-cri9MXsUdaEnqUYjM8FA2QzKWGYvYWk3zpW3ZjmrSzenW0JV7NJ5I8JdrnDJTkp4nGZU6Sh/s1600/DSC_5417.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" qea="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjs8qyEBqEOWZHYM0jwGsJN0x3cx150FMVREdjiS8bqt7zVJlSTk25zSAhVSB7cCOqVn0MQ-cri9MXsUdaEnqUYjM8FA2QzKWGYvYWk3zpW3ZjmrSzenW0JV7NJ5I8JdrnDJTkp4nGZU6Sh/s320/DSC_5417.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Sharing some laughs with friends and relaxing at sunset on the beach</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtNYbK8lKlxoCmNK2qUdSzquDsM8ikhjiRppI7o5nFpjypis1YfjvwtjmgRU464YzfD-IV73lu1JTgp4QQUmwD76-HxKqAyt5DLTLGJvKiVt0RFW3UCT-Rlhv6hQmtH8vDgBTD9MYa1c8n/s1600/DSC_5465.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" qea="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtNYbK8lKlxoCmNK2qUdSzquDsM8ikhjiRppI7o5nFpjypis1YfjvwtjmgRU464YzfD-IV73lu1JTgp4QQUmwD76-HxKqAyt5DLTLGJvKiVt0RFW3UCT-Rlhv6hQmtH8vDgBTD9MYa1c8n/s320/DSC_5465.JPG" width="213" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Our day out to Deep Cove...the boys jumping from the pier</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjpozdQZ3lrAKCFwoa8hc3RTjv0ot8nhGLHnpCfoOcJX0tIzUYcUow_-NpM3kEJBS_vfmwY7Pg8df-0yxwatJUiEx0nKXsAqkoqwqqXzTlhiueOlFhyphenhyphenHJ6r2E1w2ph80TAMdaQM5UxcGZA/s1600/DSC_5479.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" qea="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjpozdQZ3lrAKCFwoa8hc3RTjv0ot8nhGLHnpCfoOcJX0tIzUYcUow_-NpM3kEJBS_vfmwY7Pg8df-0yxwatJUiEx0nKXsAqkoqwqqXzTlhiueOlFhyphenhyphenHJ6r2E1w2ph80TAMdaQM5UxcGZA/s320/DSC_5479.JPG" width="213" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Now its the girls turn...scary but amazingly fun!</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjwC-zEZamPbphD72Nsu3GrV-2kA7sed89WDdU84zLXVqtiFssB86RGtrZTHK1wR3q55Tj2Nd_5_G93hTFmEg5VNOburQhuZES3zuqADEcctRKJCltCDgZ46ItHFl8XMkn30_FDLcRJVC8/s1600/DSC_5495.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" qea="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjwC-zEZamPbphD72Nsu3GrV-2kA7sed89WDdU84zLXVqtiFssB86RGtrZTHK1wR3q55Tj2Nd_5_G93hTFmEg5VNOburQhuZES3zuqADEcctRKJCltCDgZ46ItHFl8XMkn30_FDLcRJVC8/s320/DSC_5495.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Admiring the beauty of Deep Cove...</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEQrssTdCSp5m7VZXOEi5BwiHIsZiQmJBwrUXkkvrbhZADKHHgQofFh1QXu-rO_bZ4fRKKOgkgtg_q7BKRDeqP9Z84mE5fPJZEgZSyfUrqNFDQjRQWscVH4p-neflURmw_aWBWGTDwgA5p/s1600/DSC_5516.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" qea="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEQrssTdCSp5m7VZXOEi5BwiHIsZiQmJBwrUXkkvrbhZADKHHgQofFh1QXu-rO_bZ4fRKKOgkgtg_q7BKRDeqP9Z84mE5fPJZEgZSyfUrqNFDQjRQWscVH4p-neflURmw_aWBWGTDwgA5p/s320/DSC_5516.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">All the gang...having a brilliant time in Deep Cove</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhd_7Ap6lJVOgC0MWqWRN2QPKbaqvuyoJ-eJrJED7cQJoJ3ZhTfpQkhMIVVu8swjj2YeqoUrnGACypbmXHirM-jvma26ag8-LSVvho4XYLL-BEJmNBH1aesPBFS05Ad1iGBTukliJaEvyRI/s1600/DSC_5519.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" qea="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhd_7Ap6lJVOgC0MWqWRN2QPKbaqvuyoJ-eJrJED7cQJoJ3ZhTfpQkhMIVVu8swjj2YeqoUrnGACypbmXHirM-jvma26ag8-LSVvho4XYLL-BEJmNBH1aesPBFS05Ad1iGBTukliJaEvyRI/s320/DSC_5519.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">After our mini trek through the Forest, chilling and enjoying the views...</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHGOzeQ2YYnQaii0H7x0VT-5wFlBHkwm3cOIChat4bYTZvJkRjPZLTdOrCMO8JwhJuPxWze6U8cvQgJtFRtTaUwOoAC42hOSFXcTmXusifM3fWYtracor39hYbNWdYvcxyQheJ7BjBDHw2/s1600/DSC_5545.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" qea="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHGOzeQ2YYnQaii0H7x0VT-5wFlBHkwm3cOIChat4bYTZvJkRjPZLTdOrCMO8JwhJuPxWze6U8cvQgJtFRtTaUwOoAC42hOSFXcTmXusifM3fWYtracor39hYbNWdYvcxyQheJ7BjBDHw2/s320/DSC_5545.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Enjoying our meal in Steven's, John's (aka Jamie!) homemade Spag Bol...tasty!</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaBAEbcB-P0ewBBLV8EkQzOJqVENWVABuHDZb-wgMW9haDPKRHuqBthHEkFgVM08G6cSc5Lm3kH7AtHnasSm9wVlJ2w9ZiYkVda155sJAzIWFVLTIfxrWrRZWaTa_DDVyoDIs4VyWnxrN9/s1600/DSC_5271.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" qea="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaBAEbcB-P0ewBBLV8EkQzOJqVENWVABuHDZb-wgMW9haDPKRHuqBthHEkFgVM08G6cSc5Lm3kH7AtHnasSm9wVlJ2w9ZiYkVda155sJAzIWFVLTIfxrWrRZWaTa_DDVyoDIs4VyWnxrN9/s320/DSC_5271.JPG" width="213" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The Festival of Light...fireworks festival...an exciting event!</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMAKZx6er-v0t3MCpy3-ZTdnQ7BFalkkbO2gF2TApG7d-7JMtA4-waIOVbVlSdztNqJV5g615Bao_GqJObYB3CRxhGsnHoz80_231ukVsRilExlIGj9fWYgIjMQRwF_m1ylUOf72bXxJ8f/s1600/DSCF2494.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" qea="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMAKZx6er-v0t3MCpy3-ZTdnQ7BFalkkbO2gF2TApG7d-7JMtA4-waIOVbVlSdztNqJV5g615Bao_GqJObYB3CRxhGsnHoz80_231ukVsRilExlIGj9fWYgIjMQRwF_m1ylUOf72bXxJ8f/s320/DSCF2494.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Saying farewell to our Vancouver friends...loved our time in the great city!</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWAqrknn9DOHQM2GZxE8BJz5KLICdqFaoGpdqGLMZnDmbLevePA2N4aPXefMxJXQEZf22eRR7UvvwII6iW28iMyJ2nZlWcZ-Zxotdejh7ydXMYIZb50ZpTphq4eBJHjEdv3oHdJxCGJql0/s1600/DSC_5635.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" qea="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWAqrknn9DOHQM2GZxE8BJz5KLICdqFaoGpdqGLMZnDmbLevePA2N4aPXefMxJXQEZf22eRR7UvvwII6iW28iMyJ2nZlWcZ-Zxotdejh7ydXMYIZb50ZpTphq4eBJHjEdv3oHdJxCGJql0/s320/DSC_5635.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">New York a city so cultural, diverse and enchanting...9/11 memorial</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgNFp5yc_mZtgojWNzIR-OvYjnLx9r4geLnrC4yraiJis-X7Uyl8yG4vQEF5qWhDbB3uDFvBJLYIztQ24N67IOGENG-qdvKp0tFLVm8iWZrCdJzQIgz37g6pwsot1LxJ-tUYynlnk6ZeoY/s1600/DSC_5597.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" qea="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgNFp5yc_mZtgojWNzIR-OvYjnLx9r4geLnrC4yraiJis-X7Uyl8yG4vQEF5qWhDbB3uDFvBJLYIztQ24N67IOGENG-qdvKp0tFLVm8iWZrCdJzQIgz37g6pwsot1LxJ-tUYynlnk6ZeoY/s320/DSC_5597.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">A stormy day...Liberty in the distance</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOaZyYzn7paJXISiUZFr4Uppj3LaXI8Ub96ds2L1v02aUnk2-9z4Uj_qCvuUnDpeXB1nVcAJGcIY2_OhsJh7Qr-zOmcOv-1vHT_tOIceAM0ntE1wggO5ZSZPyfAGP55z-RXa99tXReXuDf/s1600/DSC_5737.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" qea="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOaZyYzn7paJXISiUZFr4Uppj3LaXI8Ub96ds2L1v02aUnk2-9z4Uj_qCvuUnDpeXB1nVcAJGcIY2_OhsJh7Qr-zOmcOv-1vHT_tOIceAM0ntE1wggO5ZSZPyfAGP55z-RXa99tXReXuDf/s320/DSC_5737.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">John in the centre of the lively Broadway...this is at midnight...never sleeps!</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiE09xhWn1VSYN4dQyblR4dEDYqV2ZBkYvbzLQhTvdHRjkDmaPUAGWTRKOvV7-Jkd2vbgiDYhFCf81k7amgzkQ-ORS9sM8cWMeSfwGQtuU5pHr8bhnkXNFo4J50kGmiUMKC0IdAKyEXso_E/s1600/DSC_5693.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" qea="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiE09xhWn1VSYN4dQyblR4dEDYqV2ZBkYvbzLQhTvdHRjkDmaPUAGWTRKOvV7-Jkd2vbgiDYhFCf81k7amgzkQ-ORS9sM8cWMeSfwGQtuU5pHr8bhnkXNFo4J50kGmiUMKC0IdAKyEXso_E/s320/DSC_5693.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Enjoying Little Italy, a delicious vino and pasta...New York has it all</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4K_9KPNHo4TkbQSAQLtRkEJJK2RXoCURCaveTMM2CYfkOgdQYXKOadVBT09QLZM9aNz5LmGyHajOLGJjkupl343QgdQge3inoRe_4_mma2hB1DbpKx4ffUJZ1ZEb0qK58JiKTK3nmkExM/s1600/DSC_5813.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" qea="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4K_9KPNHo4TkbQSAQLtRkEJJK2RXoCURCaveTMM2CYfkOgdQYXKOadVBT09QLZM9aNz5LmGyHajOLGJjkupl343QgdQge3inoRe_4_mma2hB1DbpKx4ffUJZ1ZEb0qK58JiKTK3nmkExM/s320/DSC_5813.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Relaxing day around Central Park...admiring the places and people!</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoA9ejIPBPir6xrw8D4KzuL_AyjKPIditciQtiMNrH8TtFnjfAKvlZfRrMEssI3G7CMw8pnOrl39wS7fUPr_O0WCK8dE9yl9btdNSRd9LNCGfWfsTp4kuDTtrvLQkD1JK5wXlltZ_af4go/s1600/DSC_5753.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" qea="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoA9ejIPBPir6xrw8D4KzuL_AyjKPIditciQtiMNrH8TtFnjfAKvlZfRrMEssI3G7CMw8pnOrl39wS7fUPr_O0WCK8dE9yl9btdNSRd9LNCGfWfsTp4kuDTtrvLQkD1JK5wXlltZ_af4go/s320/DSC_5753.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">John in the vibrant choas of Times Square...we loved it!</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgG9ktZf2KiQ5gVW9p7JDwLjckCwXaurVCwC1wDLsC4x_QYMrqGf2i4qwTa7zQTk8gxTyuhyphenhyphenZnAMClSsbm0SfF2YGpKuxMwVfgiT-TPAenG34-M41Z-eklb7pCyyNCwv3BsrbdyzSVguLQL/s1600/DSC_5774.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" qea="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgG9ktZf2KiQ5gVW9p7JDwLjckCwXaurVCwC1wDLsC4x_QYMrqGf2i4qwTa7zQTk8gxTyuhyphenhyphenZnAMClSsbm0SfF2YGpKuxMwVfgiT-TPAenG34-M41Z-eklb7pCyyNCwv3BsrbdyzSVguLQL/s320/DSC_5774.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Taking time to see 'Strawberry Fields' and pay tribute to John Lennon...</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWTWr0NSUpHlMU-Bqar6Q3aCjLJ1dUeaNQUAVOWw-3PC2JQPqzRC4M8cvd0p4nWiB6tdvTnDnpIeaVVokqlDy1P1XD4V3a8J-Kk9YjzcBFvu6RVstPdYr2mIQ5WcePS1LpbE6hjL14NLCK/s1600/DSC_5828.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" qea="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWTWr0NSUpHlMU-Bqar6Q3aCjLJ1dUeaNQUAVOWw-3PC2JQPqzRC4M8cvd0p4nWiB6tdvTnDnpIeaVVokqlDy1P1XD4V3a8J-Kk9YjzcBFvu6RVstPdYr2mIQ5WcePS1LpbE6hjL14NLCK/s320/DSC_5828.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Unexpectantly and quite randomly came across some street freestyle...brill!</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmC-RgwCr9XYm0gAFSvtZdO4DSvued2oZOYULgVWGJCAjuap5nze96UqSGp4z7zXCzH6MWQk1jYio76HrXA_piQ9dRVn6dy-9ezBAb1vldnjoAoa2jEg-6Lpn1R8nqeT47YusQroZ164d0/s1600/DSCF2503.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" qea="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmC-RgwCr9XYm0gAFSvtZdO4DSvued2oZOYULgVWGJCAjuap5nze96UqSGp4z7zXCzH6MWQk1jYio76HrXA_piQ9dRVn6dy-9ezBAb1vldnjoAoa2jEg-6Lpn1R8nqeT47YusQroZ164d0/s320/DSCF2503.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">This is soooo American...in Harlem loving the water from a fire hydrant!!</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEh7hBcEM6i421RafNkE3IIZxxx4vlZG48ZpvCLV4Dyn7BmezoHqIoWv-MZeNor7JRx-mAQyKQCmQYvbXjKPzAeC-psUjmN6e-ILNLDePT8r71y1vvOt_GxKYocCl_lshBpgIFUrkFZL8c/s1600/DSC_5917.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" qea="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEh7hBcEM6i421RafNkE3IIZxxx4vlZG48ZpvCLV4Dyn7BmezoHqIoWv-MZeNor7JRx-mAQyKQCmQYvbXjKPzAeC-psUjmN6e-ILNLDePT8r71y1vvOt_GxKYocCl_lshBpgIFUrkFZL8c/s320/DSC_5917.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">At Top of The Rocks...overlooking the city of New York</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgK3NhKV7EC7CcwYhrZPsD3qqCpcje3WpBdJuCmz5VGb9Vp-A6cqaBnpTfgu2ltc4R7tmRyDva1cfKZSw7nRGHp7fglmmKpBxrl1_ldvAJCN1lzV3mRSXwVlsOpKsy9G2uJIfdleF-pEAm0/s1600/DSCF2721.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" qea="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgK3NhKV7EC7CcwYhrZPsD3qqCpcje3WpBdJuCmz5VGb9Vp-A6cqaBnpTfgu2ltc4R7tmRyDva1cfKZSw7nRGHp7fglmmKpBxrl1_ldvAJCN1lzV3mRSXwVlsOpKsy9G2uJIfdleF-pEAm0/s320/DSCF2721.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Enjoying a New York Yankee's Game...loved it!</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDJjcoXK7UnuXG237QR5-ECXsXgIBC0z53S9gx162auoDldenF9ueaJKvR_DFQB9vpKXNP5dch874vh41pEXX319gM52K_BjLTeqglPA3fk8oJPK4ne8mlEpddOJj1Gaeuw-Zatmb54tWz/s1600/DSCF2576.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" qea="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDJjcoXK7UnuXG237QR5-ECXsXgIBC0z53S9gx162auoDldenF9ueaJKvR_DFQB9vpKXNP5dch874vh41pEXX319gM52K_BjLTeqglPA3fk8oJPK4ne8mlEpddOJj1Gaeuw-Zatmb54tWz/s320/DSCF2576.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Reflecting on our amazing time in New York...farewell USA...now...HOME!</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br /></div>
laura newmanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16515951360170007806noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1969955670379426893.post-69845806227314904452012-09-03T06:05:00.004-07:002012-09-03T06:05:55.102-07:00Fiji...<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Arriving into Nadi, we felt excitement and the instant feeling of relaxtion, as the group of musicians welcomed us within the airport to the sound of rhythms and beats and a final shout of 'Bula'! This is the traditional saying for 'hello, welcome, good day, bless you', so everybody says it to everybody no matter what time of day or to whom you may say it to. </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">Fiji ingnited a warmth in my heart from my first day, everybody is so friendly and made us feel so welcome. We opted to spend our first couple of days in Bamboo Hostel in Nadi resting, relaxing and making plans on where to go from Nadi. Walking into the local town, we would pass strangers on the street, everybody smiles and bula floats through the air. I felt so at ease and happy without even beginning to set off on an adventure. </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">After our much needed resting days, we decided we would head on a path less travelled, it is one where not so many tourists or travellers venture, a sort of 'off the beaten track', something which I most enjoy. The adventure we opted to embark upon is something known as the 'North Combo', it is ran through the people at Bamboo, in which we would travel upto the North Islands of Fiji, first to Tavenui (the Garden Island), Quemea and then Nanuku. </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">Heading for the capital of Suva, we where greeted with a bustling city, full of people, hustle and noise. We loaded ourselves onto our local ferry, a huge local ferry boat loading up for the next 18 hour journey. We settled in to our place for the journey, between two tables on the floor on the 1st deck. I was praying the water wouldn't be too choppy, as a combination of boats and the choppy waters thrusts me into sea sickness. Thankfully, as we glided out of the port at dusk, the water was calm and the whole 18 hour journey was not so bad at all. </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">Arriving to Tavenui was majestic, it is true what they say, it is the 'Garden Island'. The lush green leafs you can view from miles away and the air is so fresh. We headed to the guesthouse and spent the remainder of our day taking in the calming sights. Over the next few days we ventured out on a snorkelling trip to 'Honeymoon Island', admiring fresh coral, exotic fish and some beautiful sights of the marine life in Fiji. One of my favourite parts of the my Fiji adventure was to Booma Waterfalls. It was a hike up the mountain, which wasn't the easiest in my flip fllops, but so worth it when we reached the top. Our first waterfall of the day, we each climbed the rocks and threw ourselves in to the deep plunging waterpool. As we worked our way back down, we graced another falls and then saved the best until last. The magnificient waterfall at the bottom is sheer beauty. The water crashed heavily of he mountain top, I stand and admire for 2 minutes before running into the crisp, fresh and ice cold water. Fijian water is sought after from all over the world, this water was so fresh we all filled up our water bottles at least four times! With this one being so big, there was no chance of jumping, but with our local friends Adam and Rafa, we swam behind the falls into a small cave, the view here was just phenomenal. From here, you can admire the full beauty and build up the courage to run out of the cave and straight into the crashing water from behind....exhilarating. </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">After a couple days at Tavenui, we caught our fisherman's boat over to Qamea. There are no roads on this island only accesible by boat. The welcome was typical Fijian style, lots of smiles and lots of music and songs, I loved it. We had our own beach hut on the beach, spending our days relaxing and enjoying the company of everybody at Maqai. After a few days, the plan was to spend one night on an island called Nanuku. This is so difficult to describe, its the closest thing I could only imagine to being your very own 'Treasure Island'. It's truly one of the most enchanting places I've ever been and will remain in my heart forever. A group of us ventured out on the boats to Nanuku, it is not the easiest journey as it takes upto 2 hours getting there, but that's what you will do to find your own unhabited island in the middle of the Pacific Ocean, pure paradise! On Nanuku, we embarked on spear fishing, admiring the surrounding reefs, cooked fresh fish that we'd just caught, admire the soft golden sands and relax... we where all on 'Fiji Time'. That evening we all surrounded our beach bonfire, enjoying a feast of fresh foods and settled in for the night after conversations, songs and many laughs. The next morning, I felt the most relaxed I'd felt in a long time, trying to remember this feeling for as long as I could. We all embarked from Nanuku to spend a couple more days back on Qamea. When it was our time to leave, I felt really sad, as this had been quite a special trip for me, one that had touched me dearly. </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">After our 18 hour journey back to the mainland of Viti Levu, we cruised upto a place called Pacific Harbour. Here is the place where it renowned for the best 'shark' diving in the world. So, with John enrolled we waited a couple of days and then he enjoyed his 'shark feeding' dives. The amount of conservation was happening in Fiji is brillaint, there really seems to be a big push in protecting its waters, marine life as well as considering traditional values. John expressed it was an amazing experience and I know one he will cherish. While he spent his day feeding 3metre sharks, I enjoyed the last of the Fijian beach life, enjoying my day on Fiji Time...super slow! Our last few nights we opted to stay in a place where it all began for us, back at Bamboo Backpackers. It holds such an ecclectic vibe and atmosphere, we both knew we wanted to spend our last few days here. The people are so warm and friendly and everybody just mixes and enjoys the moment. We made even more new friends and gave me time to reflect on my whoel Fiji Adventure. We spent around 3weeks exploring Fiji and for me, this just wasn't enough, I know that in time it will be a place I will most definitely return to, perhaps next time opting to utilise my full visa timescale....four months! Me and John both hold Fiji in our hearts, its not only the landscape that won us over so deeply, its more about the people, lifestyle and culture. Bula Fiji! </span><br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmRlz_d7bkV5DN6TzskcL0BDEHsgNNbcB4qLQFDSCtLsiMU5-te8I4FQpC9xdHssOqwDtFWxZEkJP_Z5SCt3B26f732elrht2Y05aLbTiagMt0G4IUHKWd1HQ4h8xGjNy3zd9i7nimpC4m/s1600/549702_10150954898600684_1874725449_n%5B1%5D.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" fea="true" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmRlz_d7bkV5DN6TzskcL0BDEHsgNNbcB4qLQFDSCtLsiMU5-te8I4FQpC9xdHssOqwDtFWxZEkJP_Z5SCt3B26f732elrht2Y05aLbTiagMt0G4IUHKWd1HQ4h8xGjNy3zd9i7nimpC4m/s320/549702_10150954898600684_1874725449_n%5B1%5D.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Bula Fiji...</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7Mv0Gx7of5cw1Ov9LbJG59cAmTd6as4QFDEcc1qEU6agyakQZs5IUgb0zuj4NdnSiJJVtmLb9RcOuH6JkbnbPUi0U6B6KeCN4hSoa5NiXgq9TJRvAex8Xdd9AsgFmUgFjPgtscvbJpmRI/s1600/226324_10150954937715684_1515103506_n%5B1%5D.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" fea="true" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7Mv0Gx7of5cw1Ov9LbJG59cAmTd6as4QFDEcc1qEU6agyakQZs5IUgb0zuj4NdnSiJJVtmLb9RcOuH6JkbnbPUi0U6B6KeCN4hSoa5NiXgq9TJRvAex8Xdd9AsgFmUgFjPgtscvbJpmRI/s320/226324_10150954937715684_1515103506_n%5B1%5D.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Some of the beautiful local children watching the boats come by...</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuBKdLoALEkJwqvUqv485MTJkSwMFw0eX-bqsBKNsutUKCDC5VcOm5BU6fCrtrXvhMgYq2qlKk2uwX9xOYZhqHZqXOL3OKTWTZDLzbotcx2yAPI1wFkZ362eJPCyWI6xcTxdi2yWD3Smpf/s1600/302368_10150954955510684_618030862_n%5B1%5D.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" fea="true" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuBKdLoALEkJwqvUqv485MTJkSwMFw0eX-bqsBKNsutUKCDC5VcOm5BU6fCrtrXvhMgYq2qlKk2uwX9xOYZhqHZqXOL3OKTWTZDLzbotcx2yAPI1wFkZ362eJPCyWI6xcTxdi2yWD3Smpf/s320/302368_10150954955510684_618030862_n%5B1%5D.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Getting prepared before I head out into the waters around 'Honeymoon Island'</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUET_tmK4Dk4j1eFnKoA1my_wtH_tl8xuKpMU51rKQ4j3FVhs6CnCQuuu57kaMcPFdiV_U7JEQY4ScQvMxVvOlfLxAD-5Yg14COrBRmurKYJbIpRpxmeyQ_65-mvNfVljww1Cet-eHehvx/s1600/402028_10150954954820684_1444457808_n%5B1%5D.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" fea="true" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUET_tmK4Dk4j1eFnKoA1my_wtH_tl8xuKpMU51rKQ4j3FVhs6CnCQuuu57kaMcPFdiV_U7JEQY4ScQvMxVvOlfLxAD-5Yg14COrBRmurKYJbIpRpxmeyQ_65-mvNfVljww1Cet-eHehvx/s320/402028_10150954954820684_1444457808_n%5B1%5D.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The waters filled with lots of exotic marine life...</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTJxFXCDFytqQXbutu87aD1EUjLtOfhaj7MuP8Wv_iHz5t0uhvQj4xW9Y9vkx75dd0l-UWbG5_O0IJ6UPoOzjHUJi0IYesuOfKbznv6s1o7uGeQOOg-k5y4WFqKQPmYICnyVymViwv9ciC/s1600/539141_10150954952495684_601515563_n%5B1%5D.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" fea="true" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTJxFXCDFytqQXbutu87aD1EUjLtOfhaj7MuP8Wv_iHz5t0uhvQj4xW9Y9vkx75dd0l-UWbG5_O0IJ6UPoOzjHUJi0IYesuOfKbznv6s1o7uGeQOOg-k5y4WFqKQPmYICnyVymViwv9ciC/s320/539141_10150954952495684_601515563_n%5B1%5D.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">This is the octopus we spear fished after our snorkelling adventure</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjY_ZyzwaadTTwx4xzjYGaIi0eG203SG-54JsZeGAbDUys9be5NKdEFBv_51oh_Sxq63SXvUyWF-zBCj4igl8So4rppFqBaBQKF93nYAVn5O_AFe498lwGsNbHOJAeSzaO0yR7gerZWmktD/s1600/385405_10150954961045684_210687270_n%5B1%5D.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" fea="true" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjY_ZyzwaadTTwx4xzjYGaIi0eG203SG-54JsZeGAbDUys9be5NKdEFBv_51oh_Sxq63SXvUyWF-zBCj4igl8So4rppFqBaBQKF93nYAVn5O_AFe498lwGsNbHOJAeSzaO0yR7gerZWmktD/s320/385405_10150954961045684_210687270_n%5B1%5D.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Lush green landscape on the beautiful 'Garden Island' </span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgg9mNO2erbjYhyf72XS0jW6AzENasSA1HQ9OT3UiXtGwS_7w4WLQrbktIra5NDDM33B7gPb28_-hfcyZbq9J9bP4DOJ54PDvWWWoafb1QD-GJjrCKGRnwEjrf4tzLuhWMfshlnxS1HXbfi/s1600/319476_10150954967175684_107149767_n%5B1%5D.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" fea="true" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgg9mNO2erbjYhyf72XS0jW6AzENasSA1HQ9OT3UiXtGwS_7w4WLQrbktIra5NDDM33B7gPb28_-hfcyZbq9J9bP4DOJ54PDvWWWoafb1QD-GJjrCKGRnwEjrf4tzLuhWMfshlnxS1HXbfi/s320/319476_10150954967175684_107149767_n%5B1%5D.jpg" width="213" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Me jumping in to the water...brilliant!</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyhsR277JoZJGABAJCjRuuAfIdj_cnHS7pvWNGXNvcQhBYyPilBoZefGU7qWKg8KTlVaadsKdzpbXzyIJjaUAqX-N8qTqBFTQN7xHPKl2Qj_4hJg9PXCho4dXXc_bwp5DzPWSWBDjJ70YA/s1600/300436_10150954969210684_10862038_n%5B1%5D.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" fea="true" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyhsR277JoZJGABAJCjRuuAfIdj_cnHS7pvWNGXNvcQhBYyPilBoZefGU7qWKg8KTlVaadsKdzpbXzyIJjaUAqX-N8qTqBFTQN7xHPKl2Qj_4hJg9PXCho4dXXc_bwp5DzPWSWBDjJ70YA/s320/300436_10150954969210684_10862038_n%5B1%5D.jpg" width="213" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">One of the forest crabs, peeking out to say hello</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrYuIvGA5GjMvgOwYwz4nssEFWiKxDNTfV_ANPNru0nmzwuTRqX9KcjATux5s04t_sTHTHaBK02732pLFXgp-b8Ic82bbv9IOG_agzVWDI3ipyazcbc4I72y97gsdBcVm1YSEuodpEPoBG/s1600/482038_10150954962815684_1127988731_n%5B1%5D.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" fea="true" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrYuIvGA5GjMvgOwYwz4nssEFWiKxDNTfV_ANPNru0nmzwuTRqX9KcjATux5s04t_sTHTHaBK02732pLFXgp-b8Ic82bbv9IOG_agzVWDI3ipyazcbc4I72y97gsdBcVm1YSEuodpEPoBG/s320/482038_10150954962815684_1127988731_n%5B1%5D.jpg" width="213" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The final waterfall, all the boys admiring its power</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLpJDHEOHDDJlutYzDd2cQJT-vyzmXsO-C9nED3xGcOWBgonjPFOTHSZc4OOB3h6T3IMHuA5KGtgj_9mqMd3Suc8HuzDY5fU9cJrP3dq0hUGbx7NPxGbR4Oz9fC83QyBw_qAwondIN74sR/s1600/576180_10150954964590684_1830286010_n%5B1%5D.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" fea="true" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLpJDHEOHDDJlutYzDd2cQJT-vyzmXsO-C9nED3xGcOWBgonjPFOTHSZc4OOB3h6T3IMHuA5KGtgj_9mqMd3Suc8HuzDY5fU9cJrP3dq0hUGbx7NPxGbR4Oz9fC83QyBw_qAwondIN74sR/s320/576180_10150954964590684_1830286010_n%5B1%5D.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">A group picture just before we head into the fresh Fijian water</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvOQYBRjInumkT5kqeIq8JZ44CO5lC_wwqZWUuKRVqCVnqJdBudg5ExdkS-zUYBfVTdyG6RNzbZszCh6dxx24O-9LB1wdf3MU1t3ZpVXg-Pvi_FzcQXVFzpgJE5guh523FJPFUVrEPSZCw/s1600/293129_10150954951870684_1056660792_n%5B1%5D.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" fea="true" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvOQYBRjInumkT5kqeIq8JZ44CO5lC_wwqZWUuKRVqCVnqJdBudg5ExdkS-zUYBfVTdyG6RNzbZszCh6dxx24O-9LB1wdf3MU1t3ZpVXg-Pvi_FzcQXVFzpgJE5guh523FJPFUVrEPSZCw/s320/293129_10150954951870684_1056660792_n%5B1%5D.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Stepping out of my beach hut, to admire the tranquility</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuYuPRHR1Y5t1IIwomQ6c2qZ8hf1wdiQymZqaNVHEGgadtEv7yspkZfWsR4ydRZclRHER3ilR4WxoVm9A74nmix50yVCaBGL8EjAajtPhHcVeibA1q9vBI90mZ5XEu31YyyvMB_LfLaOWz/s1600/376216_10150954899250684_1892575429_n%5B1%5D.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" fea="true" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuYuPRHR1Y5t1IIwomQ6c2qZ8hf1wdiQymZqaNVHEGgadtEv7yspkZfWsR4ydRZclRHER3ilR4WxoVm9A74nmix50yVCaBGL8EjAajtPhHcVeibA1q9vBI90mZ5XEu31YyyvMB_LfLaOWz/s320/376216_10150954899250684_1892575429_n%5B1%5D.jpg" width="213" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Mmm....What's for dinner? Love Lovo...</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEU87DNgC2ssJtAJ4kmECn25uu1wZpD5wo5UdtbEOxEpFAJO_cNt2gvLRbFS7-9XsaU5IMmbvgvrgcb1TfMwtIOel2MCN4CYyLEHAgD5xFMMquvo72n6pmJoNgLbDMwbiC2OFOt8DborNy/s1600/403983_10150954965495684_2021076168_n%5B1%5D.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" fea="true" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEU87DNgC2ssJtAJ4kmECn25uu1wZpD5wo5UdtbEOxEpFAJO_cNt2gvLRbFS7-9XsaU5IMmbvgvrgcb1TfMwtIOel2MCN4CYyLEHAgD5xFMMquvo72n6pmJoNgLbDMwbiC2OFOt8DborNy/s320/403983_10150954965495684_2021076168_n%5B1%5D.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">John and Adam having a normal daily joke around...</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3cYJmy6-DbAMITFdNWntuoS3eQTLwO8tTgmtn3j7KQ0Z507gp0pPJkh8BcajYaJR0bqpKbvn7ZmEhoWhyphenhyphenTgLubkRclQ4rHMnTbrmzC7iBkdQ3CbsoLMp07ru6exkcZrrspxF8DRbrHP8J/s1600/422238_10150954950700684_90134949_n%5B1%5D.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" fea="true" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3cYJmy6-DbAMITFdNWntuoS3eQTLwO8tTgmtn3j7KQ0Z507gp0pPJkh8BcajYaJR0bqpKbvn7ZmEhoWhyphenhyphenTgLubkRclQ4rHMnTbrmzC7iBkdQ3CbsoLMp07ru6exkcZrrspxF8DRbrHP8J/s320/422238_10150954950700684_90134949_n%5B1%5D.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Doing a small bit of exercise in crushing up the Kava for tonights drinking session</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIRuBeF70bNdYjz1G4S_O9cVlxAgfUQWB3JvqzPD58NhOjQuEsrWntkoq7mxz9TzZuqM3lAJSPBTww71PFsWEmsgR-y0ldufcqrcLG4dg8nwCVB2EplgujF89f7i6by5APd5yis2k_-E23/s1600/558198_10150954898740684_1320480134_n%5B1%5D.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" fea="true" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIRuBeF70bNdYjz1G4S_O9cVlxAgfUQWB3JvqzPD58NhOjQuEsrWntkoq7mxz9TzZuqM3lAJSPBTww71PFsWEmsgR-y0ldufcqrcLG4dg8nwCVB2EplgujF89f7i6by5APd5yis2k_-E23/s320/558198_10150954898740684_1320480134_n%5B1%5D.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Tide is out...the view from my balcony, as I read and relax</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjA7K-K8Fyhr04q4Da3BRLcKb8WH9nMVFbKh9HfXs3ntQ2DMJ4KwKcSnLSyh0kj7LEWPhN42QqbB73iGedUlTfQdzlcvBRJSdAr8XixPTGiZZ86jLiIHcqh-mc4oM7Zqb3DukW2aJKDEmNu/s1600/553378_10150954958450684_915128068_n%5B1%5D.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" fea="true" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjA7K-K8Fyhr04q4Da3BRLcKb8WH9nMVFbKh9HfXs3ntQ2DMJ4KwKcSnLSyh0kj7LEWPhN42QqbB73iGedUlTfQdzlcvBRJSdAr8XixPTGiZZ86jLiIHcqh-mc4oM7Zqb3DukW2aJKDEmNu/s320/553378_10150954958450684_915128068_n%5B1%5D.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Off to explore the local village on Tavenui</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgioviLPBrO1YOn0zRWHrFl84Imip3K0MxF-1POeME1b2u-lpiKQeOlzamHdZrix1TGc1CEgnQnMQyjpnxyeghh0V4WoZW4MGCea5PZxx75L1J3A2yXPf7PaK77ZDqj9ugxlU-ngHuLimEc/s1600/547835_10150954958560684_215528641_n%5B1%5D.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" fea="true" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgioviLPBrO1YOn0zRWHrFl84Imip3K0MxF-1POeME1b2u-lpiKQeOlzamHdZrix1TGc1CEgnQnMQyjpnxyeghh0V4WoZW4MGCea5PZxx75L1J3A2yXPf7PaK77ZDqj9ugxlU-ngHuLimEc/s320/547835_10150954958560684_215528641_n%5B1%5D.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Me and Delilah enjoying a splash around...</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGZhyphenhyphenI4_R007CPicLBDuQmwy_30HdAGrXCdMO5Hgp5mVhlc0JtteZ4cbnv2wN1UuFAoR6qhO0BjPWosTe2XpcrJ-3j649bY7K-3oLSzsPYqnZLuCNks9HaxVy6AZErGkO0exmS3Y9Zh0i-/s1600/486642_10150954956880684_2085006942_n%5B1%5D.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" fea="true" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGZhyphenhyphenI4_R007CPicLBDuQmwy_30HdAGrXCdMO5Hgp5mVhlc0JtteZ4cbnv2wN1UuFAoR6qhO0BjPWosTe2XpcrJ-3j649bY7K-3oLSzsPYqnZLuCNks9HaxVy6AZErGkO0exmS3Y9Zh0i-/s320/486642_10150954956880684_2085006942_n%5B1%5D.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Playing a game of netball with all the village women...</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitBKBQOJQdxNdU9S-Hv5VJDdetboO3MLjlTJvmw6XTdia5mdPtZQBvqR1D7ACf8_0DSohXx1OMfb_As9RlELrSCiNklCbJyEq9eBksp4wRdRjyJ92l5HSfCrLfWcHKiH1F1C0PCqwGfSKr/s1600/181123_10150954946535684_1470347393_n%5B1%5D.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" fea="true" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitBKBQOJQdxNdU9S-Hv5VJDdetboO3MLjlTJvmw6XTdia5mdPtZQBvqR1D7ACf8_0DSohXx1OMfb_As9RlELrSCiNklCbJyEq9eBksp4wRdRjyJ92l5HSfCrLfWcHKiH1F1C0PCqwGfSKr/s320/181123_10150954946535684_1470347393_n%5B1%5D.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Arriving to the wonderful Nanuku...</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcNgAOFSm0-19fdA8U1RYS74Kbdw1Kdt1OmDz0ItSiKc0xv04Gzt8gGD3JlysgrYnkpjr7ROLe4uI_9qfLJ3f1WMVBvY92cyQ5Dq9TaRwdlXRCmirlWEshzPUVERF4omyvRQqHXEjrAxKZ/s1600/384733_10150954946715684_463380687_n%5B1%5D.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" fea="true" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcNgAOFSm0-19fdA8U1RYS74Kbdw1Kdt1OmDz0ItSiKc0xv04Gzt8gGD3JlysgrYnkpjr7ROLe4uI_9qfLJ3f1WMVBvY92cyQ5Dq9TaRwdlXRCmirlWEshzPUVERF4omyvRQqHXEjrAxKZ/s320/384733_10150954946715684_463380687_n%5B1%5D.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">My very own 'Treasure Island'...</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikt8kjX43Ka-D7ZxWa39rngPhtSq68bdY-wkSW1ASK4iZhy491PbF2_dunN-W_hld8yVCs3Ftk-agLoQyUQY6TFSEZOkTP5KHZx2xXsuio0olpmT4h-rJH1IR66oJD6C3GYHwStsKttXlN/s1600/430300_10150954939425684_1373201421_n%5B1%5D.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" fea="true" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikt8kjX43Ka-D7ZxWa39rngPhtSq68bdY-wkSW1ASK4iZhy491PbF2_dunN-W_hld8yVCs3Ftk-agLoQyUQY6TFSEZOkTP5KHZx2xXsuio0olpmT4h-rJH1IR66oJD6C3GYHwStsKttXlN/s320/430300_10150954939425684_1373201421_n%5B1%5D.jpg" width="213" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">This is how happy I am, really do love Fiji! </span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiT4NfLagSCWi78fKet-Kc72819H-0oabqb2NZKgmX_XEk0a0OLToouLV4UyW8Rx5ulvSRfS9z1Use2cdouum5d0R1Gr2lLegFyVXaGNUyhe5ct27hdMdMVHJkuLPwPwDzHIGBP-XgvAxQW/s1600/528562_10150954946775684_1787592975_n%5B1%5D.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" fea="true" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiT4NfLagSCWi78fKet-Kc72819H-0oabqb2NZKgmX_XEk0a0OLToouLV4UyW8Rx5ulvSRfS9z1Use2cdouum5d0R1Gr2lLegFyVXaGNUyhe5ct27hdMdMVHJkuLPwPwDzHIGBP-XgvAxQW/s320/528562_10150954946775684_1787592975_n%5B1%5D.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">John chilling at the end of the inlet of the island...</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnerbaMx3mJjeol7L30PGhKUWPI-F6PIsAlrk6bD2x0zLg8mY0KH4CQIi7MJ1EYXd_GtKdousVqYFXq8Jz9URw9bhCw-pb1wTL7IvUt17TxfNVLFY8NpmhoOepVLbrireBHo3atGbeF_uB/s1600/422318_10150954940540684_1881331451_n%5B1%5D.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" fea="true" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnerbaMx3mJjeol7L30PGhKUWPI-F6PIsAlrk6bD2x0zLg8mY0KH4CQIi7MJ1EYXd_GtKdousVqYFXq8Jz9URw9bhCw-pb1wTL7IvUt17TxfNVLFY8NpmhoOepVLbrireBHo3atGbeF_uB/s320/422318_10150954940540684_1881331451_n%5B1%5D.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Everybody tucking into our feast...delicious!</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjV6wBBoIuufqwscujqQ-czK4bUf3qEY4DYC522ecKqn3AJlKje_K70qboIaz9jXkn0TkTIr3E8175UC4MLKyQGHDbrU9856NMWjxv7nh4Zlrzrl1WEBeztQ8twZwu4DAJTxwFjTnRLKsFT/s1600/599897_10150954947960684_1638544411_n%5B1%5D.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" fea="true" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjV6wBBoIuufqwscujqQ-czK4bUf3qEY4DYC522ecKqn3AJlKje_K70qboIaz9jXkn0TkTIr3E8175UC4MLKyQGHDbrU9856NMWjxv7nh4Zlrzrl1WEBeztQ8twZwu4DAJTxwFjTnRLKsFT/s320/599897_10150954947960684_1638544411_n%5B1%5D.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">An afternoon stroll on this paradise island...</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPmCOAlLFY4CxRGdBs6TWh153IHfybEPxDLiCp5pj_N32IRl-UYUXhHkWwXEfcvlv0lU3rU2o6T4oO5HuV-P8kaY1MUcKkNy5gUpIRIylkWQZXwRZdf_bonORY2aLkAcdrqCLOLNGC5au5/s1600/399530_10150954941450684_289158653_n%5B1%5D.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" fea="true" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPmCOAlLFY4CxRGdBs6TWh153IHfybEPxDLiCp5pj_N32IRl-UYUXhHkWwXEfcvlv0lU3rU2o6T4oO5HuV-P8kaY1MUcKkNy5gUpIRIylkWQZXwRZdf_bonORY2aLkAcdrqCLOLNGC5au5/s320/399530_10150954941450684_289158653_n%5B1%5D.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Our nightly bonfire keeping us warm...</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRXXtCU491RHN7vHrRWg-hCyDapFJpgzE2TR56mf3WZHm69vKNxsPuabB3hwv18fb6WSlSAcEul5XtxsgjJDYrm71bqfv5zb6rJi0P67lnQMey3-t_JGRSoylDcJa_33Y5LYSGzMZym9hV/s1600/551098_10150954942915684_1635681027_n%5B1%5D.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" fea="true" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRXXtCU491RHN7vHrRWg-hCyDapFJpgzE2TR56mf3WZHm69vKNxsPuabB3hwv18fb6WSlSAcEul5XtxsgjJDYrm71bqfv5zb6rJi0P67lnQMey3-t_JGRSoylDcJa_33Y5LYSGzMZym9hV/s320/551098_10150954942915684_1635681027_n%5B1%5D.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Reflecting on this beautiful place...Fiji found my heart...</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br /></div>
laura newmanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16515951360170007806noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1969955670379426893.post-61098753711556527552012-08-29T01:00:00.000-07:002012-08-29T01:00:22.787-07:00New Zealand...North Island<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Venturing across the Cook Strait, we landed into the port of Wellington. The wind howled and the swell of the boat rocked. After going sick only twice on the boat journey, I felt slightly dazed and not so fresh. Luckily we had planned to stay in the city for the night, meeting up with our friends Sam & Steve. We rolled into the hostel and felt so happy to just chill in the city for the next 2days. The evening we spent wandering through the glistening lights of Wellington, taking it all in...sounds, smells, sights of a bustling city! Our second day, we hit the cultural spots and did the Te Papa museum, which is an amazing place, it would take you 3 days comfortably to see it all. We opted to head out of the city and more North, as wanted to spend the night in the camper. </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">We took our time over the next 4days working our way up towards the Tongariro National Park. We stopped off camping along the way, enjoying the outdoors and slightly different landscapes the North Island had to offer. At first, we found ourselves contnually comparing everything to the South Island. I must admit, only when we reached the National Park and witnessed some beautiful mountains that I felt more at ease. After spending our days walking and exploring, we opted to push on and see Taupo, the weather wasn't so good and we where greeted with rain, wind and grey skies...sort of like England! After two nights in a cool free campsite (lots of hippies live there for free!), we felt we where more than due our weekly wash. The decision to visit Rotorua was a must! </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">The first thing that hits you if the glorious sulphur smell in the air, or more like the stale egg smell. It was not so nice, but the natural elements this place has to offer is magical. The natural springs steam everywhere, on our way into Rotorua we could just see random steam floating upwards in fields, so we knew we where close. We stayed the night and the second day, spent our whole morning relaxing in the spa. This was a beautiful spa, which had over 9 thermal pools, of which all was outdoors...feeling one with nature! After I became all crinkly and prune like, I decided I was clean as I could ever be and also relaxed, its a very theraputic experience. We where both keen to see the Coromandel and North, so we pushed on in our camper. We spent a good few days exploring the Coromandel and I have grown to realise it was one of my favourite places in the North Island. Not many people where around and we would travel for hours along a bending road edged to the cliffs to find our campsite and watch sunset as the waves crashed in, total tranquility. </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">As time was creeping upon us, we only had one week left in our campervan and before we headed to Fiji, we managed to head to the North of the North Island. We mainly stayed along the Northern strip, visiting lots of quaint towns and beautiful beaches. The climate up here is so different to that even in the South of the North Island. Up here you see palm trees and golden sands, its really special. After staying in some beautiful spots in the North, it was time to say goodbye to our campervan and enjoy our last few days in New Zealand. Luckily, I have family in New Zealand, so we called in to stay with them in a beautiful town called Warkworth. </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">My cousin Tim, his partner Sasha and son Alex live in a lovely little town just North of Auckland. I had never met Tim in person before, so was lovely to finally meet my family and spend some quality time with them. Me and John loved staying in there lovely home, especially spending our evenings over food and conversation. Alex is brilliant, he is bright, playful and a happy boy, me and John felt at ease playing cars or chase with him and the cat anytime of the day. Tim and Sasha took us to some beautiful places around there region and it made us appreciate a different type of experience, one from a 'home' perspective. As we are always generally on the move and only relish in places for a day or so, it was lovely to base ourselves in their home and see what their daily lives are like. There is so much open space, fresh air and things to do, we felt so happy. </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">The day before we left, we headed for our final day to Auckland city. I felt really sad to leave my family, as I loved staying with them and I knew it just made me want to come back here for sure in the future. Our final evening in New Zealand was spent with our lovely friends Emma & Gillion, who we'd originally met months before randomly in Cambodia and then ranndomly again in Bangkok. They are brillaint people who are so funny, they welcomed us in to their apartment in the city and we all spent the evening enjoying fish and chips and a beer or two. I felt so happy and content when leaving New Zealand, the excitement began to grow on our journey the airport.... not only the thought of John having a shave and to finally get rid of that awful beard but moreso the thoughts of beaches, palm tress, sunshine and kava that made me smile and think...'now Fiji'. </span><br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1miaRS4RzgXygsemtwLoYTO5VXCBIeYACeWB19_ehy7w5B91t1dUGE2mqrt9QDuzrdX2w9Ysq4Me-zVfLtGeJxxuojbxUz3XEfBSDXk4Gu83kGrFz7dh_fC4mNhVYetq8S1Qipoee0AqT/s1600/418641_10150954853795684_863912986_n%255B1%255D.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" fea="true" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1miaRS4RzgXygsemtwLoYTO5VXCBIeYACeWB19_ehy7w5B91t1dUGE2mqrt9QDuzrdX2w9Ysq4Me-zVfLtGeJxxuojbxUz3XEfBSDXk4Gu83kGrFz7dh_fC4mNhVYetq8S1Qipoee0AqT/s320/418641_10150954853795684_863912986_n%255B1%255D.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Exploring Wellington, off to Te Papa Museum</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOCjbj6DhEVq5QRjECaXq4NY-e1BnLzllj-uIeP0uqloK5iubtr3m3DruuLTndHtIiIsHFXHUUhRq4NDAfMh8ZL1ju54WKVBowQN9F8ThmrNkkRT694-AeZPl7cFkXNUAbAec6iYhEQboU/s1600/549499_10150954851180684_1710745407_n%255B1%255D.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" fea="true" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOCjbj6DhEVq5QRjECaXq4NY-e1BnLzllj-uIeP0uqloK5iubtr3m3DruuLTndHtIiIsHFXHUUhRq4NDAfMh8ZL1ju54WKVBowQN9F8ThmrNkkRT694-AeZPl7cFkXNUAbAec6iYhEQboU/s320/549499_10150954851180684_1710745407_n%255B1%255D.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Enjoying the freshair at Tongariro National Park</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXZoKDJGo50ClyBYbQreFGaTLzpz0fBeP1klf4f5-7KHD6mZFEAzme6d3B6pYhetPlBgBhzcW2nfHAKwcLXhYW5AU6SihKbB-OPb1a8s7KbUOudnXck1ls7BZwEGZSZpuNe7GaXDq8wAgK/s1600/373884_10150954848590684_1243959084_n%255B1%255D.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" fea="true" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXZoKDJGo50ClyBYbQreFGaTLzpz0fBeP1klf4f5-7KHD6mZFEAzme6d3B6pYhetPlBgBhzcW2nfHAKwcLXhYW5AU6SihKbB-OPb1a8s7KbUOudnXck1ls7BZwEGZSZpuNe7GaXDq8wAgK/s320/373884_10150954848590684_1243959084_n%255B1%255D.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The oozing smell of Rotorua</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUMFALr05XhJ36ntXUPBFpi5YkD_vFwOuu7Bbz1sUl4NSbc8lB8VrQLjFPhilfKXrsEIuweIEEDTytgoBFhhvQ32aJ5sgHEJ9xBVyrnUiXzhUJThl4mZ_kYYQ7ajAu3qaPculJDqSrSZC-/s1600/215560_10150954848470684_598982411_n%255B1%255D.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" fea="true" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUMFALr05XhJ36ntXUPBFpi5YkD_vFwOuu7Bbz1sUl4NSbc8lB8VrQLjFPhilfKXrsEIuweIEEDTytgoBFhhvQ32aJ5sgHEJ9xBVyrnUiXzhUJThl4mZ_kYYQ7ajAu3qaPculJDqSrSZC-/s320/215560_10150954848470684_598982411_n%255B1%255D.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Squeaky clean after our thermal baths</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbydKtJxh90vGJm4DBf_awkkF38g0EFp_upePqCJHZOStShgM38ujitH_4sqz3EIBG-Eh4DGIdjg-NdjOch-BNXwBY1jc44DU8veIAlVdWtMiXN7Dwtp9DrVzuS-fox1DKkT9o8z2j22Oo/s1600/314477_10150954848275684_207167483_n%255B1%255D.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" fea="true" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbydKtJxh90vGJm4DBf_awkkF38g0EFp_upePqCJHZOStShgM38ujitH_4sqz3EIBG-Eh4DGIdjg-NdjOch-BNXwBY1jc44DU8veIAlVdWtMiXN7Dwtp9DrVzuS-fox1DKkT9o8z2j22Oo/s320/314477_10150954848275684_207167483_n%255B1%255D.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">One of our nightly meals rustled up in the back of the campervan...delicious!</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi35i67cNd8zoNqvvyA1l164JCFdsqadA2ass775r29_KFfug3fBsCWDuvM7a1qjz07Xh9i9uK0dWRr6HtPxsfTyNKoIzWdCn94lcd5nyiPoEmf8sP9vAyYs-2HSoTQTwVKT7hNabLsKHNu/s1600/558255_10150954847145684_954299099_n%255B1%255D.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" fea="true" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi35i67cNd8zoNqvvyA1l164JCFdsqadA2ass775r29_KFfug3fBsCWDuvM7a1qjz07Xh9i9uK0dWRr6HtPxsfTyNKoIzWdCn94lcd5nyiPoEmf8sP9vAyYs-2HSoTQTwVKT7hNabLsKHNu/s320/558255_10150954847145684_954299099_n%255B1%255D.jpg" width="213" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Just one of many quaint towns in passing, this is what this town is famous for...</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiENxSNNOxUmaoP-PjYVZ_H5Nj7-HBUWRre3bIbJn-FrWLSibhxAE8kEUlkXog5lIa3ITbmXFA91c4A7DsZgRRT8vZw0G8Hyyt49aSQavpGSWaMqtYYVAA91yg9I9_x4LdeMwZE-20G5B27/s1600/313232_10150954845465684_204894808_n%255B1%255D.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" fea="true" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiENxSNNOxUmaoP-PjYVZ_H5Nj7-HBUWRre3bIbJn-FrWLSibhxAE8kEUlkXog5lIa3ITbmXFA91c4A7DsZgRRT8vZw0G8Hyyt49aSQavpGSWaMqtYYVAA91yg9I9_x4LdeMwZE-20G5B27/s320/313232_10150954845465684_204894808_n%255B1%255D.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">My lovely family, Tim, Sasha and Alex enjoying Matakana Market</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzAhCBXr8MJwy-v-FZUMhl_sXEU5RivveLko-M3pUUoTY6y5Yi6xIO3Ef970BH6m8s_KAJkKvKeHdHV0aNQd8Kl8j3lEYsa2skhMnavaTeTMvJHFPa33w3wEVna999M1kCvmg5gKTdC1Er/s1600/293043_10150954843145684_2073171347_n%255B1%255D.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" fea="true" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzAhCBXr8MJwy-v-FZUMhl_sXEU5RivveLko-M3pUUoTY6y5Yi6xIO3Ef970BH6m8s_KAJkKvKeHdHV0aNQd8Kl8j3lEYsa2skhMnavaTeTMvJHFPa33w3wEVna999M1kCvmg5gKTdC1Er/s320/293043_10150954843145684_2073171347_n%255B1%255D.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">John, Me and Alex doing some tree hugging...</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2uPKINoHa3DrdFQaujzgBHgNvZWxYaJ2lSabeGsVbFM5YEzHnNV5T_IRZIiYoDhdS4Ur50wk1LdXpNS7gKowNRKbhagCvFjGaHT3nSyBwLmmg_VvDnghbatcQcYbZWwVSk9OZpiEgaU_O/s1600/255305_10150954837270684_340470907_n%255B1%255D.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" fea="true" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2uPKINoHa3DrdFQaujzgBHgNvZWxYaJ2lSabeGsVbFM5YEzHnNV5T_IRZIiYoDhdS4Ur50wk1LdXpNS7gKowNRKbhagCvFjGaHT3nSyBwLmmg_VvDnghbatcQcYbZWwVSk9OZpiEgaU_O/s320/255305_10150954837270684_340470907_n%255B1%255D.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Enjoying some traditional fish & chips </span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicLU2etfVL-00UhSVFRAdausvql9l7FpXe2r_IwdQjYKZAOPTBqanxwgr2eX7DdfOPPbbI1AnZMXoBi2vJE13UJw0i9pYDCDTlGgJSSBdhb_GhMu_oJxWbOFx2h9yky0JlR2orKvxet57l/s1600/384678_10150954837385684_1158503257_n%255B1%255D.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" fea="true" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicLU2etfVL-00UhSVFRAdausvql9l7FpXe2r_IwdQjYKZAOPTBqanxwgr2eX7DdfOPPbbI1AnZMXoBi2vJE13UJw0i9pYDCDTlGgJSSBdhb_GhMu_oJxWbOFx2h9yky0JlR2orKvxet57l/s320/384678_10150954837385684_1158503257_n%255B1%255D.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Enjoying the Marine Reserve in the Noth</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjnk6UfI2hwGAp1C5DMs-POMugf1XqRTdgtvfqdvCzL7uxqgujw6XxFvsZ-zECKYgXjA5k6-m8QFk4gRwdSJuhEh2u-9bStr9k5cdAH9mATSrk83HfKCZ5ZUZtRh1YZ24ogLL3D2SQWi83/s1600/405527_10150954840455684_474235119_n%255B1%255D.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" fea="true" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjnk6UfI2hwGAp1C5DMs-POMugf1XqRTdgtvfqdvCzL7uxqgujw6XxFvsZ-zECKYgXjA5k6-m8QFk4gRwdSJuhEh2u-9bStr9k5cdAH9mATSrk83HfKCZ5ZUZtRh1YZ24ogLL3D2SQWi83/s320/405527_10150954840455684_474235119_n%255B1%255D.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Me and Sasha having a laugh and making sure not to get wet!</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihkX_WgtICKsLNp-C7R5TWhk0mpm25wf44YBm1VJx2lTe8ey9UXNQ8rti5dilgLa4naJrz_79Kx7BFwz7dfKAlXB5893vGE25nBtVBnCWMTTybgfJIKNExYk0ej6rl3ZxHXtor5REktLoM/s1600/553595_10150954835780684_1896306280_n%255B1%255D.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" fea="true" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihkX_WgtICKsLNp-C7R5TWhk0mpm25wf44YBm1VJx2lTe8ey9UXNQ8rti5dilgLa4naJrz_79Kx7BFwz7dfKAlXB5893vGE25nBtVBnCWMTTybgfJIKNExYk0ej6rl3ZxHXtor5REktLoM/s320/553595_10150954835780684_1896306280_n%255B1%255D.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Sticks...makes a man feel strong! This pose followed conversations on world peace & Lord of the Rings</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg19mIdXLfX2qRmlyb7saMW5jz_6uZvB3Rpp-UBbZDDXEqO65NDHgExKwm-iRNDPNSquQCZ-6OsMqVbUZhpp58CIWdQE9-PQeXrob4qnYj_499-OBNt3tLrmUKHLo-RxbGkskp1udq52qGW/s1600/580838_10150954836050684_1127839270_n%255B1%255D.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" fea="true" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg19mIdXLfX2qRmlyb7saMW5jz_6uZvB3Rpp-UBbZDDXEqO65NDHgExKwm-iRNDPNSquQCZ-6OsMqVbUZhpp58CIWdQE9-PQeXrob4qnYj_499-OBNt3tLrmUKHLo-RxbGkskp1udq52qGW/s320/580838_10150954836050684_1127839270_n%255B1%255D.jpg" width="213" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Alex joining in with his stick too!</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQXoFuskANdJVTgTwSB2cM8lgDMcgVzNPfY6RSAbtDxaxC5NMHkTViufCIdUlamAoyLOgiHf_5D5Ol6npzwXXwfD677s9r6vjkQeblz9nk6uG5vAbUT-KhXtv9-I0u-JgxTcAQGFtbJK7U/s1600/384698_10150954836810684_1375217906_n%255B1%255D.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" fea="true" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQXoFuskANdJVTgTwSB2cM8lgDMcgVzNPfY6RSAbtDxaxC5NMHkTViufCIdUlamAoyLOgiHf_5D5Ol6npzwXXwfD677s9r6vjkQeblz9nk6uG5vAbUT-KhXtv9-I0u-JgxTcAQGFtbJK7U/s320/384698_10150954836810684_1375217906_n%255B1%255D.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The beautiful landscapes along the North Island</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilMIbRLseL_XHKN6uXcYA9FrNXheyuu5NmNoPE9uvmW35S0lSL9DmKOPj5oyYk652zW54I8RKzp7ysBw0ARgqzlOdzSvgpQGaeTdwnGTo89DuQ1vUxi0c-NvWV-1kYCYYaXCn_xgY2TNCQ/s1600/417323_10150954835005684_1625561692_n%255B1%255D.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" fea="true" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilMIbRLseL_XHKN6uXcYA9FrNXheyuu5NmNoPE9uvmW35S0lSL9DmKOPj5oyYk652zW54I8RKzp7ysBw0ARgqzlOdzSvgpQGaeTdwnGTo89DuQ1vUxi0c-NvWV-1kYCYYaXCn_xgY2TNCQ/s320/417323_10150954835005684_1625561692_n%255B1%255D.jpg" width="213" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The array of colours of night time Auckland</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPXvrv4ZvgFajMEpVpEJCYE13NxYljCpe7zUqqi-0p5HQ4AtSASCGwPg3Zlqo9dkZBRue6jjoDLftT9-gyhpJmOqP8k5kUsPA4H1xNcyBqH37WltURwAQGmaILPILO7YjAgyKDUdFQuWgN/s1600/306388_10150954834775684_302399156_n%255B1%255D.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" fea="true" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPXvrv4ZvgFajMEpVpEJCYE13NxYljCpe7zUqqi-0p5HQ4AtSASCGwPg3Zlqo9dkZBRue6jjoDLftT9-gyhpJmOqP8k5kUsPA4H1xNcyBqH37WltURwAQGmaILPILO7YjAgyKDUdFQuWgN/s320/306388_10150954834775684_302399156_n%255B1%255D.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Don't worry it's not a homeless man, it's John with Emma & Gillon</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVXWbmxyaQEfMrQUq1h9Pvh6YJf8AzDcZDRsX6mmRkO7CTd97haInxEzDHw6k2G06fahcPFpfM_qgTAFd5jZViHo7ON2OidlCntbHn5ontDJ3Jb6vrQL6vTLDUjpQaNrxrrj1CYWb6aZ6X/s1600/251918_10150954834560684_879340244_n%255B1%255D.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" fea="true" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVXWbmxyaQEfMrQUq1h9Pvh6YJf8AzDcZDRsX6mmRkO7CTd97haInxEzDHw6k2G06fahcPFpfM_qgTAFd5jZViHo7ON2OidlCntbHn5ontDJ3Jb6vrQL6vTLDUjpQaNrxrrj1CYWb6aZ6X/s320/251918_10150954834560684_879340244_n%255B1%255D.jpg" width="213" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Reflecting in the morning overlooking Auckland city...</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</div>
laura newmanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16515951360170007806noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1969955670379426893.post-23388180432121212872012-08-07T21:25:00.000-07:002012-08-07T21:25:19.963-07:00New Zealand...West Coast and North<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">As we cruised up along the West Coast of the South Island, we witnessed some amazing beaches, wildlife and landscapes. The West is famous for its spectacular glaciers, the world famous Fox Glacier and Franz Josef. We enjoyed our time travelling Northbound, visiting and doing our own walks upto the Glaciers and witnessing this wonder. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The one thing that sticks in my mind is the Southern Apline mountains, especially during sunset, the sun bounces off the snow capped mountains and creates an ambiance of calm and warmth in the air. All I could do is stand and stare! As we ventured North, we visited lots of towns and met so many nice people. The amount of cows, sheep and deer we crossed paths with along our journey was unreal, the landscape is so full of life. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">We ventured further North towards Abel Tasman, a huge National Park region at the top of the South Island. This was a magical place, filled with lots of colourful plants and blue clear skies. We spent our days, enjoying the scenic views and brisk walks. As we concluded our South Island journey, we reached Piction, the place to catch our car ferry across the Cook Strait in order to arrive in the North Island of New Zealand. We cherished our last few days in the South Island, its so hard to express what I experienced. The landscape is so inspiring and its hard to believe it has so much to offer on one small island. As we waved farewell to the South Island and looked upon the North Island in the distance, I felt slightly queasy, not because I was sad to leave but more about the rocking of the boat and my urge to throw up...</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjG-PozYWY8u1RbEtnuymIoWxxpmdm82ZQb6BxVl5-V5Qpbe2kHS39XU6yRdJ0BI2o6Jk8B8iYctoQxvTREh2n06Mg_6YefNZBE95QElogeOBXfipesVXT_DyJpJitfmFWYTv0SH1zxYKxY/s1600/DSC_1479.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjG-PozYWY8u1RbEtnuymIoWxxpmdm82ZQb6BxVl5-V5Qpbe2kHS39XU6yRdJ0BI2o6Jk8B8iYctoQxvTREh2n06Mg_6YefNZBE95QElogeOBXfipesVXT_DyJpJitfmFWYTv0SH1zxYKxY/s320/DSC_1479.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Enjoying a walk along the beach, stopping off along the West Coast</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfM7eEI25mELpxHOF7p9gU8JWHjbEMgUNtY-Z0RM8NT4O0PcE8KgPMPwJlQ8cK4yIaVdKstJgPrRH65VWOANVJ8ofneaSFYNScVKD2FXlXi413ZSd3FgWHfthy5NeuZ_Q8kSNkl20YYL43/s1600/DSC_1542.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfM7eEI25mELpxHOF7p9gU8JWHjbEMgUNtY-Z0RM8NT4O0PcE8KgPMPwJlQ8cK4yIaVdKstJgPrRH65VWOANVJ8ofneaSFYNScVKD2FXlXi413ZSd3FgWHfthy5NeuZ_Q8kSNkl20YYL43/s320/DSC_1542.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Admiring the sunset in the South Island</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPnlHCq6cQv4W7qKGqdrAa-OYetnxsbOhQ7LUAt_Whyphenhyphen469pWESz0LhSFL1-tYOz4P12KViwztGuDVYhsYhzEUXbMVw-sx812nEYrhWgWRhH8hXu0Id9LYttPuG3hb_XNB5v4cP84KRDZvo/s1600/DSC_1591.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPnlHCq6cQv4W7qKGqdrAa-OYetnxsbOhQ7LUAt_Whyphenhyphen469pWESz0LhSFL1-tYOz4P12KViwztGuDVYhsYhzEUXbMVw-sx812nEYrhWgWRhH8hXu0Id9LYttPuG3hb_XNB5v4cP84KRDZvo/s320/DSC_1591.JPG" width="213" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">A little jump after walking upto the Glacier (behind me!)</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBrOcww7wTDh2TRKmS-jaCNG-IG6rJ_R83Vqs_fxCIuFuojwqrlW4al-ScwvXHoa5ImBJDAdwFgQOS_1Wgchdbjvf0NSY5FkIBHHJ_tDsxEdEo99XqTamdhssVx24CZ9WZREr_ZE8CBxBt/s1600/DSC_1773.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBrOcww7wTDh2TRKmS-jaCNG-IG6rJ_R83Vqs_fxCIuFuojwqrlW4al-ScwvXHoa5ImBJDAdwFgQOS_1Wgchdbjvf0NSY5FkIBHHJ_tDsxEdEo99XqTamdhssVx24CZ9WZREr_ZE8CBxBt/s320/DSC_1773.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Loving the Malborough Sounds in the North</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7LsCmzEY9n2HqflBFJB6m8YOYBimiZrkM4-dfQkaGwoBcJLKnIXwfk26Bb1E13Y56Yorg2IB-Kf2lq0m9UFbX-4M0ITsFHN3cfen6S0x5Y-Ao09Gk5o6cNHkrm4EeeGYHcDrZluEX2GZC/s1600/DSC_1976.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7LsCmzEY9n2HqflBFJB6m8YOYBimiZrkM4-dfQkaGwoBcJLKnIXwfk26Bb1E13Y56Yorg2IB-Kf2lq0m9UFbX-4M0ITsFHN3cfen6S0x5Y-Ao09Gk5o6cNHkrm4EeeGYHcDrZluEX2GZC/s320/DSC_1976.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">One of my favourite sunsets on my whole journey</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4eybmAeXL3FeZZR6kt40J-v3ggqTuFnQCpcELNBFvEJyaSrow433xh-C1En2lbjUU2Z4wzP3JrnJmUyo7mfCn7vWmJcYyPbcpppACcHHHLsA0n0J6r1Dy0nz29KO5DxTGwkCT8HNONhBs/s1600/DSC_1983.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4eybmAeXL3FeZZR6kt40J-v3ggqTuFnQCpcELNBFvEJyaSrow433xh-C1En2lbjUU2Z4wzP3JrnJmUyo7mfCn7vWmJcYyPbcpppACcHHHLsA0n0J6r1Dy0nz29KO5DxTGwkCT8HNONhBs/s320/DSC_1983.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Waking up and this is my view...tranquility</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfXhE5M2TJ8sJoM-MKmiyjMTfU0pDUjBM0ilrmdFeWrLGuS7FfKU43vExniQCddW22jfGfFl0uZrs8yIqVIiwe-LjkpaznLaWtj52UnyF1dYYRV3d7yNGv_ZNRBdgJPE2X2CbrDSQtNFPL/s1600/DSC_2013.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfXhE5M2TJ8sJoM-MKmiyjMTfU0pDUjBM0ilrmdFeWrLGuS7FfKU43vExniQCddW22jfGfFl0uZrs8yIqVIiwe-LjkpaznLaWtj52UnyF1dYYRV3d7yNGv_ZNRBdgJPE2X2CbrDSQtNFPL/s320/DSC_2013.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Tucking into my morning breakfast...porridge and honey!</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9GJqJ7p-F0C_EpIcO_v1SotSjiDrJIB3CYf1qgBx1Be_E1bWHNDTRM-UpWLX7ezx4sWALaF8ctHD1idqyEY_dDQ0GqpBucOy5upEPu8qqcS-fgesyjbyGmIFBaevXMd4Id6X9mVZv3gcf/s1600/DSC_2059.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9GJqJ7p-F0C_EpIcO_v1SotSjiDrJIB3CYf1qgBx1Be_E1bWHNDTRM-UpWLX7ezx4sWALaF8ctHD1idqyEY_dDQ0GqpBucOy5upEPu8qqcS-fgesyjbyGmIFBaevXMd4Id6X9mVZv3gcf/s320/DSC_2059.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The beautiful North of the South Island of New Zealand</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTsPjg4ArcN22YAyesq5ar413RbaSDaXyutaaxIYQcRhB5ZAAc0M5j3UPG2g9k5S5QOjHnqLAdf50TOzUlJVe1qtQzPMp1QLl7Ud8Pc2blUPry6uuUr1PaMPw_DY41tfOzlAa766SgleV3/s1600/DSC_2158.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTsPjg4ArcN22YAyesq5ar413RbaSDaXyutaaxIYQcRhB5ZAAc0M5j3UPG2g9k5S5QOjHnqLAdf50TOzUlJVe1qtQzPMp1QLl7Ud8Pc2blUPry6uuUr1PaMPw_DY41tfOzlAa766SgleV3/s320/DSC_2158.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Saying farewell to the South Island of New Zealand...</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>laura newmanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16515951360170007806noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1969955670379426893.post-15291662200471088712012-08-06T18:39:00.000-07:002012-08-06T18:39:35.776-07:00New Zealand...Milford Sound, Queenstown & Wanaka<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Arriving into Te Anau, I felt happy. The journey up was relaxing and the weather was good even though it was chilly. The place we opted to stay was a 'free' campsite, so I didn't feel on edge to sneak out early in the morning, I could truly relax. After driving almost 20km on a gravel track to reach our site, we arrived and the first important thing we needed to do, was put the kettle on.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">This was a secluded little spot, which was tranquil, calm and peaceful. That was until we suddenly heard the thunder of a chopper helicopter above our heads, carrying along with it lots of dead wild deer. Venison is big meat over here, one of which we became to enjoy on many occasions cooking at the back of our camper. Later that evening our friends Sam and Steve joined us and we relaxed in the peaceful setting Te Anau. We all booked onto the Milford Sound boat tour, so we shared the tricky ride West, weaving through the mountains, creeping through mountain tunnels and witnessing some of the most beautiful sights I have ever seen. We all opted to stay the evening there, we where due our weekly wash by that time anyways, so I indulged in a hit shower and clean hair! The boat cruise was brilliant, witnessing the sounds looking tall, majestic and inspiring. The tranquility remains and was something I enjoyed so much. This was one of my favourite places in the whole of New Zealand. Truly magical!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">After spending some time in the Fjorlands, in which we camped by the world's deepest lake, we headed to the big place of 'Queenstown', this is a huge tourist hub. The seasonal resort is a vast location for all winter sports and reminds me so much of an alpine town with character and cold weather. We experienced the buzz of Queenstown and explored the many attractions, we decided to head ourselves North, as I was really keen on travelling up the West Coast. </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">After departing Queenstown we called upon a quaint town called Arrowtown, lots of vintage shops and traditional homes, I felt like I was time travelling back 100 years. We opted to take the scenic route and drove through the Crown Ranges, this was a magnificent drive, so much to see. I literally weaved through the mountains constantly looking around myself, admiring all the beauty I was surrounded in. It has an awe factor in every place I visit, that's when I began to realise New Zealand was creeping into my heart. Lake Wanaka greeted us with a clean crisp air and we explored the lake and town, taking it easy in the afternoon. Heading to our evening campsite, I reflected on the beauty this country holds and how happy I was on my travels and in life. Waking to a magical view in the morning, we pushed on to head to the West and finally North, feeling I never wanted my South Island experience to end...</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSth8-gE_naigrOyURIUQdvxul03bJq4NFBMwPrufmor5VuGlbld4vd6fD0A540XWAS-46D1kAZdo2AIZhjWaTneTOAywhZAoY9sx7Cx5M2Dr39kRsI5FPTlt0r5a_QMK5Z6WdYu2mXed2/s1600/DSC_0835.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSth8-gE_naigrOyURIUQdvxul03bJq4NFBMwPrufmor5VuGlbld4vd6fD0A540XWAS-46D1kAZdo2AIZhjWaTneTOAywhZAoY9sx7Cx5M2Dr39kRsI5FPTlt0r5a_QMK5Z6WdYu2mXed2/s320/DSC_0835.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">With Steve, Sam and Steve enjoying the landscapes of New Zealand</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9q_EhdM0LJdObjfs6p9CFnZGFoVC2sFrqs0HW7K7rZye45CiyAr4vYM44xhdIRdBjKmOOIssIBU4ISOhd1C32Z26o5TQSJ4TtpAU1AFva9t6VI2FUBwnnS-lx2PNqKOSV4I0ft88Katzs/s1600/DSC_0888.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9q_EhdM0LJdObjfs6p9CFnZGFoVC2sFrqs0HW7K7rZye45CiyAr4vYM44xhdIRdBjKmOOIssIBU4ISOhd1C32Z26o5TQSJ4TtpAU1AFva9t6VI2FUBwnnS-lx2PNqKOSV4I0ft88Katzs/s320/DSC_0888.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The beauty is endless on the South Island</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwIrt_uYqpHi2zzR82oJTn7-bk3QKlYsgNta0QsBqf_4Ud9SiLjHK-aSqIoKXcDkurkemdTEbOZRuQd6Na8ZSpfwtlWuuGeJaZAxepCgDx281xMArq2qUDhbioGCFRCWC-Z8aBX2IxqRI7/s1600/CSC_1093.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwIrt_uYqpHi2zzR82oJTn7-bk3QKlYsgNta0QsBqf_4Ud9SiLjHK-aSqIoKXcDkurkemdTEbOZRuQd6Na8ZSpfwtlWuuGeJaZAxepCgDx281xMArq2qUDhbioGCFRCWC-Z8aBX2IxqRI7/s320/CSC_1093.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The magical Milford Sound...</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh68XzzN4gFeimKbC5KSkyUB2Y48atgkxcZ7CrBfVEq_cpBQklvfWmsJEOETVf3cYBclUjU6q8ZY0CQqPWhz5ix-uDlEj-j8wZ71BIU5qZLjPc0ssLCtkAam9OggtXprcsiJ0wXvLCyNfEP/s1600/CSC_1264.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh68XzzN4gFeimKbC5KSkyUB2Y48atgkxcZ7CrBfVEq_cpBQklvfWmsJEOETVf3cYBclUjU6q8ZY0CQqPWhz5ix-uDlEj-j8wZ71BIU5qZLjPc0ssLCtkAam9OggtXprcsiJ0wXvLCyNfEP/s320/CSC_1264.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The four of us on our boat enjoying Milford South</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXCro247ntx1ovVnYd9OOri2NHVItnI5PrSEtuKqJ6G4xNyLVb0H4UIJW4JE752UEyu12zahzOpveiKFQYLyAdtCjKLJ1mKV8C_IfuQ7QhsIyS5a97eg91Z7n3KEMTjKAiYYsULmXoZoHH/s1600/DSC_1399.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXCro247ntx1ovVnYd9OOri2NHVItnI5PrSEtuKqJ6G4xNyLVb0H4UIJW4JE752UEyu12zahzOpveiKFQYLyAdtCjKLJ1mKV8C_IfuQ7QhsIyS5a97eg91Z7n3KEMTjKAiYYsULmXoZoHH/s320/DSC_1399.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Taking a break from driving through the Crown Ranges</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFHnJ8FHNbgaAJBylBb3zeKs0NsOPU3u5_XrAptxerdIH_Iy2KnmADRzv-QoOryKp2dRm82keyvkmBAZfpTtWzG10WKAQlohTyNKyh0CW6031VYqt3oViTZwsdhIfkCDGb_6jyeepzjMdE/s1600/DSC_0724.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFHnJ8FHNbgaAJBylBb3zeKs0NsOPU3u5_XrAptxerdIH_Iy2KnmADRzv-QoOryKp2dRm82keyvkmBAZfpTtWzG10WKAQlohTyNKyh0CW6031VYqt3oViTZwsdhIfkCDGb_6jyeepzjMdE/s320/DSC_0724.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Waking up to this beautiful scene, the deepest lake in the world</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSGueksgdrJXsrnrfKpUB1yZiZPqyYhJFisdPEh81hDzXWWF9UR8JhcJKcNX0_bptNR5MI6OLxncB5T61KDor01w6mX_iDI9B3HvfrsDP6puM7931U9hn9yqd9d2DXpl_1YZ4JlFKzX9vi/s1600/DSC_1420.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSGueksgdrJXsrnrfKpUB1yZiZPqyYhJFisdPEh81hDzXWWF9UR8JhcJKcNX0_bptNR5MI6OLxncB5T61KDor01w6mX_iDI9B3HvfrsDP6puM7931U9hn9yqd9d2DXpl_1YZ4JlFKzX9vi/s320/DSC_1420.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Joking around in Lake Wanaka</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwCTZY2k6IDrNCN5RKDDROH_gmnfv6AnWgCh-PdzZWtaQB7KnagdAy0RoyvRoe6Zn86bil49OsfTi86r2TgVCBShRhcyPdyCxwzNVUAREUTLRIzkQatiQaSHkyUHG2jN99Ci02NPuROTBS/s1600/DSC_1426.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwCTZY2k6IDrNCN5RKDDROH_gmnfv6AnWgCh-PdzZWtaQB7KnagdAy0RoyvRoe6Zn86bil49OsfTi86r2TgVCBShRhcyPdyCxwzNVUAREUTLRIzkQatiQaSHkyUHG2jN99Ci02NPuROTBS/s320/DSC_1426.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Making my way North, admiring the beauty as we drive on...</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>laura newmanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16515951360170007806noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1969955670379426893.post-39452862482767666262012-08-05T23:18:00.000-07:002012-08-05T23:18:05.880-07:00New Zealand...Oamaru, Dunedin & The Catlins<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">We enjoyed our journey going across the inland areas. We opted to a route that ensures you can see some of the 'sights' and call into small quaint towns along the way. After spending a night camping besides a huge dam, sneaking in late at night and leaving at first light (not to pay!) we journeyed over to Oamaru. This was the next biggest town along the coast and this place I really liked. The town itself oozes character, its almost as though it is stuck in the Victorian Times. All the architecture of the town is very classical and colonial and lots of Victorian artifacts still remain. The people are so friendly all across the South Island and here even more so, the original plan was to push on and not stay here the night but that soon changed. After chatting to a local woman she mentioned we could park up and stay close to her house which looked out onto the sea. So, that night we spent the evening admiring the waves crashing in and parked ourselves near the edge of the cliff. As the evening approached we made our way to the lookout point close to the beach, it was here that we where able to full enjoy the experience of watching the penguins return home. They spend all day at sea catching fish swimming around and as dusk approaching after a hard day at work then come home and make there way back to land. The yellow eyed penguins where lovely, so cute and small. We watched how they swam back ashore, hopped out of the water, shook themselves down then gradually wandered back to home for the night, really fascinating. New Zealand does a lot with conservation and I admire how much is given to protect the natural landscapes and the animals that inhabit the lands. </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">After our morning porridge and honey, we head along the coast. We always make time to stop whenever we want and take in the beauty. That is the best thing with a campervan we have the freedom and opportunity to go wherever we want. As we approached Dunedin the hills and roads began to roll, this is one steep place. The city is big and you notice the roads becoming busier as you approach. As it is such a built up area, our choices to stay and camp for free where limited so we headed to the Coast and paid for a holiday park campsite. That was just in time for our weekly shower and washing of clothes, much needed by this time. Life on the road can generate smelly people and I'm not ashamed to say I was one of them! Dunedin is a nice city, you sense the big Scottish influence here and like any city has lots going on. We opted to do something we normally wouldn't do and that was go on a tour. The tour we chose to do was to 'Cadbury's World', it was like heaven to me! To learn how chocolate is made and along the tour have constant free chocolate, I must admit I may have influenced and swayed John into doing this tour. After cruising the city for the day, we felt ready to leave and head towards a place not many people venture to. This place is where a lot of tourists bypass and for us it was one of the most beautiful places of the South Island. </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">As we journeyed along, we arrived into the region known as 'The Catlins'. This is an area where not many people live and the outdoor landscape is untouched and natural. Along your journey you see so many cows and sheep, but this place is full of animal life. The green is what strikes you first, the outdoor fresh air is pure and the cold and I mean really cold wind bites you. The further south we headed the colder it became, but we loved it. After not feeling the cold for so long this was something different for us. We cruised along the campsites, enjoying the outdoors and not seeing many people at all the whole time we where here. One day, we reached a sight of interest it was the most 'Southerly Point' in the South Island, the weather on this day was treacherous. The wind was extreme and the gales blistered your skin, we headed to the edge and I felt a sense of danger, the waves where crashing over the rocks so heavily, it was a scary situation. That's the beauty of this place, so much natural elements graced instantly around you. After a couple days of cruising 'The Catlins' we headed across the Coast and began to make our way towards Te Anau. We had made plans to meet our friends Sam & Steve here and we where all to go to Milford Sound together. So, after filling up on a cup of tea, we hopped back in the campervan and cruised West... </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br /></span><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzVAvE7vBWUKsb1S6F5XIkPFQBHD9h6K59gbYVujixIdnkCObc0vTViNRekk3bOIPNOfr2lfMSHIinVk8hVYpki3JQNhMQOnIc_gXI_uSsaAccssya2x9Tqbv-cH5lPMgRdcXRvPVEgEgh/s1600/DSC_0194.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzVAvE7vBWUKsb1S6F5XIkPFQBHD9h6K59gbYVujixIdnkCObc0vTViNRekk3bOIPNOfr2lfMSHIinVk8hVYpki3JQNhMQOnIc_gXI_uSsaAccssya2x9Tqbv-cH5lPMgRdcXRvPVEgEgh/s320/DSC_0194.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Enjoying the mystical landscapes</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIq7MmSaEG9IzmukvcXAhHLOOjn-t_dag34LSih49u9lkqQWtbI-dJmZ_aWfNrh14I4Nr8rUehqIXCfDAOIHd-29RaMVUc3RZzW2-gWXrlwPUqGz2xUih49TDQJQoxEHRQTN1wo_NkjDD-/s1600/DSC_0349.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIq7MmSaEG9IzmukvcXAhHLOOjn-t_dag34LSih49u9lkqQWtbI-dJmZ_aWfNrh14I4Nr8rUehqIXCfDAOIHd-29RaMVUc3RZzW2-gWXrlwPUqGz2xUih49TDQJQoxEHRQTN1wo_NkjDD-/s320/DSC_0349.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Overlooking Oamaru in the rain</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcaJS9j8820VBKDHsuQ_rjZ-bkPo79JkTbHUUSkTKO-9rAukFisfdn5yk7Sk7uf5uV1_hwErBz5l010LQ8e0VLfiH-POpXaDkxUeZLOhzzeYpOsLxivWrIGjFxMULOhX2HjBVJhWE_qI1X/s1600/DSC_0371.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcaJS9j8820VBKDHsuQ_rjZ-bkPo79JkTbHUUSkTKO-9rAukFisfdn5yk7Sk7uf5uV1_hwErBz5l010LQ8e0VLfiH-POpXaDkxUeZLOhzzeYpOsLxivWrIGjFxMULOhX2HjBVJhWE_qI1X/s320/DSC_0371.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Observing the yellow eyes penguin return from a day at sea</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvSbveCkEKmbTct0-a8ViL7zZuctWRG4dENGFEuioZV9gPdHWWGjGsycmRMNj0DuiPIYXT9qkJhNqLp0IGMLcHFOxt-6MuqUe0zY9UooBrfHWJhTlCcDMm4JbGjHpyy0IBOZQ1HlpghURu/s1600/DSC_0464.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvSbveCkEKmbTct0-a8ViL7zZuctWRG4dENGFEuioZV9gPdHWWGjGsycmRMNj0DuiPIYXT9qkJhNqLp0IGMLcHFOxt-6MuqUe0zY9UooBrfHWJhTlCcDMm4JbGjHpyy0IBOZQ1HlpghURu/s320/DSC_0464.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Making the bed in our campervan</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOer0V87tEX7FDRpVcs6BvKBJsspNldIle9hB-BPoSJMHcOUgUvWi1z6dXELZD0kgSguldqY5MtZ-2Dbi5GNs6k8lysXFeG1bf3njO0popI7x0PSx9e8hyKA65X8xxoEfU1_FIvVCDCX1C/s1600/DSC_0523.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOer0V87tEX7FDRpVcs6BvKBJsspNldIle9hB-BPoSJMHcOUgUvWi1z6dXELZD0kgSguldqY5MtZ-2Dbi5GNs6k8lysXFeG1bf3njO0popI7x0PSx9e8hyKA65X8xxoEfU1_FIvVCDCX1C/s320/DSC_0523.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Visiting Dunedin's historic railway station</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhk0cL4fBsdflxCd-hGahbVrIsgXYjPSAzzubMKo0kwxiSbTPNMfSa42G7gxTboHibgPaLVquuhypnLHx8oDZVUvnxc_gLjvsrBDfEjNWO_ttIb9ljF-rR1sPYnN9G-KDkXpXlzfNepAKkR/s1600/DSC_0598.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhk0cL4fBsdflxCd-hGahbVrIsgXYjPSAzzubMKo0kwxiSbTPNMfSa42G7gxTboHibgPaLVquuhypnLHx8oDZVUvnxc_gLjvsrBDfEjNWO_ttIb9ljF-rR1sPYnN9G-KDkXpXlzfNepAKkR/s320/DSC_0598.JPG" width="213" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Making our morning cup of tea in the wilderness...we English do love our tea!</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>laura newmanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16515951360170007806noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1969955670379426893.post-90033779843783596122012-08-03T22:24:00.000-07:002012-08-03T22:24:25.138-07:00New Zealand...Hamner Springs, Lake Tekapo & Mount Cook<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">You know when you have arrived into Hamner Springs and that is because you can smell you have arrived. The unpleasant sulfur creeps through the air and the smell is something similar to rotten eggs, not so nice. The town itself is small and set within lots of mountains and rivers. We headed to the campsite on the edge of town and settled in for the night in our campervan. I must admit I was happy to use a campsite that was not government owned as we could have a 'real' wash for the first time in a week. It's strange because I now appreciate the smaller things in life, things such as a hot shower, a place to cook food easily, a normal toilet and not just a wild bush! </span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">After resting up the night, we headed out to a forest walk early the next day, we headed upwards towards a waterfall. The weather was rather cold and wet and the walk proved to be slippery and steep. When we finally reached the waterfall it was lovely to sit down, enjoy our flask of soup and bread and listen to the wildlife and peaceful surroundings. It makes the walk worthwhile being able to take time to sit and reflect and enjoy the experience of being in the outdoors. Heading back towards the campervan, I had only one thing on my mind...The hot pools! </span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">As a treat to ourselves we headed to the famous 'Hamner Springs Hot Pools', these are naturally built outdoor thermal pools. The water bubbles with heat as the sulfur rises, the smell is not so pleasant but it is a relaxing place to be. We creeped out into the cold and headed for the first pool, it was like heaven. We did not leave the first pool under we had wrinkles on our fingers and then made a dash to the next outdoor pool. We did this in all of the 6 outdoor pools, it was a great experience being outside when it was cold, raining and miserable and you are boiling it up in bubbles of natural warm water. It was very therapeutic and relaxing and this made our whole journey here worthwhile. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">The next morning we decided to head South. We cruised past Christchurch once again doing a loop on ourselves, then headed along the coast and then embarked more inland. Our aim was to reach Mount Cook. As we didn't want to spend all our days just driving and wanted to fully enjoy places we made the journey slowly, stopping off along the way and camping at different campsites each night. The weather we noticed was getting wetter and colder, I was so thankful I invested in a $7 hot water bottle! As we cruised towards the centre area of the South Island, the landscapes once again change and this time it was something mystical. We stopped off along the way at Lake Tekapo, a really calming place, where the lakes sleep in tranquility and you notice all the tree's shedding as Autumn flourishes. Further on we headed towards a mountainous plane. The mountains in this area are the biggest of the whole country, the famous 'Mount Cook' being the biggest at 3,754m. All the mountains surrounding are of similar ranges and you feel so small and delicate as you wander amongst these giants. The great Kiwi explorer and first man to conquer Everest 'Sir Edmund Hilary' used Mount Cook for his training before embarking on the mighty Everest. We loved this area, as you are amazed by the snow capped mountains that look so rugged yet so pretty. That night while sleeping at the base of Mount Cook, a thunderstorm rolled in. This was an eventful night, the roar of the thundering clouds, the violet sky that forked with lightening and the heavy rains that shot down, it was almost a scary sound as you try to sleep. The next day the weather remained the same, so we had no chance of heading out on the planned walk we where hoping to do, so we drove out 10mins and before you know it, you are greeted with blue skies and sunshine. New Zealand weather is known to change quick and fast and many regions have their own micro-climates. Around the mountains the huge stormy clouds remained yet 10minutes drive away you are welcomed to sunshine and blue skies. You have to be prepared for all weather conditions anytime of day throughout the year. With the beautiful sunshine blessing us, we stopped at a nearby lake, nobody around and it was so peaceful. From here, we did a small walk around the landscape and made the most of this sunshine filled day. As the evening approached, we opted to head East again and make our journey back towards the Coast when heading South. So, after a quick snack and rest we zoomed on in the Jucy Camper, wondering what other sights with grace us along the way...</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br /></span><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjetGGvtg8e8ilgM99CbhpG0E-d0qGohCfsSwr5NWPj5xTCpCMJwWckeJS_cXeAv3d6gX1jIz6NEKb62uFyfqwdAYA4uwQRevwSamoBSixcuN0FX4s12vQghl-t3ZGRUGM_jDqGcKsUAp9j/s1600/DSC_9939.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjetGGvtg8e8ilgM99CbhpG0E-d0qGohCfsSwr5NWPj5xTCpCMJwWckeJS_cXeAv3d6gX1jIz6NEKb62uFyfqwdAYA4uwQRevwSamoBSixcuN0FX4s12vQghl-t3ZGRUGM_jDqGcKsUAp9j/s320/DSC_9939.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Enjoying some wine tasting after Hamner Springs</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqvX1OW04upoMxkzg5sLLGwDSQKSrlaEqmEu-ckxJ5QAlXxpQ0ppouZz0zMoOviXZEs0Q2JIHzntzr11mpZKHpCVhaH3XbqXPzFpO4fL54JdvNR7u9DjoleJMR6OK6AHy23u0s7enCo7vV/s1600/DSC_9977.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqvX1OW04upoMxkzg5sLLGwDSQKSrlaEqmEu-ckxJ5QAlXxpQ0ppouZz0zMoOviXZEs0Q2JIHzntzr11mpZKHpCVhaH3XbqXPzFpO4fL54JdvNR7u9DjoleJMR6OK6AHy23u0s7enCo7vV/s320/DSC_9977.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The cold air on Lake Tekapo</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiP9vZzBoUyCR4Mfh0Oy76K59vBund8jpyfdqTT3sEu9IahuDsJW0FzMjiJWQsxdtofmlDhfnTJUAfzxjpZg6MqCwaHPIUfvJDvKqqLN45y7TEspez7ak3Of4u6L2P6fwOvvAxRVKuaRbc/s1600/DSC_0025.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiP9vZzBoUyCR4Mfh0Oy76K59vBund8jpyfdqTT3sEu9IahuDsJW0FzMjiJWQsxdtofmlDhfnTJUAfzxjpZg6MqCwaHPIUfvJDvKqqLN45y7TEspez7ak3Of4u6L2P6fwOvvAxRVKuaRbc/s320/DSC_0025.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Exploring the landscape in the South Island</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsoajjMkPkkUgCYTIm48l8PVk3krxpKKLJw4lJ7gULLQUkAjzwixKapELO0n4F5NOSsHL6SvLKCLZlWXlDMY7I_xBC0bDNkQol81sBIlVDs6p3NkuPitbdQ3AbyVsP7tLBAZttmev9Qmne/s1600/DSC_0132.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsoajjMkPkkUgCYTIm48l8PVk3krxpKKLJw4lJ7gULLQUkAjzwixKapELO0n4F5NOSsHL6SvLKCLZlWXlDMY7I_xBC0bDNkQol81sBIlVDs6p3NkuPitbdQ3AbyVsP7tLBAZttmev9Qmne/s320/DSC_0132.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Waking up in the morning and seeing this makes me love New Zealand</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpgDZiGJwSrfuBv64z5AdxJsM_U22coGFDRKTSXPuE1W11RsjorwtqRj4MV2nWSAt2d0BHTGB5Bl9ZPeDlgiVI80S7cMkvKuPEOMg4zKpDz6XCuTmImPJnGIVb5RC97BmvWYb7i1iPnUJA/s1600/DSC_0178.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpgDZiGJwSrfuBv64z5AdxJsM_U22coGFDRKTSXPuE1W11RsjorwtqRj4MV2nWSAt2d0BHTGB5Bl9ZPeDlgiVI80S7cMkvKuPEOMg4zKpDz6XCuTmImPJnGIVb5RC97BmvWYb7i1iPnUJA/s320/DSC_0178.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Enjoying an afternoon walk with Mount Cook in the distance</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
</div>laura newmanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16515951360170007806noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1969955670379426893.post-69938843755883043632012-08-02T20:00:00.002-07:002012-08-02T20:00:32.026-07:00New Zealand...Christchurch, Akaroa & Kaikoura<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Arriving into the crisp cold air at midnight into Christchurch airport was something of a surprisingly enjoyable feeling for me. After spending many months in the warmth air, humidity or sunshine filled skies, I arrived into a cold almost freezing destination...with the temperature rolling in at a brisk 3 degrees.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">We enjoyed a splendid two days in Christchurch, staying in a place called New Brighton. We spent one of our days exploring the centre, it was a real surreal feeling entering into the city. The whole of the main city area is cordoned off and is known as the 'Red Zone'. It's almost eerie as the shops lay full and abandoned and have not been touched since the fateful day of the huge earthquake that hit the city back in 2011. The weather was beautiful, a crisp autumn day so we opted to stroll around the wonderful Botanical Gardens. It was a great place to reflect on what had occurred in this city and how the people have dealt with the event of earthquakes and constant aftershocks even happening to this day. As our two days passed, we became even more excited and this was to go and see and pick up our new 'home' for the next 6 weeks. We would be travelling around the whole of New Zealand in our own Jucy Campervan. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br /></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Once we collected our beauty, the Jucy was a great camper...kitted our with a pull together bed, a mini fridge, cooker and sink. We had drop down curtains and the luxury item for me was the built in dvd player. So with all the food stocked up and everything we needed, we called in at my long lost auntie's, Marion for a quick cuppa to say hello and catchup. This was nice to have good chat and she noted straight away that I looked the spit of my dad...must have them 'Beautiful Newman Genes'!!ha! We then departed late afternoon and headed to the Banks Peninsula, to a quaint town called Akaroa, which is a French colonial town. All the street names are written in French and the whole architecture and vibe of the place is very French style. As it is illegal to Freedom Camp anywhere here, as it is all private land, we had to hide ourselves down a dirt track. Driving down bending roads in the darkness was slightly scary but then we found an old boat landing area so opted to stay the night there. The morning air greeted us with freshness and a new day, we slept really well and I was so happy to start our adventure on the road. We had decided to try and meet up with our friends who where themselves travelling around New Zealand. They are a great couple called Sam and Steve, they are from just outside Portsmouth and we first met them back in December in Thailand. Steve completed his PADI Diving Course with John and we had all experienced great nights out in Koh Tao. So, we decided to head North along the East Coast first, then do a loop on ourselves and travel South around the Island anti clockwise in couple of days time. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br /></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">So, after a pleasant couple of hours driving, we reached our destination of Kaikoura. This is a beautiful place, its the home to marine life. There are plenty of dolphins, whales and seals that not only visit this Coast but live here all year round. Kaikooura is a special place that makes you instantly smile when you look around, admiring the vast Kaikoura Ranges and what beauty this place holds. After spending a couple of days resting up here, I feel fresh and so happy to be in New Zealand. Next stop is down to Hamner Springs where hot smelly bubbly baths await me...</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br /></span><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigxSmOmESg5GRTDFBDOxni-iPmdi0KGfRyv7XBN5BUOQhRICKf3PFVSucJZwnpKhgewHLQ1lSAbrbjs7nLSSz68eVhmu8iZvj0VIzCgPCaf9Wj-KFD-CtH5DaKArMcNAovsz441oppw8yR/s1600/DSC_9262.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigxSmOmESg5GRTDFBDOxni-iPmdi0KGfRyv7XBN5BUOQhRICKf3PFVSucJZwnpKhgewHLQ1lSAbrbjs7nLSSz68eVhmu8iZvj0VIzCgPCaf9Wj-KFD-CtH5DaKArMcNAovsz441oppw8yR/s320/DSC_9262.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Enjoying 'New Brighton' beach in Christchurch</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuSvZmPob4rrrHpdBtFpqKOIctiaFTqNVLlo2Ydi9oRu8N3LCipXSGWk0KmKuPfdA6U9uvxEcjMBPH3apA4ABykS0MYbRnrduEXx3V8_Ynse1ooo5DfcOoZy7AHezvNfjuRepzs_ieRLUk/s1600/DSC_9695.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuSvZmPob4rrrHpdBtFpqKOIctiaFTqNVLlo2Ydi9oRu8N3LCipXSGWk0KmKuPfdA6U9uvxEcjMBPH3apA4ABykS0MYbRnrduEXx3V8_Ynse1ooo5DfcOoZy7AHezvNfjuRepzs_ieRLUk/s320/DSC_9695.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Enjoying the Kaikoura Range Mountains</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKwSX2QwFOYogVelZhyphenhyphenw4ceAFg8trvJl0bUsHd9MvxBWCRHfVMBvqBl5dsW7FohpkASfK9CiSTybB5BncAgBCZ7GjFxDczJXFQJhVd6-g8nC1kWhX7koavHtaVz_pw1fQlMwm8SO-HTGyB/s1600/DSC_9680.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKwSX2QwFOYogVelZhyphenhyphenw4ceAFg8trvJl0bUsHd9MvxBWCRHfVMBvqBl5dsW7FohpkASfK9CiSTybB5BncAgBCZ7GjFxDczJXFQJhVd6-g8nC1kWhX7koavHtaVz_pw1fQlMwm8SO-HTGyB/s320/DSC_9680.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Admiring a seal chilling in the crisp air</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJii2IUoI-2QSeLnF47ZP9tocfyvdbqpZ6Stz_JBTPPVRLtgzqYGRr4bK-fVzsSHCUKsNh2ecpfBzUoSMOvvYe9tUxgx6QGZ7uw0iQxqKrnwtAO52LScFWmhxlTSoRmrwyO4LRMn7pRPTm/s1600/DSC_9743.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJii2IUoI-2QSeLnF47ZP9tocfyvdbqpZ6Stz_JBTPPVRLtgzqYGRr4bK-fVzsSHCUKsNh2ecpfBzUoSMOvvYe9tUxgx6QGZ7uw0iQxqKrnwtAO52LScFWmhxlTSoRmrwyO4LRMn7pRPTm/s320/DSC_9743.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Enjoying a walk in the fresh New Zealand air</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6Zl8s56wciH5Wd8sLI1SC4PofVlGqAIykXRBIl2uJ7TtItK8rwcj15VOlWFZSR-4GDkFNm_r8u7gaIVFs1wXw1mF0JoQdNP3zKySm6klYgjyMhinS5FS7aSmi4nk5UWDAmv5xBxfeZY5c/s1600/DSC_9827.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6Zl8s56wciH5Wd8sLI1SC4PofVlGqAIykXRBIl2uJ7TtItK8rwcj15VOlWFZSR-4GDkFNm_r8u7gaIVFs1wXw1mF0JoQdNP3zKySm6klYgjyMhinS5FS7aSmi4nk5UWDAmv5xBxfeZY5c/s320/DSC_9827.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The lush countryside of Kaikoura</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>laura newmanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16515951360170007806noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1969955670379426893.post-57948474157680297942012-06-11T18:35:00.002-07:002012-06-11T18:35:30.599-07:00Brisbane, Barrier Reef and Beyond...<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">
Arriving into Brisbane we set up our base in West End, staying at a more chilled hostel and having the opportunity just to walk into the city. So life was more laidback and relaxed for us. We spent the first few days catching up on things like washing and emails. We explored the city taking in the sights of the river, galleries and museum. We also grew to love the 'Queensland State Library', this is a brilliant building, fascinating architecture and free internet! So, we utilised this offer and spent our internet time residing here in the library. Brisbane is much calmer than any other city we had been to, I feel after a couple of days we had seen and done everything we needed to do. We where constantly thinking about and trying to make plans for travelling further up the coast upto Airlie Beach then maybe onto Cairns. We had lots of considerations though, timescales, costs and where we really wanted to go. This became a little stressful, added with the rainy weather of Brisbane, I almost became a little sad. It's natural when we are constantly travelling and on the move, when things don't always go to plan it's hard to deal with sometimes. So, after looking at many options, around 10 in all, it got to the point where I just wanted to leave and move onto somewhere new. So, the cheaper option and quickest option which was better for us both was just to fly directly to Cairns and catch a return flight back to Brisbane in order to get our international flight out to NZ in May. </div>
<div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">
<br /></div>
<div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">
So, taking the chances, we booked with Jetstar two return flights for the next day and packed up our bags and left the day after. That night we decided to get an early night, all tucked up by 9pm, then we heard a knock on the door. Answering the door we where greeted by a Liverpool man from Netherley called Lee Jenkins, who said he had heard there where two other Scousers in the hostel so wanted to say did we fancy a drink with him. He was armed with three glasses and plenty of vino, so we felt it would be rude not to say yes. After chatting to him, we found out that John knew his family and used to do some boxing with his relative. It's a small world sometimes! He lives out in Adelaide now, but was on business in Brisbane for the night, so we enjoyed lots of drinking, talking and laughing...was great end to our night. The next day, we caught our flight out and headed upto Cairns. I was eager and excited to see Cairns, I remembered it from last time, the way in which I describe it is 'tropical'! This is exactly what it is, lots of lush green surroundings, marshlands, vast wildlife from birds, marine life, bats, crocodiles, you literally have everything up here. The humidity was the first thing that hit us, the heat was overwhelming but lovely. We spent the next few days taking it easy, enjoying the heat and finally after a couple of days the sunshine appeared. I knew right then we made the right decision in coming up to Cairns, it is a place to relax and take it easy. </div>
<div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">
<br /></div>
<div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">
We booked onto a day trip out to the Great Barrier Reef. Upon our catamaran called Reefkist, we cruised out to the Outer Reef. Arriving onto our first reef, I hopped off the boat, suited and booted in my wetsuit, snorkel gear and fins. Swimming over to the reef I was greeted by an abundant amount of marine life, it was beautiful. Lots of love colourful coral, graciously flowing in the current and glistening in the sunlight. The fish carry on their daily lives, chasing one another, prodding and eating the coral and cruising happily past me. I am an observer of their habitat, respecting and observing from the top, as I glide and float in and around the reef. It was a brilliant experience, it's a heritage site and a special place to be, knowing so much life is happening out here, I swim around in awe and wonder at the amazing fishes, turtles and live corals I see gracing this earth. After a tasty lunch on board of vessel, we rested on the deck out from, taking in the sunshine and calmness of the water. Then we reached our second reef in the afternoon, this was much bigger reef with even more marine life flourishing. When I popped into the water, there was a bit of a current, but I always feel confident and happy in water so with a little bit of energy and paddle in the fins, I was soon exploring around, in and out of the reef. After another hour in the water, I headed back to the boat and was greeted with a freshly made scone and cup of tea, what a perfect way to end my day! Cruising back into Cairns marina, I enjoyed the sights and backdrop of the luscious mountains of Cairns and the surrounding areas. It's so tropical and different to any of the other places I have experienced when travelling Australia. That's one thing I love about over here, you can travel between states and the differences in landscape, wildlife, culture is huge. There is just so much to see and do here, it's the perfect place to end my Oz Adventure! </div>
<div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">
<br /></div>
<div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">
So, as we leave Cairns and head back to Brisbane in order to catch our flight to NZ, I take time to reflect, ponder on my experiences and prepare myself for the new adventure ahead. New Zealand is a multi-cultural country filled with lots of beauty, this is something I am most excited to see. Australia is a vast country, inhabiting so much wildlife, natural beauty and amazing culture and people. I have loved my time in Australia, seeing my family, friends and also meeting lots of new people. The experiences I have gained here over the last three months have been enchanting and will remain with me forever. It's a land I have grown to appreciate for the vastness, openness and freedom I was always in search for. I now leave feeling happy, fulfilled and appreciative of my journey across this land they call Australia. <br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8S7_2xdNNHWAwYmAgVzrdqY8u_1mRLELTwndpPZjKtamBIy9wPcd2Xv7STYf7cgez7dFfnfr12MCCTyeum-j04J7MSDIgVJ81iLSNu4JUYkj3Mi_p6_xfMP8UntbLsDQPU_FOcyZEI3Ep/s1600/DSC_8823.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8S7_2xdNNHWAwYmAgVzrdqY8u_1mRLELTwndpPZjKtamBIy9wPcd2Xv7STYf7cgez7dFfnfr12MCCTyeum-j04J7MSDIgVJ81iLSNu4JUYkj3Mi_p6_xfMP8UntbLsDQPU_FOcyZEI3Ep/s320/DSC_8823.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Strolling along the Esplanade in Cairns</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-YYEVJmq0NawP6fYP6MmqXQocGfS5PAx-4ulPKnRoMgPwsQkwkK8cC8z4l_hLHtOasmle6yW6tBFU4vqCqIkll21Pao2h16tjMC5ZUQIr_b9NfL5NC9xrio9CvotNvNoGPkhr6ywZSuPd/s1600/DSC_8839.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-YYEVJmq0NawP6fYP6MmqXQocGfS5PAx-4ulPKnRoMgPwsQkwkK8cC8z4l_hLHtOasmle6yW6tBFU4vqCqIkll21Pao2h16tjMC5ZUQIr_b9NfL5NC9xrio9CvotNvNoGPkhr6ywZSuPd/s320/DSC_8839.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Couldn't resist a little workout on my stroll</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrzzcUCR-fUWbpkWiHNW3JxtER3NBIryOpVyLlCZcawcUfOZSlY4EkFMj0FPXenoNlcGT38uNwq5PBcE2ZkDSa0gyJIttb8pTPA_GX0phiNYtz-UVsU3DkNYTSTfkL1l3goumtbD8Z9pAJ/s1600/DSC_8892.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrzzcUCR-fUWbpkWiHNW3JxtER3NBIryOpVyLlCZcawcUfOZSlY4EkFMj0FPXenoNlcGT38uNwq5PBcE2ZkDSa0gyJIttb8pTPA_GX0phiNYtz-UVsU3DkNYTSTfkL1l3goumtbD8Z9pAJ/s320/DSC_8892.JPG" width="213" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Enjoying the sunshine in Cairns</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSNdfpbtWUNe3vMccc3m4JejnKvdQzNxb0TFgzL0x-y5aYHfZke2UQFMpc9ZwYZ9g-ib3tmYkcnWl5xdM5eRKeMkmAc6gYS1qQdqO994NXisIj5YZfnIrsOfDYtZgMAy9uiJOQIrUlFN1_/s1600/DSC_8940.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSNdfpbtWUNe3vMccc3m4JejnKvdQzNxb0TFgzL0x-y5aYHfZke2UQFMpc9ZwYZ9g-ib3tmYkcnWl5xdM5eRKeMkmAc6gYS1qQdqO994NXisIj5YZfnIrsOfDYtZgMAy9uiJOQIrUlFN1_/s320/DSC_8940.JPG" width="213" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">John about to take the plunge into the Great Barrier Reef</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWDN1VQRaKYinGjdFM_btAEMAIx-kvYZHBN6CL5R48l_Go6iNabrl_F98l289PRh0l7L4MJr8yViO3h8AbzkR7Kl2jwa_nsL7qJvSy0snJ8QMk5V2Kff2zt92kH7XngwpCiz1b-EH3z00Z/s1600/DSC_8919.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWDN1VQRaKYinGjdFM_btAEMAIx-kvYZHBN6CL5R48l_Go6iNabrl_F98l289PRh0l7L4MJr8yViO3h8AbzkR7Kl2jwa_nsL7qJvSy0snJ8QMk5V2Kff2zt92kH7XngwpCiz1b-EH3z00Z/s320/DSC_8919.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Looking out to Cairns as we journey to the Great Barrier Reef</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivhWMJIy-S5ew3lnsICqkiZna0ELJPr7KRFgZarhzi-gbjXSmxhjY8a3Z_oBRjcvUufSvCQ40mjlk32j7_QCeWf863xEVfBoyDN0NETD58YekgRKcOSxrxdB5CcuLWIbsYWY1pazgaMLWx/s1600/DSC_8949.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivhWMJIy-S5ew3lnsICqkiZna0ELJPr7KRFgZarhzi-gbjXSmxhjY8a3Z_oBRjcvUufSvCQ40mjlk32j7_QCeWf863xEVfBoyDN0NETD58YekgRKcOSxrxdB5CcuLWIbsYWY1pazgaMLWx/s320/DSC_8949.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The wonderful Great Barrier Reef</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLxh4JmNt2MsGrPCYiXSPrakKwL7tkDkqYXPbGkvw-Sfj0Pgs4NPPWlhn2jByNOc-q_A8-iABrzsa5TykaIZWjr3A2ro1zkAyTbYZ4-_XeJipWWIy_1zvzO8dFBRXyYZH5cHfihdJuWQRC/s1600/DSC_8955.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLxh4JmNt2MsGrPCYiXSPrakKwL7tkDkqYXPbGkvw-Sfj0Pgs4NPPWlhn2jByNOc-q_A8-iABrzsa5TykaIZWjr3A2ro1zkAyTbYZ4-_XeJipWWIy_1zvzO8dFBRXyYZH5cHfihdJuWQRC/s320/DSC_8955.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">A magical island on our boat trip</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhESk5EvL5wYO4qGfIbe9L8L3RciPuY-CUV_lf6SKSD7rAuh4tRvdUCJCH-fh5ClJporfiKYy0NkElIKlKT2KaTdjl1J3slyqUhUurh1o6uyHAnkpxug6mVucaNLYphEiKs-FxEryv2KXHo/s1600/DSC_8976.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhESk5EvL5wYO4qGfIbe9L8L3RciPuY-CUV_lf6SKSD7rAuh4tRvdUCJCH-fh5ClJporfiKYy0NkElIKlKT2KaTdjl1J3slyqUhUurh1o6uyHAnkpxug6mVucaNLYphEiKs-FxEryv2KXHo/s320/DSC_8976.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Enjoying the boat trip...trying not to be sea sick!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGHfzmPWNIfv2x4laAiWIn6iEMPRlxDnUJCO-xFvKNF6FbYMW4-hhNIIHU9-NON9oDAyHNPHgVF2sx1G2qM1m3mBTAq3k56yQ2ekZWIznnm29eu_DEmunYXdmFg3O8jyuY9s4GAlR7yMtq/s1600/DSC_8995.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGHfzmPWNIfv2x4laAiWIn6iEMPRlxDnUJCO-xFvKNF6FbYMW4-hhNIIHU9-NON9oDAyHNPHgVF2sx1G2qM1m3mBTAq3k56yQ2ekZWIznnm29eu_DEmunYXdmFg3O8jyuY9s4GAlR7yMtq/s320/DSC_8995.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Meeting our lovely French friend Nicolas</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh48teJ6binaPxUJj_ZQtZcRaznLrqD7J4wvFlV6FhjD1eRYTZf7i1IcN2GlKIX8t_bcWyBwUZ_zyetgXzw7E_jYFST0kl_1s5GAjB-gjOmvT4i6-lENMLFu_DegbyvTqK-aWsfEL_ysfV_/s1600/DSC_9003.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh48teJ6binaPxUJj_ZQtZcRaznLrqD7J4wvFlV6FhjD1eRYTZf7i1IcN2GlKIX8t_bcWyBwUZ_zyetgXzw7E_jYFST0kl_1s5GAjB-gjOmvT4i6-lENMLFu_DegbyvTqK-aWsfEL_ysfV_/s320/DSC_9003.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A daytrip out into the rainforests with our German friends</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMhkYV_Z02YbJOnuYt6W07QGoMpmyc9zaaXCQovhAFscwo64MN_ayvBfPfSp3rQAsFs8DaGr5PHWv_wZr1EVE9LAJrIAK3QZHWVJNtzOZn3qpuoi7ZM64cyBnrFwm-hGYg3orFNJf4eCpy/s1600/DSC_9080.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMhkYV_Z02YbJOnuYt6W07QGoMpmyc9zaaXCQovhAFscwo64MN_ayvBfPfSp3rQAsFs8DaGr5PHWv_wZr1EVE9LAJrIAK3QZHWVJNtzOZn3qpuoi7ZM64cyBnrFwm-hGYg3orFNJf4eCpy/s320/DSC_9080.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The lush rainforests that surround the landscape</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi98uym3FJUe7NjJgdhCu6QpAWtnc0hdhxiv1iWItiIPbMCmtV4aJQXUu86eVxf-WU3btYo5AFHndVgyH7wGGRqcn9Zc6_J3mQNf6deuVSSYn2GiXXiBICWbkrrF9cdl55G4e2O0lmi1vwQ/s1600/DSC_9102.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi98uym3FJUe7NjJgdhCu6QpAWtnc0hdhxiv1iWItiIPbMCmtV4aJQXUu86eVxf-WU3btYo5AFHndVgyH7wGGRqcn9Zc6_J3mQNf6deuVSSYn2GiXXiBICWbkrrF9cdl55G4e2O0lmi1vwQ/s320/DSC_9102.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">John taking a dip in the calm lake</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjO2englTJh_ND5EasQZ5TEInBsCPCBdOYxlCcmFrP7xMQsO1_rPVliu5p3RQV2GZ8hC5G7jGSsaqWY9QzwMY6vweEe68o0LSwVfu97tE6XGSokWr1isU0meg-k7eWq6c31Q7gnOopfanXx/s1600/DSC_9149.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjO2englTJh_ND5EasQZ5TEInBsCPCBdOYxlCcmFrP7xMQsO1_rPVliu5p3RQV2GZ8hC5G7jGSsaqWY9QzwMY6vweEe68o0LSwVfu97tE6XGSokWr1isU0meg-k7eWq6c31Q7gnOopfanXx/s320/DSC_9149.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A hundreds of years old Fig Tree</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtjm1fa_PlT_6V4lCr3Uh4tzyO4vV3-Fdh-IbOH9ACgaXRNnS5tp0-c18_cC_GfxXMdIRxBJgPwFtrPy-2K4lrB1MlGgAriTDJSMsBOMe5WkPPKe4MMPKOVIHHYUQ-wl9eIEN135xu84_r/s1600/DSC_9225.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtjm1fa_PlT_6V4lCr3Uh4tzyO4vV3-Fdh-IbOH9ACgaXRNnS5tp0-c18_cC_GfxXMdIRxBJgPwFtrPy-2K4lrB1MlGgAriTDJSMsBOMe5WkPPKe4MMPKOVIHHYUQ-wl9eIEN135xu84_r/s320/DSC_9225.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Looking into the crator in the rainforests of Cairns</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjupPFdU2NMCcirCWsXzUE-2T7JiJc96EAONiOa5SgLSsQ-B6-p6h2D_9_eC0bn1i-_QcCObiZyhA3MpuFcRecJRWT0VYW5JLpkvEJtT7qLH3hmWToTj0HIPg24GgGHV_TSNja_q4xX2az0/s1600/DSC_9250.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjupPFdU2NMCcirCWsXzUE-2T7JiJc96EAONiOa5SgLSsQ-B6-p6h2D_9_eC0bn1i-_QcCObiZyhA3MpuFcRecJRWT0VYW5JLpkvEJtT7qLH3hmWToTj0HIPg24GgGHV_TSNja_q4xX2az0/s320/DSC_9250.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Admiring some street art in Brisbane</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhI3lFayJRWKUVV_LMi6I3F9XbfFejUO_lb9A2FhdHrvObdQ4UDUTMuODhKjeLwBOUeuC1DS5F28PjIa2534AnFgm5iW9nTLL8d7PAmBEQajRvYSYI1pKH1mcyrhPmjTVCiLrBX1sB1WbwL/s1600/DSC_9260.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhI3lFayJRWKUVV_LMi6I3F9XbfFejUO_lb9A2FhdHrvObdQ4UDUTMuODhKjeLwBOUeuC1DS5F28PjIa2534AnFgm5iW9nTLL8d7PAmBEQajRvYSYI1pKH1mcyrhPmjTVCiLrBX1sB1WbwL/s320/DSC_9260.JPG" width="213" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Joking around and just booked out campervan for New Zeland....farewell Australia!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</div>
</div>laura newmanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16515951360170007806noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1969955670379426893.post-76815113812760910362012-05-23T00:29:00.003-07:002012-05-26T17:30:39.702-07:00East Coast Roadtrip...<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Departing in the evening, we zoomed through the dusk of Sydney city life and headed upwards and out along the coast. We where travelling with Ayse and Dan, a lovely couple from Southampton who have been living and working in Australia for sometime. We met them originally on a boat trip in Halong Bay, in Vietnam a couple months back. They had just finished at their jobs in Sydney and where about to take a huge roadtrip for the next couple months, travelling up the Coast and up and around over to Perth. We opted to share the first week of their journey heading upto Brisbane. </span><br />
<br />
<div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">
The first evening, we camped in a great campsite, that was tucked away by a huge lake and lots of people around. We didn't realise until we had departed that it was one of the busiest holidays in Australia...Easter! That evening, we managed to throw up our tents and sat watching the stars enjoying a bottle of wine or two! The plan was to journey ourselves up along the coast, stopping off where anybody wanted to and take in the beautiful sights along the coast. We camped out in the open National Parks, so much wildlife and openness. The National Parks are brilliant with lush greens and idyllic lakes cusping the coast. We hopped off in small towns and enjoyed lots of amazing beaches, surfs and meeting local people. Some of the food we ate was super tasty, fresh seafoods and local brewed beers! In the National Parks, you have to pay for entry and per person but it was super expensive, so we would always arrive late and make an early dart...terrible I know, but it was saving us over $100! On a backpacker budget, I have grown to live more on the edge, not something I am proud of but living the nomad life gives you more of a backbone. That's one thing about myself I noticed has changed, I am so much less tearful (used to be a big crier baby!) and more decisive in choosing things on the spot nowadays. </div>
<div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">
<br /></div>
<div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">
As we graced along the Coast, we had lots of fun days and evenings chilling and cooking with Ayse and Dan, they where soon to be going off on a holiday for two weeks in Fiji. So, they where having a holiday within a holiday! As we hit Byron Bay, there was a chilled bonhemian atmosphere swooshing around the place. The laidback life is dominant here, as I strolled down a street I heard a small child say "Mum, why does everybody here walk around in barefeet and all ride skateboards?" This for me, sums up the vibe of Byron Bay, its uber cool! We camped the evening just out of town, chilling in the rainy evening and downing a whole box of goon. Now, you may be thinking, what is this goon? This is known to every traveller of Australia, it is a huge box of cheap wine, otherwise referred to as 'Goon'. Every backpacker will drink it and its also useful as me and John found, once the bag inside the box is empty it becomes a blow-up pillow...brilliant!</div>
<div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">
<br /></div>
<div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">
After heading further up the Coast, we reached Surfer's Paradise, this was most definitely a tourist resort. It almost reminded me of Benidorm! Lots of high rise apartment blocks and bars and clubs surrounding the whole place. The weather was growing worse the further North we travelled, when we arrived here it was rainy and super windy. We treated ourselves by checking into a hostel, enjoying a lovely hot shower...the joys of travel! Then we headed out into the town with Ayse and Dan, enjoying a night ofdancing, drinking and listening to some great music. The next day was our final day together, heading up into Brisbane. I was eager to explore this city to see what life was like in Queensland and also to plan our next journey on this East Coast adventure. So after saying our farewells to our friends, we checked into a chilled out hostel in the West End, very Soho vibe! Then reflected on our adventure up along the East Coast, some spectacular beaches and scenery, one that is rural yet still has presence to engage with locals. Now for a lovely few days of chilling exploring Brisbane then the decision of whether or not to head North....why not? </div>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDelOJjjvhg0lhvZuLQeJ1JlQTubwnALKtvcgq4JrGlFLfZWyzGs5LEZKdChpZs1u5DtZcXyTHEIsdx0_k7d6E8khCboGF0QQVeZIyESFQiPF_WXKBCJjEyHpAPrKRCyYOD1CcNMFpkyYc/s1600/DSC_8583.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" qba="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDelOJjjvhg0lhvZuLQeJ1JlQTubwnALKtvcgq4JrGlFLfZWyzGs5LEZKdChpZs1u5DtZcXyTHEIsdx0_k7d6E8khCboGF0QQVeZIyESFQiPF_WXKBCJjEyHpAPrKRCyYOD1CcNMFpkyYc/s320/DSC_8583.jpg" width="213" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Enjoying a morning stroll along the beach</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEj9Fbjww0hVjeiJTbvcUV7oxDQ1UrhkBWm6vVaY6qSFSfH2GPftydeGUi04PqgWfkBA9qEyJwRHnYkKKQBWCFpufQiN_6FtyUt0RCBN3tZanwYCyhgI7dHf1ZbtUsGH5jysYR4V-Iu4h_/s1600/DSC_8621.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" qba="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEj9Fbjww0hVjeiJTbvcUV7oxDQ1UrhkBWm6vVaY6qSFSfH2GPftydeGUi04PqgWfkBA9qEyJwRHnYkKKQBWCFpufQiN_6FtyUt0RCBN3tZanwYCyhgI7dHf1ZbtUsGH5jysYR4V-Iu4h_/s320/DSC_8621.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Lunch time on our roadtrip</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9NZLF6TpDJMJBmOIvQjFIBhCq5j8LHY4YITeTbbLBF-Ovvp98620Zpw1UZ-nF6rVOErdcmwK1pgeK9Nu4PSfooHGI4RttZG8mlQy_fFKurjlMD-2cyxzBZOfWDnF6d2zSEXj4c-B7PLWN/s1600/DSC_8647.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" qba="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9NZLF6TpDJMJBmOIvQjFIBhCq5j8LHY4YITeTbbLBF-Ovvp98620Zpw1UZ-nF6rVOErdcmwK1pgeK9Nu4PSfooHGI4RttZG8mlQy_fFKurjlMD-2cyxzBZOfWDnF6d2zSEXj4c-B7PLWN/s320/DSC_8647.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">My turn to drive the 4 X 4...crossing a river on a boat</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQD3dPLYNYuEibQgWMyA9pjtNcZtSOP_O-qPO4zFxTdSabXuqo20Uwul0Ssb5Eo47xUnYtZD76Xs1clSJqN6uK6tFthAR09x59Md82tSWXZiuZIhf-IFarSiDUBuOmEYXpDbdg-34cP_HQ/s1600/DSC_8649.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" qba="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQD3dPLYNYuEibQgWMyA9pjtNcZtSOP_O-qPO4zFxTdSabXuqo20Uwul0Ssb5Eo47xUnYtZD76Xs1clSJqN6uK6tFthAR09x59Md82tSWXZiuZIhf-IFarSiDUBuOmEYXpDbdg-34cP_HQ/s320/DSC_8649.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Ayse and Dan enjoying the views</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXxkmJzUtJsG8tFrbc2-NwIH-mOQYvwzKUlforHXtxDhOucQzbw0TLTaSCMXC_DBTdFI_JhzdKo0lVRWcjNVgN7uajnKo8o9iu08tsi3iYPuOUkTj1FH6wea8-_tceBvVTEZhwgMYbfE3M/s1600/DSC_8683.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" qba="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXxkmJzUtJsG8tFrbc2-NwIH-mOQYvwzKUlforHXtxDhOucQzbw0TLTaSCMXC_DBTdFI_JhzdKo0lVRWcjNVgN7uajnKo8o9iu08tsi3iYPuOUkTj1FH6wea8-_tceBvVTEZhwgMYbfE3M/s320/DSC_8683.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Stopping off for a surf and swim along the coast</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhi6CSkIHfj8ntjSQ5FLfvkhp4aQzoFIhH5k8nkYdpXWQY1z0YxBl47lOy1DzB7pnY1I2cekATZUkFALTU2tgyqv23-qoYSNaIWLVW7eGBo_LZWaCHxD6aNb_DIfbp4MYmVwIGIWAC873AM/s1600/DSC_8699.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" qba="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhi6CSkIHfj8ntjSQ5FLfvkhp4aQzoFIhH5k8nkYdpXWQY1z0YxBl47lOy1DzB7pnY1I2cekATZUkFALTU2tgyqv23-qoYSNaIWLVW7eGBo_LZWaCHxD6aNb_DIfbp4MYmVwIGIWAC873AM/s320/DSC_8699.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Enjoying my morning cereal enjoying the landscape</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbAYvj1lzL1bnFuSVVdkPcs-wNhB0iV9sr6QnmvUwKc1wTwZlhzbAO97UCL09Ak0ZfICYvvjBwCO1Fi7RL68lvFk1OfqzuqZfxUL34WpjfX3Nkc9c_D4Rguwn9PxcCQLkhaTwo7JW_nnOl/s1600/DSC_8704.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" qba="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbAYvj1lzL1bnFuSVVdkPcs-wNhB0iV9sr6QnmvUwKc1wTwZlhzbAO97UCL09Ak0ZfICYvvjBwCO1Fi7RL68lvFk1OfqzuqZfxUL34WpjfX3Nkc9c_D4Rguwn9PxcCQLkhaTwo7JW_nnOl/s320/DSC_8704.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Waking up to these wonderful views</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibcvVB8ckpkLvpiWmu54e6pVZf89wTpAg-kKbnLkYMM4oEIRhg_7tQ-MW3jzaueyMf0jvIE4Ph3yXovZc25FMHmI3tQY_Cfydeljk2H5-CVoOZfKTka2QBZnqUbWTjj7fyjBdFlHVBUP4W/s1600/DSC_8734.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" qba="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibcvVB8ckpkLvpiWmu54e6pVZf89wTpAg-kKbnLkYMM4oEIRhg_7tQ-MW3jzaueyMf0jvIE4Ph3yXovZc25FMHmI3tQY_Cfydeljk2H5-CVoOZfKTka2QBZnqUbWTjj7fyjBdFlHVBUP4W/s320/DSC_8734.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Reflecting on the rocks...enjoying the East Coast of Australia</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhziuO9ee6ASZyN9L0q25Pm8CA5YvJm5d2Sv7VDZGc92rKAeeQpd6uyQOqfU22cLIXZgkZH9Ak9szEowmxASisc_SfH1zAnJ7HSsIkddgVpX9SuHHN6u_iAto0_IfZdWHtQIQIdL7jCmUJK/s1600/DSC_8749.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" qba="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhziuO9ee6ASZyN9L0q25Pm8CA5YvJm5d2Sv7VDZGc92rKAeeQpd6uyQOqfU22cLIXZgkZH9Ak9szEowmxASisc_SfH1zAnJ7HSsIkddgVpX9SuHHN6u_iAto0_IfZdWHtQIQIdL7jCmUJK/s320/DSC_8749.jpg" width="213" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Joking around on the beach in the morning sunshine</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjny_jI0HEXfi30_px7Z85YngoVX5AI7axANlg9Q5ZgtRIqE-BQRDzedm06ekfezkdoiqoX8lfbrLi9TVVSiDAI8hybWeS8LnCRxX_2fT4F81isNYgs7_2safbQRkG73yFaO1wM1ropjarX/s1600/DSC_8769.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" qba="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjny_jI0HEXfi30_px7Z85YngoVX5AI7axANlg9Q5ZgtRIqE-BQRDzedm06ekfezkdoiqoX8lfbrLi9TVVSiDAI8hybWeS8LnCRxX_2fT4F81isNYgs7_2safbQRkG73yFaO1wM1ropjarX/s320/DSC_8769.jpg" width="213" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Feeling the wind at Byron Bay</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOBjg_xkfBo_GMhP3Uk3mPSaKeX4ySHRy94NX2oC0GGYDc_tPm-7Kz0omvG31jCmiMvl0nbFlwcU4MfDuLBnDlj6_KOdmgKvVjc3exLZC86saLISdz9iaLDWbdnq1TvyGMfjKi0uOYWEfy/s1600/DSC_8799.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" qba="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOBjg_xkfBo_GMhP3Uk3mPSaKeX4ySHRy94NX2oC0GGYDc_tPm-7Kz0omvG31jCmiMvl0nbFlwcU4MfDuLBnDlj6_KOdmgKvVjc3exLZC86saLISdz9iaLDWbdnq1TvyGMfjKi0uOYWEfy/s320/DSC_8799.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">The beautiful landscapes along the coast</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_ImfRtvNMZfmWHLy5kiR5G5ljbUDkW3dbohvX4mQsaJ_BhTSr2WQIgtQ4t5QWYpQIIfwh9mesZhhCiUgjIwKSG2ik55QiPI8OGQ6VJRtPycuC0lM4tWgNN-VcbaLJGDr0DJ1RbSdM-9-b/s1600/DSC_8803.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" qba="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_ImfRtvNMZfmWHLy5kiR5G5ljbUDkW3dbohvX4mQsaJ_BhTSr2WQIgtQ4t5QWYpQIIfwh9mesZhhCiUgjIwKSG2ik55QiPI8OGQ6VJRtPycuC0lM4tWgNN-VcbaLJGDr0DJ1RbSdM-9-b/s320/DSC_8803.jpg" width="213" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Enjoying some time looking out to the sea</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAeBwARD44e9gdi6pacmEvXbxdofke9TfAHMvJO6FpABDj6oJIbOTSHEb7LWRh2i0GE5qdEJS6nbLQzixF41K8iBtvz0s7D91e7_z-sRQ0p5nvAMRiGyc5Cf4id8EeWlInsKhGXjzf7f3y/s1600/DSC_8807.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" qba="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAeBwARD44e9gdi6pacmEvXbxdofke9TfAHMvJO6FpABDj6oJIbOTSHEb7LWRh2i0GE5qdEJS6nbLQzixF41K8iBtvz0s7D91e7_z-sRQ0p5nvAMRiGyc5Cf4id8EeWlInsKhGXjzf7f3y/s320/DSC_8807.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">My last views along the coast before heading upto Brisbane</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</div>laura newmanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16515951360170007806noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1969955670379426893.post-76104836738894322012-04-26T21:07:00.000-07:002012-04-26T21:07:13.812-07:00Sydney...<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Well the time came and we sadly departed Melbourne, saying farewell to our family and friends and looking onto our new adventure, the city of Sydney. We caught the overnight train from Melbourne to Sydney, the easier, cheaper and quicker option, so we thought why not. After a tiresome 14hours on a train, we where delayed along the journey as the night instigates track works and we where held in them. Arriving into the city feeling sleepy but excited, we checked our baggage into a storeroom for the day and embarked on exploring...after breakfast of course! </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">So, I briefly remembered certain places and familiar sights of the city from my last trip here a couple of years ago. I took the lead and navigated us around the city, well...I do have great navigational skills when it comes to finding my way around a place. It's one thing I am good at, finding my way when we are lost or only visiting a place once and never really forgetting where to go. So, we indulged in a pastry brunch served with delicious tea and coffee. The city was already alive bustling with people, noises and smells. We wandered through the streets, admiring all the buildings, street buskers....we even spent 30minutes watching a guy on drums and a trumpet! The weather was not the best, quite grey and small droplets of rain, but we didn't let that affect us. We marched on through the Paddy's Market, explored China Town and headed towards the Harbour. After strolling and stopping for a rest near Darling Harbour, we caught a glimpse of it....the vast structure of the one and only Sydney Harbour Bridge! This trail followed on to the lovely Opera House. I really like the Opera House, its location is great and the architecture that formulates this beauty is amazing. The outer shell almost reflects the light and allows the building to glisten. We ended our day resting in the Botanical Gardens, watching life pass us by and joking around with the wildlife. We felt really calm and content. As evening approached, we began to get excited again as we where heading into suburbia and staying with my lovely family friends Marie and Brian.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">When we arrived into Caringbah, we where greeted by Marie with a lovely warm hug. I love Marie, last time I visited Sydney I stayed with her and had the most amazing time. Marie and Brian welcomed us both into their beautiful home, having our own room and bathroom. It was great to have a base and really feel at home and comfortable. They have the sweetest cat called Nina, who John grew to love, after a few slasher incidents and run-ins they became the best of buds! Over the next few weeks, we stayed in Marie and Brian's, they took us to great places around Sydney, visiting beaches, coastal walks and eating in delicious bistro's! Through the week days, me and John did our own things, sightseeing and spending lots of our time down the local beach at Cronulla. What a mesmerising beach this is! </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">I was even more so excited to see my best friend Katie, herself and Kieran had only just emigrated over to Sydney from Liverpool. So, after a couple days we got to meet up, spending the evening in their wonderful new home at a great 'Ozzie' bbq! The area they live in is very open, bohemian and cool. The vibes around the area and people is very warm and friendly, I am so happy they have moved here and from observing them they seem so happy. In terms of lifestyle, they have it all, beach life, city life, cosmopolitan cafes and a great circle of friends. One thing with Sydney is that people really do work hard and long hours through the week, so work days start as early as 5am and work until 7pm, but when the weekend approaches, everybody fully enjoys them and takes time to relax and enjoy life. That's what I love about this culture, a real appreciation of life and most of all to enjoy it!</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">Staying with Marie and Brian, we got to enjoy lots of tasty meals, with John and Brian expressing their brilliant culinary skills. Each dish which was delivered was like a piece of art and with the approval from myself and Marie on the tasty treats, we all enjoyed our evenings, wine and dining and having lovely conversations. When we where making plans to depart and head up on a road trip up the East Coast, I felt quite sad to be leaving everybody. We felt really happy in Sydney and almost naturally at home. It's strange as we felt so strongly about Melbourne and the life of living there but deep down me and John loved the suburban life of Sydney. Saying goodbye to Marie and Brian was hard, to me they are my family and it's always hard saying goodbye to the ones you love. We have grown to appreciate those we love and have in our lives and especially with travelling, we are always on 'the go' and live out of backpack, so time settled in one place is like heaven to us. After a farewell kiss to Marie and Brian, we headed over to Newtown to spend our last evening with Katie and Kieran. They are really enjoying life over here and no matter where we are in the world I can always have fun with Katie. So, after our time in Sydney together, we had experienced brilliant days at beaches, catching the rays, enjoying the sea and having some good ole fun! We ate delicious food together and enjoyed a beverage or two...So, as the time came to say farewell, I felt strange. I think it was the emotions of sadness to say goodbye, happiness for spending time with them and everything rolled into one really. It's difficult to describe as these emotions can play with you when saying goodbye to the people and places you love! I know Katie will do brilliantly over in Sydney, so I just kept telling her how happy I am she is living this life and that no doubt I will soon be back over!! </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">We had arranged a road trip with a lovely couple, which unusually we met in Halong Bay on a boat trip. They are originally from Southampton and have lived in Australia a while, living in Sydney and about to take a road trip up to Brisbane. So after exchanging details and confirming our plans, we all set off in their monster car up along the East Coast. I felt happy...life back on the road! </span><br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgghUf8I20DgiMa_mvy-R42kFVcQoAmkoXl4POS9_ppelL3Ciwci4NI0nLPmutyNcVDujxxdu1hSVsvU_ZV70GL5hIWryHtrsNErexNnUCO_j7E9R8gtAOxJG7BYADmtvQXy9QAYUFCutyk/s1600/DSC_8051.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" oda="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgghUf8I20DgiMa_mvy-R42kFVcQoAmkoXl4POS9_ppelL3Ciwci4NI0nLPmutyNcVDujxxdu1hSVsvU_ZV70GL5hIWryHtrsNErexNnUCO_j7E9R8gtAOxJG7BYADmtvQXy9QAYUFCutyk/s320/DSC_8051.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Arriving into Sydney after a long train journey</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoFZgFBWOhRipTiCzzDQ4T0OnY3p7nMOJ8KBn8QL-qftnS1cMUINhWY_zvjaqQfjDjYQgnbtSl8gURmCTwuJ_IcksMac4YCFzGUlxLYdfthqG8x194MFGnEGfvSJfNdHpVdzBHTOGl1Vqr/s1600/DSC_8045.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" oda="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoFZgFBWOhRipTiCzzDQ4T0OnY3p7nMOJ8KBn8QL-qftnS1cMUINhWY_zvjaqQfjDjYQgnbtSl8gURmCTwuJ_IcksMac4YCFzGUlxLYdfthqG8x194MFGnEGfvSJfNdHpVdzBHTOGl1Vqr/s320/DSC_8045.JPG" width="213" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">With all my bags...exploring the city</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9IxkUXMN36uWfNKGO_agXJ5FAp4GxGWiPIRmTCZADHAFvggpWbUOwczP6g0OaIkfDMEj9DGrlW4cohV5EoWmXpXdZWiSn76VwBd6Lpel5_ldswnDKnC1zqS19RcYR7nRn6f4AoHnrL1ag/s1600/DSC_8056.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" oda="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9IxkUXMN36uWfNKGO_agXJ5FAp4GxGWiPIRmTCZADHAFvggpWbUOwczP6g0OaIkfDMEj9DGrlW4cohV5EoWmXpXdZWiSn76VwBd6Lpel5_ldswnDKnC1zqS19RcYR7nRn6f4AoHnrL1ag/s320/DSC_8056.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Admiring the Sydney Harbour Bridge</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtYJC8TuOIoOpDzVEc-TDfJ6zzPJhA8GK9VwCJYmmdAOKYg4FMdSKgdIzsx0kLbP5pdgEKdPjjdXO-bmBt3YphgWeMwBiDBYFgUmR04Erxxtj6D2aDQvfj883jP-vIpi_hBIr7Ir2pq5Rc/s1600/DSC_8093.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" oda="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtYJC8TuOIoOpDzVEc-TDfJ6zzPJhA8GK9VwCJYmmdAOKYg4FMdSKgdIzsx0kLbP5pdgEKdPjjdXO-bmBt3YphgWeMwBiDBYFgUmR04Erxxtj6D2aDQvfj883jP-vIpi_hBIr7Ir2pq5Rc/s320/DSC_8093.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Joking around outside the Opera House</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikdH0sxB7HRWOTR6jN1l-clfrv6Dlz9mq-kya7jfzsPTMR0oVsmUjjQ3ct6m1WAho1N7oZwVLh4XWlJbpvViw5fOguy1ZtTrDaT3P6fVg7JS3FnymKfqDYUClFT2XJt-HBS45NirCVdvut/s1600/DSC_8103.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" oda="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikdH0sxB7HRWOTR6jN1l-clfrv6Dlz9mq-kya7jfzsPTMR0oVsmUjjQ3ct6m1WAho1N7oZwVLh4XWlJbpvViw5fOguy1ZtTrDaT3P6fVg7JS3FnymKfqDYUClFT2XJt-HBS45NirCVdvut/s320/DSC_8103.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Enjoying the afternoon laying down in the Botanical Gardens</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjl76vnhcZC36kn_9oAezEZgC-Unnj4tNbyg9La_VJE1WAbRaYP93TofH-_Mzb03IQMJr_HAEU5hL5wzZTj2xEkBuzUhmA5ZiZdp3bV6zsiwnEIxGwqOyiwSbn1f6T6cQ9KLFp3Hd8pHtK2/s1600/DSC_8149.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" oda="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjl76vnhcZC36kn_9oAezEZgC-Unnj4tNbyg9La_VJE1WAbRaYP93TofH-_Mzb03IQMJr_HAEU5hL5wzZTj2xEkBuzUhmA5ZiZdp3bV6zsiwnEIxGwqOyiwSbn1f6T6cQ9KLFp3Hd8pHtK2/s320/DSC_8149.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Enjoying the waves down at Cronulla Beach</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3spJ5_RP1aCvtrfQcOgDw3V7tjfM6L8gAeQ65GISwAHhoV5lU9yDfs0yShN_l1XkiPL9GrTsqG5jompX6JLmgXwnjwYyFl2A3DINJSyd4g0GvJt-JisQattbebCpaQVIcKx4ehUmcBkRp/s1600/DSC_8111.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" oda="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3spJ5_RP1aCvtrfQcOgDw3V7tjfM6L8gAeQ65GISwAHhoV5lU9yDfs0yShN_l1XkiPL9GrTsqG5jompX6JLmgXwnjwYyFl2A3DINJSyd4g0GvJt-JisQattbebCpaQVIcKx4ehUmcBkRp/s320/DSC_8111.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">John was so happy watching the students having a PE surf lesson at the beach</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYaTAFO0oH3i3nrkmqhyphenhyphenaIGq86ukebdMXD5irO23b57eDMv-XocKDt3LRdKjW569p-2v8sp9_yhYu_6Yz6wk3e4NgVQYqnLcoT8H4POzUE1p-hK8qbnb819sei0p-wuy-5ugVvAHLbg_cv/s1600/DSC_8129.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" oda="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYaTAFO0oH3i3nrkmqhyphenhyphenaIGq86ukebdMXD5irO23b57eDMv-XocKDt3LRdKjW569p-2v8sp9_yhYu_6Yz6wk3e4NgVQYqnLcoT8H4POzUE1p-hK8qbnb819sei0p-wuy-5ugVvAHLbg_cv/s320/DSC_8129.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Just after being filmed for a music video taking a picture down at the beach</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZweZpV5qWRlMbcBwf6ukRTWMnfNeGNgeCazfucxyGq6LF66MN3awe9wMrJouKthOaBr0vq-7k_LDuPEq_ZZHMba8wKm4ewwTUEfXMjCwb1NLvzv4vX9GEeOkvoBYuVFo-AbVUX6429-LW/s1600/DSC_8162.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" oda="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZweZpV5qWRlMbcBwf6ukRTWMnfNeGNgeCazfucxyGq6LF66MN3awe9wMrJouKthOaBr0vq-7k_LDuPEq_ZZHMba8wKm4ewwTUEfXMjCwb1NLvzv4vX9GEeOkvoBYuVFo-AbVUX6429-LW/s320/DSC_8162.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Me and Marie having a stroll by the water</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiN6AH2_G2MV39uwtoXMBjB_ErkY7CY1pyyaXd9aZXpnl1JTwZSz2dmhfeH7cngzFJLP6MbYDg-k8EQXmhCMPTE8ukNHaIpGOKk65abyCw3qGu4aRs47zkx01A3LoIQfB2GLdk_p0Pw_sUe/s1600/DSC_8195.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" oda="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiN6AH2_G2MV39uwtoXMBjB_ErkY7CY1pyyaXd9aZXpnl1JTwZSz2dmhfeH7cngzFJLP6MbYDg-k8EQXmhCMPTE8ukNHaIpGOKk65abyCw3qGu4aRs47zkx01A3LoIQfB2GLdk_p0Pw_sUe/s320/DSC_8195.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Me, Marie and Brian joking around by the edge of the cliff</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFca1BzPDFcvMPyBIOblRgvj30S47fZkNlolbLNW5zsifYjH484q5WzDaGjcOnp1cE6Z-aKKgqxccnnpu_-Sqz53hO0sY0_Y-6LrCxqm3bErbnWfAN4TPpdG0H0tmNIdG2U1yVYuXXPsP3/s1600/DSC_8197.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" oda="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFca1BzPDFcvMPyBIOblRgvj30S47fZkNlolbLNW5zsifYjH484q5WzDaGjcOnp1cE6Z-aKKgqxccnnpu_-Sqz53hO0sY0_Y-6LrCxqm3bErbnWfAN4TPpdG0H0tmNIdG2U1yVYuXXPsP3/s320/DSC_8197.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">John, Marie and Brian...just before our lunch by the water</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8BJVuiA-AJH4T0e_Ziogp9WDtSixkjqX91ChRG-Op2CteKmYhT0OdgQCy4aWUqL8sSlZTqoQUNdbZpdoru3vMKpmWsC_Um9DLyf_i0TA3KoKtmcJTFbl0Dd9y0PlnW0ZtjyIuATCvDxKG/s1600/DSC_8219.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" oda="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8BJVuiA-AJH4T0e_Ziogp9WDtSixkjqX91ChRG-Op2CteKmYhT0OdgQCy4aWUqL8sSlZTqoQUNdbZpdoru3vMKpmWsC_Um9DLyf_i0TA3KoKtmcJTFbl0Dd9y0PlnW0ZtjyIuATCvDxKG/s320/DSC_8219.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">On Katie's balcony at the Ozzy BBQ!</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_9L-SFwBZzITm4TtTNi4TOJy09Suinage8tNQHQAzppsQhclWCl9g_JrG0CvT6mX0CyKAX2Cl_x6sRD-MMOgtoDbA1rZVChHcInECmi_NXCqpnimqUVX2juO-apiI3NBBoxlH2Wxd66jd/s1600/DSC_8226.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" oda="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_9L-SFwBZzITm4TtTNi4TOJy09Suinage8tNQHQAzppsQhclWCl9g_JrG0CvT6mX0CyKAX2Cl_x6sRD-MMOgtoDbA1rZVChHcInECmi_NXCqpnimqUVX2juO-apiI3NBBoxlH2Wxd66jd/s320/DSC_8226.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Popping to see Katie while she was on her first week of work</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEs57LPLBJNBDnDmLDJcr0G6Aajgu5-k05N14eq_985Mzk4gzgmNVg3qUkY-wykwUpswJ8Ve1A-Ii9EDUFHqdjD6tUCIU7audTX-sz55vNy7bXzf7jkjfl2OvcyOTNwtLaJOtJ4i9hFSBr/s1600/DSC_8242.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" oda="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEs57LPLBJNBDnDmLDJcr0G6Aajgu5-k05N14eq_985Mzk4gzgmNVg3qUkY-wykwUpswJ8Ve1A-Ii9EDUFHqdjD6tUCIU7audTX-sz55vNy7bXzf7jkjfl2OvcyOTNwtLaJOtJ4i9hFSBr/s320/DSC_8242.JPG" width="213" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Exploring the famous 'Rocks' of Sydney</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCbrUpUpXXtYmVouyWgAvGOG6g5F0SKMFAI27GROqVmevr5FTK7gfLdhpWvpmlDocaYilSSsy1ambJ8wgfHEA-VnARt0Hp3e1ywh57mFliov94zo5wOwkT32iLS3fh3lUAy1oE-eqveXAh/s1600/DSC_8266.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" oda="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCbrUpUpXXtYmVouyWgAvGOG6g5F0SKMFAI27GROqVmevr5FTK7gfLdhpWvpmlDocaYilSSsy1ambJ8wgfHEA-VnARt0Hp3e1ywh57mFliov94zo5wOwkT32iLS3fh3lUAy1oE-eqveXAh/s320/DSC_8266.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The lovely Opera House</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIACTWsS7qMdYegrgT-T1mJ7HPuxYIGtbxRDbwHbDCb_Ls1yjesVoxExuIgM493Ci0J6PcSx9pOyAdgHnUG8ls7lSSW8oyjx8AYA8XHYGW5EJjyHl1P-EeNGcjpdq8U2cGuaweqKq9iFss/s1600/DSC_8280.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" oda="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIACTWsS7qMdYegrgT-T1mJ7HPuxYIGtbxRDbwHbDCb_Ls1yjesVoxExuIgM493Ci0J6PcSx9pOyAdgHnUG8ls7lSSW8oyjx8AYA8XHYGW5EJjyHl1P-EeNGcjpdq8U2cGuaweqKq9iFss/s320/DSC_8280.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Enjoying the views and the sunshine</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbjy1EMMSytzC6Vp0f3FZ0JLVhsrIyMZ8IkusJu3Fnv4RHO-_425dGiZDJYl_Jf765xg0vd3cmjDlqHwOC6KtX2abcMJ0tkmgxvYSpHG90mO_1mH-rgrDAQmCIZoUaiUKwzUr821DrvK2U/s1600/DSC_8290.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" oda="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbjy1EMMSytzC6Vp0f3FZ0JLVhsrIyMZ8IkusJu3Fnv4RHO-_425dGiZDJYl_Jf765xg0vd3cmjDlqHwOC6KtX2abcMJ0tkmgxvYSpHG90mO_1mH-rgrDAQmCIZoUaiUKwzUr821DrvK2U/s320/DSC_8290.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Having a great day in the city</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOcXEvdFQ-wkzBH0jaSBiRILP1Qzt8vSflSxRnjbA74fr6qbnXfUBaw7n0HnVUbBgqdVRy19qR7mYqaQj2f8keAOw6UV6eopgeMAOfH7EOJDV6k2bmZc2P2XRz8JkC-cFCw-0P2C1IZ2j6/s1600/DSC_8354.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" oda="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOcXEvdFQ-wkzBH0jaSBiRILP1Qzt8vSflSxRnjbA74fr6qbnXfUBaw7n0HnVUbBgqdVRy19qR7mYqaQj2f8keAOw6UV6eopgeMAOfH7EOJDV6k2bmZc2P2XRz8JkC-cFCw-0P2C1IZ2j6/s320/DSC_8354.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">A day at the beach with our friends</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCv0p-481kbPqh0Bsg-UZO7UYnM_-J8fDmVCvukPd5Stt1TMIXw19ZzbPMnCoJ67QtrpAE5y1Jis3XDCs5vsR4ltckPwJI0Av4nEUhLWNxgsHhooXWXdDtEYkpNZ2L8MAl0eCoTgr-zh3N/s1600/DSC_8323.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" oda="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCv0p-481kbPqh0Bsg-UZO7UYnM_-J8fDmVCvukPd5Stt1TMIXw19ZzbPMnCoJ67QtrpAE5y1Jis3XDCs5vsR4ltckPwJI0Av4nEUhLWNxgsHhooXWXdDtEYkpNZ2L8MAl0eCoTgr-zh3N/s320/DSC_8323.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">A self picture balanced on a surfboard</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVRDuoagPTIoVmJ5K-QrPVjb1ruYaXI13fsQ895kWY2Ueu2jpnndS5Z9M5NxvwXMGxD_XACKdd9Ej2vrWR1YT2lIQv9g0THEIog10yoDTrqdEoEwqvKYUxOwcIAEXIejvJLJFKLsWzRqlF/s1600/DSC_8325.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" oda="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVRDuoagPTIoVmJ5K-QrPVjb1ruYaXI13fsQ895kWY2Ueu2jpnndS5Z9M5NxvwXMGxD_XACKdd9Ej2vrWR1YT2lIQv9g0THEIog10yoDTrqdEoEwqvKYUxOwcIAEXIejvJLJFKLsWzRqlF/s320/DSC_8325.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Fun times down at Cronulla Beach</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJYnPj1w1F4MpemFKZdcKpwbz5YstqeLskmIohG7Qj98oMh4NjDKDIJwIdOHG9pSi3nisOc6g_cEBdgISBRGEkV71I3o8SBRLSgaBDZaeKeoysfOJZdTlYiRiRZ__hSoFfgOV_MPC0qXZF/s1600/DSC_8385.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" oda="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJYnPj1w1F4MpemFKZdcKpwbz5YstqeLskmIohG7Qj98oMh4NjDKDIJwIdOHG9pSi3nisOc6g_cEBdgISBRGEkV71I3o8SBRLSgaBDZaeKeoysfOJZdTlYiRiRZ__hSoFfgOV_MPC0qXZF/s320/DSC_8385.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">A lovely morning stroll</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUtRGxKjlMpzFkfVXOJ16MTcfHnKJVplgvcvbbEpG2_no0UHlN8FHf04p8hrAHM36F-IBcE81ySpleqiZxLHXQsqi2-HqYMVF4L9W_jAeygGhv4DwFevsNdemy-X9GSOUsogic2BuwUsKX/s1600/DSC_8401.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" oda="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUtRGxKjlMpzFkfVXOJ16MTcfHnKJVplgvcvbbEpG2_no0UHlN8FHf04p8hrAHM36F-IBcE81ySpleqiZxLHXQsqi2-HqYMVF4L9W_jAeygGhv4DwFevsNdemy-X9GSOUsogic2BuwUsKX/s320/DSC_8401.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">John, me, Marie and Brian enjoying the Sunday sunshine</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6udTMwQLAMK3L6SsKSMrNmg3UG-xXCvR5GVDCWJP7Eni_UH91IIkCWh87VC3kpIOZIS6LDoGGxg1SaoiavWhDslIFQptGPhyO1XlWmIOEXfZp3IeMCBLmkBaZq5tZ0FgE_80kAX3EvkuQ/s1600/DSC_8414.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" oda="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6udTMwQLAMK3L6SsKSMrNmg3UG-xXCvR5GVDCWJP7Eni_UH91IIkCWh87VC3kpIOZIS6LDoGGxg1SaoiavWhDslIFQptGPhyO1XlWmIOEXfZp3IeMCBLmkBaZq5tZ0FgE_80kAX3EvkuQ/s320/DSC_8414.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Mmm....my Portuguese Chicken!!</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEin1PBruM8oRIHAYiKfRmkljkqLT1_mmYvhO02u6dlOE3yuVGLHeCljAfrxZ1m2mQRzUrWFgBY0IUgsweJsGvU9vmiLf-zYoOLkih_5DJ6oLCDGPRyKm-OPGCoytKv4grI5Zlcey5NbD-pz/s1600/DSC_8418.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" oda="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEin1PBruM8oRIHAYiKfRmkljkqLT1_mmYvhO02u6dlOE3yuVGLHeCljAfrxZ1m2mQRzUrWFgBY0IUgsweJsGvU9vmiLf-zYoOLkih_5DJ6oLCDGPRyKm-OPGCoytKv4grI5Zlcey5NbD-pz/s320/DSC_8418.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Enjoying our farewell meal at a local Portuguese restaurant</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnRNvL3ZsGc_DhVZtcluMpgqoVO1IeH0BoOiWZBjSGn855AnmiXIDMTT0zWPgpY07A8dHuWBOElKUNhcaixuOn2q-oYA-ZDFnZNLSWN2JhtLE0z77GGD_o1px0-tDEY8jOwJu7t_wJLnXP/s1600/DSC_8538.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" oda="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnRNvL3ZsGc_DhVZtcluMpgqoVO1IeH0BoOiWZBjSGn855AnmiXIDMTT0zWPgpY07A8dHuWBOElKUNhcaixuOn2q-oYA-ZDFnZNLSWN2JhtLE0z77GGD_o1px0-tDEY8jOwJu7t_wJLnXP/s320/DSC_8538.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The beautiful Nina 'aka - Slasher' the Cat</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7Pg8yKV6fbSsT2jUi2aKwh3LlHwitkwDgZPWZPfuhlAMY7ysJKtGVlhjMfeUkVCniWanLjhI8oZJqV06B9KHATzeHwuLzMHgSpCCPo0Ou9qoR5onBpjwmYlKdmK6glQatfnFv_49g3Tzf/s1600/DSC_8564.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" oda="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7Pg8yKV6fbSsT2jUi2aKwh3LlHwitkwDgZPWZPfuhlAMY7ysJKtGVlhjMfeUkVCniWanLjhI8oZJqV06B9KHATzeHwuLzMHgSpCCPo0Ou9qoR5onBpjwmYlKdmK6glQatfnFv_49g3Tzf/s320/DSC_8564.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">John drooling as Kieran cooks up a treat on the bbq</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh10FlbpZsgUouvHVo-J7qb5iJkYVWubZ4XeGEPr2WkymGKRciqAPyV4GCKhjITmzUCudSVrQlBgCQWCLGbERh92rO5T8HXLJdGQRmhjeegVRfH33PUeFtdbNqoP1yioqsetYw6oVrejpc6/s1600/DSC_8560.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" oda="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh10FlbpZsgUouvHVo-J7qb5iJkYVWubZ4XeGEPr2WkymGKRciqAPyV4GCKhjITmzUCudSVrQlBgCQWCLGbERh92rO5T8HXLJdGQRmhjeegVRfH33PUeFtdbNqoP1yioqsetYw6oVrejpc6/s320/DSC_8560.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Me, Kieran, Katie and Jess enjoying our afternoon bbq lunch</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOa08GpDB76rjatQ53vwWSMvOFKJnp0_PXE3qg8F5b96O355MCytIbvfW0GKrJhfqUKf6nFvmwcQwUVesRBiH6Plp5o0b3LZw2VUDcvDlQLyjXZ6ZdT5j4BAv3AhkRPrsrjAq3rydDwKxQ/s1600/DSC_8420.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" oda="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOa08GpDB76rjatQ53vwWSMvOFKJnp0_PXE3qg8F5b96O355MCytIbvfW0GKrJhfqUKf6nFvmwcQwUVesRBiH6Plp5o0b3LZw2VUDcvDlQLyjXZ6ZdT5j4BAv3AhkRPrsrjAq3rydDwKxQ/s320/DSC_8420.JPG" width="213" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Having a traditional Bondi Burger</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhl08bKRtxVKnLTvqcgmd02s6V5oJdsHffLLFazx-t-GM4NvUuopluiMF3Owixa8pVXNPW3Z_hmdH3evDkHTIQhTdIAQAaGRPDDlDM7y9urvmcefD_-RxIuKsCaUxwdx6V7AXV98hLQ0bcW/s1600/DSC_8426.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" oda="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhl08bKRtxVKnLTvqcgmd02s6V5oJdsHffLLFazx-t-GM4NvUuopluiMF3Owixa8pVXNPW3Z_hmdH3evDkHTIQhTdIAQAaGRPDDlDM7y9urvmcefD_-RxIuKsCaUxwdx6V7AXV98hLQ0bcW/s320/DSC_8426.JPG" width="213" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Treating myself to an ice cream on a super hot day</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmIRn8kfUy0zANesQp9S6zlydcZpIXzu8DYMtMw1hSKY93Se6E4IgvSJM53av3XByA0I0uo005XDV8RXUk6zSyUyvCSu20yJrLzyaeHBYs15JNMdgTHsuHKwEaPI_3vav2_rvjy9r8JOJu/s1600/DSC_8433.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" oda="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmIRn8kfUy0zANesQp9S6zlydcZpIXzu8DYMtMw1hSKY93Se6E4IgvSJM53av3XByA0I0uo005XDV8RXUk6zSyUyvCSu20yJrLzyaeHBYs15JNMdgTHsuHKwEaPI_3vav2_rvjy9r8JOJu/s320/DSC_8433.JPG" width="213" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Heading down to the beach</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh20GeKJtoz1idVHTrjd452s2mQvchoI3M5lCT6MNtakjobjl57T3Zn3dwpXUITtmP5hfjPHj4K8k3i57jztKoK9KZSNK22h0yaJHuYmb6qBqvRfPrHZHVuvg-UQfsBANp2lpZ_JPk-vUwl/s1600/DSC_8453.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" oda="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh20GeKJtoz1idVHTrjd452s2mQvchoI3M5lCT6MNtakjobjl57T3Zn3dwpXUITtmP5hfjPHj4K8k3i57jztKoK9KZSNK22h0yaJHuYmb6qBqvRfPrHZHVuvg-UQfsBANp2lpZ_JPk-vUwl/s320/DSC_8453.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Enjoying the beautiful Bondi Beach</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_0aaOsLaLGN9xJHvhuZ2PwxQaVi-e6ahHxUO_V4jKrvfb5cp1ph4AOhr17MiUUSMLm2JLSYPf7w9IZw7orCKaMnRZIk-82IJ0HCFK5JdAyHgohH13K4MQR3C1iO_692rO2Rb24rH1dgzy/s1600/DSC_8468.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" oda="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_0aaOsLaLGN9xJHvhuZ2PwxQaVi-e6ahHxUO_V4jKrvfb5cp1ph4AOhr17MiUUSMLm2JLSYPf7w9IZw7orCKaMnRZIk-82IJ0HCFK5JdAyHgohH13K4MQR3C1iO_692rO2Rb24rH1dgzy/s320/DSC_8468.JPG" width="213" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Walking around the cliffs, some amazing waves, rocks and views</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKJKQhUlO-ktTWrCpgCkgXnJhyphenhyphenfsEO8u_wHuYSCFYwAJqmYOPlevf86hcNkxO2vIYhnl-ozSCnY0dGYV1-VbQqHOf4-8drC-o9kPvRb_KXozoDDpczhBrraZBRa8b7B3mOZoWncm5LaJoU/s1600/DSC_8480.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" oda="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKJKQhUlO-ktTWrCpgCkgXnJhyphenhyphenfsEO8u_wHuYSCFYwAJqmYOPlevf86hcNkxO2vIYhnl-ozSCnY0dGYV1-VbQqHOf4-8drC-o9kPvRb_KXozoDDpczhBrraZBRa8b7B3mOZoWncm5LaJoU/s320/DSC_8480.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The landscape is beautiful with a lush breeze flowing by</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvSrQl_qMA8FWFJxhpXZxgwPLjGm3zrdh81xywSHBAegDmU91GA_jGRSU1XJ9edxdYEshUWwqGlLSKVcYD3AFI0pbslOkBNiMqGfMXgiWY4fD6RADp-gyGdNupa5L9vNs3OS_9Z9XWoClL/s1600/DSC_8481.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" oda="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvSrQl_qMA8FWFJxhpXZxgwPLjGm3zrdh81xywSHBAegDmU91GA_jGRSU1XJ9edxdYEshUWwqGlLSKVcYD3AFI0pbslOkBNiMqGfMXgiWY4fD6RADp-gyGdNupa5L9vNs3OS_9Z9XWoClL/s320/DSC_8481.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The last trails of Bondi...as we head further away</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFl3B5DqOiXEsMw9xwyGhztLxNe_eIUCBAUqoaUVg_h9CyzzNXkgDjva6SUtyAbkMeHlwCiKZAXsu7s_NnSHcdNvjHsoNxaz42pNE66T6SS7VI9YFsU4VRsQvY4PeCwPTjSn4bEGlRinq5/s1600/DSC_8497.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" oda="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFl3B5DqOiXEsMw9xwyGhztLxNe_eIUCBAUqoaUVg_h9CyzzNXkgDjva6SUtyAbkMeHlwCiKZAXsu7s_NnSHcdNvjHsoNxaz42pNE66T6SS7VI9YFsU4VRsQvY4PeCwPTjSn4bEGlRinq5/s320/DSC_8497.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Me and Sean enjoying the views</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgs0aJRvGhAnvd0IZGEc3FwixXRKRVVxJ949PW35ibTPpFbKNEHk4UWgm6BRftZvkw_VraaopS7JimG-1OmUB3PCV0dDoyypwmJEg0qVTZ0thWTwX609Y_yD68uu_PrwtDICT61_7KoUQlz/s1600/DSC_8507.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" oda="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgs0aJRvGhAnvd0IZGEc3FwixXRKRVVxJ949PW35ibTPpFbKNEHk4UWgm6BRftZvkw_VraaopS7JimG-1OmUB3PCV0dDoyypwmJEg0qVTZ0thWTwX609Y_yD68uu_PrwtDICT61_7KoUQlz/s320/DSC_8507.JPG" width="213" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Being windswept up the mountain...love it!</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwNby77nShES5uQYUWU68MTUmbUGWz5sRCSzTFLncHRhBSXmiN6PP9XT1vcBqG6swFlcrCi7ScY3Ths7r8fYyn8lFTZLsgDvruQJauoGyAvoNIt3RLbdGpRY0SvzWL2I0ZZ2OB7vFLWDyo/s1600/DSC_8516.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" oda="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwNby77nShES5uQYUWU68MTUmbUGWz5sRCSzTFLncHRhBSXmiN6PP9XT1vcBqG6swFlcrCi7ScY3Ths7r8fYyn8lFTZLsgDvruQJauoGyAvoNIt3RLbdGpRY0SvzWL2I0ZZ2OB7vFLWDyo/s320/DSC_8516.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">A great end to the day. Me, Sean and John loving the Sydney sights!!</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</div>laura newmanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16515951360170007806noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1969955670379426893.post-76930067486484434292012-04-21T00:07:00.002-07:002012-04-21T00:07:21.864-07:00Melbourne...<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">So arriving into Melbourne early evening, I was super excited to see my family. Nader was brilliant and dropped us off at my cousin Kevin and his wife Emma's lovely home. They live in an amazing area, they have the magical Botanical Gardens on one side of them and a bustling cosmopolitan vibe of Chapel Street towards the other way, plus it is only a gentle 20 minute walk straight into the city. Seeing the family is brilliant, as it makes me feel comfortable again and able to truly relax and take time to rest, talk and just be happy. Our first few days, we took it easy and caught up with the small things we needed to do, such as washing, organising and most of all...having plenty cups of tea! </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Melbourne is such a vibrant city, it has something happening all the time, whether it be sports, arts, music, everything and anything really. The weather was dull and a little wet to start with in our stay but thankfully the sunshine appeared and made our daily ventures even more enjoyable. There was always something to do each day in Melbourne, I grew so comfortable in knowing the area and even the people are so open and friendly. I even managed my first bit of exercise in a long time...a 3km jog around 'The Tan' a popular running circuit, I must admit it killed me, made me realise how unfit I actually am these days. Throughout our days in Melbourne we went the usual sightseeing and experienced some brilliant places, I particularly enjoyed my morning strolls through the Botanical Gardens, with the sun shining and lots of wildlife, it was such a calming place to be. The city is super cultural so everybody is different, people from all walks of life are friends and there is so much street entertainment happening, I love watching live busking music! </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">As the time passed in Melbourne, a special day was approaching, this special day is my birthday! I decided to treat myself to a new pair of pumps, as my last pair had an awful odour, 2 holes in, ripped along the bag and generally excessively warn. So, the morning I woke up feeling happy, opening my gifts and cards, then made my daily journey through the Botancial Gardens to watch the ducks. Then we ventured into the city and had a lovely day out, heading back early to prepare for the long awaited...beauty process. This is where I made myself feel pretty, borrowing Emma's lovely polka dot dress and with a pair of heels, I felt 'dressy' for the first time since being away. We enjoyed the warm evening heading down to Southgate, a really cool trendy part of the city right by the river. We enjoyed some nice drinks and chatting the evening away, then all of sudden I heard this noise. When I say noise, this is not just any normal noise, it is something I have used and still use to this day with my dad, we call it the 'Newman Whistle'. It's so funny, when I was a small child he would use that whistle so I could always find him if I ever felt lost and even on random days back home, we will jokingly do the whistle to each other. So, there I am sitting all glamous on my birthday, enjoying wonderful drinks with my family and I suddenly hear the 'Newman Whistle', I jolted up like a meerkat and as I spun around there was my mum and dad standing behind me. I was in total shock with happiness, I literally could not talk for at least 5 minutes and my face was beaming anf glowing with delight. I felt so emotional, one of happiness, surprise and love. We spent the next couple of hours, enjoying a delicious meal, sharing conversations and more opening of presents! Then, a surprise chocolate birthday cake popped out with the whole bar/restaurant singing happy birthday to me, my cousin and his wife Emma had treated me to this surprise. The rest of the evening, we graced an amazing skyscraper bar overlooking the city and then ended the evening dancing in the local pub close to home. This was one of the best evening's and birthdays of my life, one that I will cherish and never forget! </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The next week, we spent many days with my family, most of the time I was constantly with my mum and dad, dosing up on my time with them. It's mad I really began to realise how much I had missed them and it's the small things like conversations and popping the shops together, sharing dinner or cuppa's are the things I love. We ventured out to the city plenty of times, visiting lots of tourist attractions, luckily the weather was sunshine which made the days even better for all of us. As the time approahed, my mum and dad moved on with their own adventure heading up towards Cairns, so I got up at 6am to wave them farewell. I felt quite subdued, the day was cold and rainy and goodbye's are never really easy. Deep down though I knew I was happy to have seen them and that no matter what they are never really that far away. As my mum has always told me 'no matter where you are in the world, your only ever one phone call away' and that's something I believe greatly in. My mum and dad have always wanted me to go off on my adventure, go see the world, experience cultures, people, foods and embrace it all. So, I was ready to keep enjoying it all. </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Our final weekend in Melbourne was approaching and this was going to be a spectacular one. My family had bought me a ticket to the Melbourne F1 race for my birthday present. On the Saturday, we ventured into the city to celebrate good ole 'St.Patrick's Day', graced with an array of green, we enjoyed plenty of beers, good music and a lovely pie on the last train home. On the Sunday, we where all heading down to the race track to have a brilliant day out, see lots of cool cars and be prepared for the volume of the roaring engines. The day was once again filled with sunshine, which of course made me even happier, then we started off early, walking around the track edge, viewing different races. We observed the amazing planes in the sky, completing plenty of acrobatics and at one point a Boeing plane even joined in, flying low and tilting itself side to side. We managed to give Jenson Button and Lewis Hamilton a wave, to which John swears they waved back once he shouted them! The race itself was on a while and the thrill of the sounds of those cars is wonderful. There is a real buzz in the air and everybody is out to have a good day out. After, a long day in the sunshine we ended with a pizza to go home and enjoyed a lovely chilled night at home. The whole weekend had been fun filled, eventful and a brilliant buzz for the whole city. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">As I reflect upon my time in Melbourne, I realise how great a city it is, it has the cool bohemian area of St.Kilda if you want to enjoy cakes and beach life. You have a buzzing night out around Tourak and Chapel Street, oozing with lots of funky bars and clubs. The city itself is a miss-mash of total uniqueness, where everybody is open and themselves. There is so much being invested here, lots of the people love living here and there is so much taking place in terms of arts, performance, festivals and music. I ponder a thought and shall leave this with you, a wise man once advised me that for everything that want, need, enjoy or love, it's all summed up in small phrase... 'Only in Melbourne' </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
</span><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVYxEhGoC_nzs49_QedVqvt2VPh4RYvU60YK1UixQwakjJWB7537hTCKgc7BNT-m6VpZIxgwEV_bAzEDVxvPO6n4sNNe3b_ycDFYqWwluRQOC8qPRw2Qw58UDqSzAd2lyJE9oNm8KWDpd1/s1600/DSC_7106.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" qda="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVYxEhGoC_nzs49_QedVqvt2VPh4RYvU60YK1UixQwakjJWB7537hTCKgc7BNT-m6VpZIxgwEV_bAzEDVxvPO6n4sNNe3b_ycDFYqWwluRQOC8qPRw2Qw58UDqSzAd2lyJE9oNm8KWDpd1/s320/DSC_7106.jpg" width="213" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Enjoying the laneways of Melbourne</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzOE-AgCRH2pKYEShF9vYcuxH4iQ6pwQDr12tXsFWrFLmJDwZqvQdDoatoUqJ1_tawrEPIPQOeWB22xs1DAvvr-RN77SwInTDOZ5rtKzp7qnYiBj_7XumM-RaJ7eH8AIS4tqqULnnv3SBz/s1600/DSC_7061.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" qda="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzOE-AgCRH2pKYEShF9vYcuxH4iQ6pwQDr12tXsFWrFLmJDwZqvQdDoatoUqJ1_tawrEPIPQOeWB22xs1DAvvr-RN77SwInTDOZ5rtKzp7qnYiBj_7XumM-RaJ7eH8AIS4tqqULnnv3SBz/s320/DSC_7061.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Morning walks through the Botanical Gardens</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6KmNAj2of2JZ0wLJJBiPDlevyrPBlkbM6VC0LsvU1SuX2crpPE_oLfqFFr68YudaKV-VV0XPRXedncoRFewlGThpSPMu4nKGmPuPypn9Z73HfbtH_BIlCYWVGA5xLK1Hy5PmKdt_zHbco/s1600/DSC_6830.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" qda="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6KmNAj2of2JZ0wLJJBiPDlevyrPBlkbM6VC0LsvU1SuX2crpPE_oLfqFFr68YudaKV-VV0XPRXedncoRFewlGThpSPMu4nKGmPuPypn9Z73HfbtH_BIlCYWVGA5xLK1Hy5PmKdt_zHbco/s320/DSC_6830.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">John heading into the cricket match at the MCG</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimVL-mR9L1KD1siSMuv6X-MPsojRB4hs4o-bHp9FWN7465m1g1x0dNvrLX1enwUCCb7cADZjj77vKBGaOiRjBYg9kkxe-tWGe8o8GtctWhZybDW8rV8XWL_TrIA1SW0yrCTm5SmBPMyt0n/s1600/DSC_6941.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" qda="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimVL-mR9L1KD1siSMuv6X-MPsojRB4hs4o-bHp9FWN7465m1g1x0dNvrLX1enwUCCb7cADZjj77vKBGaOiRjBYg9kkxe-tWGe8o8GtctWhZybDW8rV8XWL_TrIA1SW0yrCTm5SmBPMyt0n/s320/DSC_6941.jpg" width="213" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Meeting Jamie Oliver and winning a $200 frying pan</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOdg2L9ucRNW1uUd5Ch462tJ88wzWZyf27txxCr0OFGedUZflTTEIPXshyphenhyphenaA5nctaX3hpvpUcM5hxp9h7Dw_3i_YEaF5GoIIqtclB8nUOOB2qtm1UDIq56fcnRqZSfYS2szTStM8ZuAfB9/s1600/DSC_7122.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" qda="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOdg2L9ucRNW1uUd5Ch462tJ88wzWZyf27txxCr0OFGedUZflTTEIPXshyphenhyphenaA5nctaX3hpvpUcM5hxp9h7Dw_3i_YEaF5GoIIqtclB8nUOOB2qtm1UDIq56fcnRqZSfYS2szTStM8ZuAfB9/s320/DSC_7122.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Some brilliant street busking in the city</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzDK5io3gOYBlcbccKo3ZGt_xPKv_Ikn0jVuyom0KnZw2gwqCEqFqiyM_7T8ZmBqP87TjFevoGK2sM7YFjjT-AktVpXlaVDu8lUGsdtWk3En2H7XsxO-6ddSuYyjLeFIkR6GZ6Z-2k7lM7/s1600/DSC_8031.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" qda="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzDK5io3gOYBlcbccKo3ZGt_xPKv_Ikn0jVuyom0KnZw2gwqCEqFqiyM_7T8ZmBqP87TjFevoGK2sM7YFjjT-AktVpXlaVDu8lUGsdtWk3En2H7XsxO-6ddSuYyjLeFIkR6GZ6Z-2k7lM7/s320/DSC_8031.jpg" width="213" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Saying a tearful 'farewell' to my beloved pumps</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNz_uL0quaNl3dJU4IibHxQFcA8rrhzeRmmYdrESOiQYAaqee5VqhJlwdYjwTbT2PPeI3sZeb2XGz9RcZgIQwb472G17Xj7h8xq5iR1qLRSTGfuJT50lq9BcVh7MM4GE1bPUvnW80cyAh8/s1600/DSC_7175.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" qda="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNz_uL0quaNl3dJU4IibHxQFcA8rrhzeRmmYdrESOiQYAaqee5VqhJlwdYjwTbT2PPeI3sZeb2XGz9RcZgIQwb472G17Xj7h8xq5iR1qLRSTGfuJT50lq9BcVh7MM4GE1bPUvnW80cyAh8/s320/DSC_7175.jpg" width="213" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Opening all my cards and presents on my BIRTHDAY...</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhapkHephipkWdVDwDPBNk4y_OwX1MIMcEc8ikLKjshrmp9T6D4265qXSNevaQx2E1Ig5gggXrGr5PDGq-RkQm8Ersbf6QcEHTQdcSI_HzNMO4C4p0wo12_fjB0JFxuJGC-1PDHQpg5uqt9/s1600/DSC_7177.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" qda="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhapkHephipkWdVDwDPBNk4y_OwX1MIMcEc8ikLKjshrmp9T6D4265qXSNevaQx2E1Ig5gggXrGr5PDGq-RkQm8Ersbf6QcEHTQdcSI_HzNMO4C4p0wo12_fjB0JFxuJGC-1PDHQpg5uqt9/s320/DSC_7177.jpg" width="213" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Morning birthday stroll through the Gardens</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTXGsNxV66-te1t1rKdhCxzKu7jX8fgYToKW_Kmprnw2reBfOJ728cGAHVpdatXtRIkHptVdopwuz6Y6xvNitvAg11W0pHvAVZtwLBr7jpA_IDRnaREzeW7EhnPuOxkzLFtyzYoao2ZKWj/s1600/DSC_7201.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" qda="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTXGsNxV66-te1t1rKdhCxzKu7jX8fgYToKW_Kmprnw2reBfOJ728cGAHVpdatXtRIkHptVdopwuz6Y6xvNitvAg11W0pHvAVZtwLBr7jpA_IDRnaREzeW7EhnPuOxkzLFtyzYoao2ZKWj/s320/DSC_7201.jpg" width="213" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Stopping off at the art gallery, playing around with the water and kids...</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br /><br />
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRnFI79mY7uxVowsihYavH_WTQSlJpZh_dQ_DwfRApwELnFEPhX8rk7KqPw7f3o_L8lArH5HnbaXo_FL0p49ZU7HQUvtSXoium2G4qKYpA1m8xgvZRAT5I5skcQrdTFXYzQm7niuSc8jeJ/s1600/DSC_7545.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" qda="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRnFI79mY7uxVowsihYavH_WTQSlJpZh_dQ_DwfRApwELnFEPhX8rk7KqPw7f3o_L8lArH5HnbaXo_FL0p49ZU7HQUvtSXoium2G4qKYpA1m8xgvZRAT5I5skcQrdTFXYzQm7niuSc8jeJ/s320/DSC_7545.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Enjoying the beautiful city of Melbourne</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh45Sx-JSogW-0SdHmSZkmbCC6qbX96uubCxiw1HJV21puPkfWPxMyKvg3gPMjPIl9TbRaT05kiLLS5yKuFH6qiqKlVc-MXHhqLlMvxTMYFL-mOQHBxWKoH5ee2w-1JePHcrCSfNFPjSysY/s1600/DSCF2225%255B1%255D" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh45Sx-JSogW-0SdHmSZkmbCC6qbX96uubCxiw1HJV21puPkfWPxMyKvg3gPMjPIl9TbRaT05kiLLS5yKuFH6qiqKlVc-MXHhqLlMvxTMYFL-mOQHBxWKoH5ee2w-1JePHcrCSfNFPjSysY/s320/DSCF2225%255B1%255D" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The amazing night full of surprises, I am so happy...</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRUei9jr2qVN4EpUsoQ0rogk5HtcpymypavSMBZ3ZuyS8tgdKrhyphenhyphenCb9HqBzhC-B_4YKJ1ZAKZDjhgHtrkH00BRB9npuLeGDNxOdoZhP2JZutPu1emUyxN4qcNk7aR9iMxr4M6YMYuOCkWg/s1600/la.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRUei9jr2qVN4EpUsoQ0rogk5HtcpymypavSMBZ3ZuyS8tgdKrhyphenhyphenCb9HqBzhC-B_4YKJ1ZAKZDjhgHtrkH00BRB9npuLeGDNxOdoZhP2JZutPu1emUyxN4qcNk7aR9iMxr4M6YMYuOCkWg/s200/la.jpg" width="150" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">All tucking into the tasty chocolate cake</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhz0DHPUPTNnd6sidmNHMqzBIerwSpIQ8MvGi254FJ5A5BoY6X6P1IrFeHjEgityfCqF8wcWByb7MhyphenhyphenN5d6S5mpk8Z9tt0QqJEBuRjQQ9MeSCY83bfZ0vP1wdA6XEXfdisfgJfmm_qmKDME/s1600/DSCF2227%255B1%255D" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhz0DHPUPTNnd6sidmNHMqzBIerwSpIQ8MvGi254FJ5A5BoY6X6P1IrFeHjEgityfCqF8wcWByb7MhyphenhyphenN5d6S5mpk8Z9tt0QqJEBuRjQQ9MeSCY83bfZ0vP1wdA6XEXfdisfgJfmm_qmKDME/s320/DSCF2227%255B1%255D" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Giving my dad a thank-you kiss</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWWV654t5-98zq8raIdm49of4CDy6uRYuhyQvCCztvJ9nF5LHw6FuSAq65cAOw8OZGdgfQUtjL1HbFltQGM4ugYNkGGiLLvfQGdktdPdq1AVbLB01dGHtU4YsMVTp4azsNLKdCUv8Sf5Is/s1600/DSCF2221%255B1%255D" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWWV654t5-98zq8raIdm49of4CDy6uRYuhyQvCCztvJ9nF5LHw6FuSAq65cAOw8OZGdgfQUtjL1HbFltQGM4ugYNkGGiLLvfQGdktdPdq1AVbLB01dGHtU4YsMVTp4azsNLKdCUv8Sf5Is/s320/DSCF2221%255B1%255D" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">John super happy with his presents too</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRpc2D-vlO4DlX5amyCXB8cLoPgFE773nyRbht5D6cPxxpk-fOyM-J9Qdg-diTbni3drR5X08fkpzPOFh86OPk8gdHoSAZ9ajFgMHPZa3oyk0N2XrJToO5BEXm1ZMwxzryWm_4Xgi1uGPW/s1600/DSCF2246%255B1%255D" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRpc2D-vlO4DlX5amyCXB8cLoPgFE773nyRbht5D6cPxxpk-fOyM-J9Qdg-diTbni3drR5X08fkpzPOFh86OPk8gdHoSAZ9ajFgMHPZa3oyk0N2XrJToO5BEXm1ZMwxzryWm_4Xgi1uGPW/s320/DSCF2246%255B1%255D" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Out in the bars enjoying the live band playing sweet music</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgigKc4VQns0Wmoa4zhLJrdhXlDlr15HOWXGuIdctE9PZ6HZZHvE8qy20BBgBXAKIKAbyU0ANuEVaXxuBC9wJ3pt_6F11uqEPorHTgAU_7lxxEBH41OgjLebBEXHU89jhp6FEm8okDJ7goh/s1600/DSCF2244%255B1%255D" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgigKc4VQns0Wmoa4zhLJrdhXlDlr15HOWXGuIdctE9PZ6HZZHvE8qy20BBgBXAKIKAbyU0ANuEVaXxuBC9wJ3pt_6F11uqEPorHTgAU_7lxxEBH41OgjLebBEXHU89jhp6FEm8okDJ7goh/s320/DSCF2244%255B1%255D" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">All having a laugh and dancing the night away</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoiprHR1LKopnb5WNZIzT5pQhffti7YG0log5ByAVoEO41JqnjTIfoUX_nWoJF37opsm7Es0Bnkxwaik3uOG6HZqHdvs6615EnR4hHWKPdMZmQvmVf-sb5OOcyoA4r3y5WtOzXEKxzDKSb/s1600/DSCF2240%255B1%255D" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoiprHR1LKopnb5WNZIzT5pQhffti7YG0log5ByAVoEO41JqnjTIfoUX_nWoJF37opsm7Es0Bnkxwaik3uOG6HZqHdvs6615EnR4hHWKPdMZmQvmVf-sb5OOcyoA4r3y5WtOzXEKxzDKSb/s320/DSCF2240%255B1%255D" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">My dad's so funny in his scarf...all enjoying the night in the skyscraper bar overlooking the city</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFBLgrxxi9jxTtSm3-2ivN1txkYR_R9oaKFkvETLrkC9h5LW0niJQrgbJkOTTircymgTOv6XJrMcKr3DC3c3ZnJHQwGGjw4rBwlD8yYuFvCuVTL-AqLCi9AvTVCvnLpxM2eb0pwu7pi-PH/s1600/DSCF2248%255B1%255D" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFBLgrxxi9jxTtSm3-2ivN1txkYR_R9oaKFkvETLrkC9h5LW0niJQrgbJkOTTircymgTOv6XJrMcKr3DC3c3ZnJHQwGGjw4rBwlD8yYuFvCuVTL-AqLCi9AvTVCvnLpxM2eb0pwu7pi-PH/s320/DSCF2248%255B1%255D" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">All having a wonderful night on my birthday</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7mZufGNFJLrqxDjzmZuN93Ec8tDUzk14fozGLzZgjLbzMQNzwq1nqvVujoakIMwadRP35mRvpirSXnYZUeGBV8G7kur7WQADDJpvjYJzVmsZpLCMz2w7-6QAeBtLGsWLu0fojW5s3KxuQ/s1600/DSC_7669.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7mZufGNFJLrqxDjzmZuN93Ec8tDUzk14fozGLzZgjLbzMQNzwq1nqvVujoakIMwadRP35mRvpirSXnYZUeGBV8G7kur7WQADDJpvjYJzVmsZpLCMz2w7-6QAeBtLGsWLu0fojW5s3KxuQ/s320/DSC_7669.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Off sightseeing the city of Melbourne</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQjh5sDV-BANcs5esDps7CRUXu1xAWEWUSCiamH8N_CoH5s3beRMt2rBuDqG_-0Ryfy89-pFIfn5yUwWvZEmRGBjLbUmyIgZPT1rrDmWVPkr9C4kSUEPfu8-H2DUkergGUWKub_CJKBN0S/s1600/DSC_7400.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQjh5sDV-BANcs5esDps7CRUXu1xAWEWUSCiamH8N_CoH5s3beRMt2rBuDqG_-0Ryfy89-pFIfn5yUwWvZEmRGBjLbUmyIgZPT1rrDmWVPkr9C4kSUEPfu8-H2DUkergGUWKub_CJKBN0S/s320/DSC_7400.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Enjoying the Moomba Festival</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgu9hTnR1Rvx7yWyiH-SnZ8ydRxDLktcKvrh3__Dp1ISxbmLdb5hcnUmEDK94X2g-Vw8B5FaNISi-HclpH_yqMfwXhm9H7qfLF_gedqhuIjM-gsppsrGOpREBoRvEEdxhJC3De51z7Z6YHx/s1600/DSC_7623.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgu9hTnR1Rvx7yWyiH-SnZ8ydRxDLktcKvrh3__Dp1ISxbmLdb5hcnUmEDK94X2g-Vw8B5FaNISi-HclpH_yqMfwXhm9H7qfLF_gedqhuIjM-gsppsrGOpREBoRvEEdxhJC3De51z7Z6YHx/s320/DSC_7623.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Up in the Eureka Tower, overlooking the whole city</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQ2_CCKZYxLZdhSlWM8LCeq5jBLG5yO850LzKizegsfpxdoFWcTMterLf5qDQP4NfzxFQgjV1BTnNdEy9KktHzTpyX06cBryPKK6jt4vNYwzfymxMkOC4_I-IVFNykqoNNeYmzmbeb-Zz_/s1600/DSC_7663.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQ2_CCKZYxLZdhSlWM8LCeq5jBLG5yO850LzKizegsfpxdoFWcTMterLf5qDQP4NfzxFQgjV1BTnNdEy9KktHzTpyX06cBryPKK6jt4vNYwzfymxMkOC4_I-IVFNykqoNNeYmzmbeb-Zz_/s320/DSC_7663.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My mum and John joking around, capturing a good snap too!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7CHGnq3IZEOFKh69w8B6y1onP3W89IKMxGjnlq3dS_HiNXiKzy7pvw0JR-yDhb4Rt2jMm78WNhehgSbcbEZaLapHZa6LuWmRHoVho3qTE9dl5sQ7T09vbLdxSyZrEuEkGRgiwkYwsPEBd/s1600/DSC_7512.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7CHGnq3IZEOFKh69w8B6y1onP3W89IKMxGjnlq3dS_HiNXiKzy7pvw0JR-yDhb4Rt2jMm78WNhehgSbcbEZaLapHZa6LuWmRHoVho3qTE9dl5sQ7T09vbLdxSyZrEuEkGRgiwkYwsPEBd/s320/DSC_7512.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My cousin Kevin giving an interesting and comical tour ride around the city on the trams</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjidfYySusLwfMGXqdCkrxjRcvyyOwM4tmHaurSQd1lYXw_rJd2ISe7yTjUq2rAebSp04oM9f_hOqTYqfve71EgvkxmoMCZfpEIzOtlm7wnaT7doLYwojAdj-KQfZ5ygF5jXP7pCAcFj9dK/s1600/DSC_7686.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjidfYySusLwfMGXqdCkrxjRcvyyOwM4tmHaurSQd1lYXw_rJd2ISe7yTjUq2rAebSp04oM9f_hOqTYqfve71EgvkxmoMCZfpEIzOtlm7wnaT7doLYwojAdj-KQfZ5ygF5jXP7pCAcFj9dK/s320/DSC_7686.jpg" width="213" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My dad tucking into his cake at St. Kilda</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2lZg91nSsKcg2ey2gtAlkzF6C7kiZGQMqhpyF5HnRtPTPs9k3b7gmoyo2d8T_F68OVrtt3ng9s87tUSDOmqi_OOIIjjwIX-382epgL3auM_uCAJ4xr1JK0pMVyzJHURlj18TmhPhGS94d/s1600/DSC_7678.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2lZg91nSsKcg2ey2gtAlkzF6C7kiZGQMqhpyF5HnRtPTPs9k3b7gmoyo2d8T_F68OVrtt3ng9s87tUSDOmqi_OOIIjjwIX-382epgL3auM_uCAJ4xr1JK0pMVyzJHURlj18TmhPhGS94d/s320/DSC_7678.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">All treating ourselves to cakes in St.Kilda after a tough day at the beach</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoub4nJU7FZHRzrwP3yDw-rWhZQBwixo8a8BeYIdVgPuN0HFZdTWeEGcotzw7l_7zoiNyVgVcN539XRF75diT3A54iFgLSOw1Yti9O8yhXXk726lKmjpyupuzK668_rGTSTtE3ipRixKTB/s1600/DSC_7255.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoub4nJU7FZHRzrwP3yDw-rWhZQBwixo8a8BeYIdVgPuN0HFZdTWeEGcotzw7l_7zoiNyVgVcN539XRF75diT3A54iFgLSOw1Yti9O8yhXXk726lKmjpyupuzK668_rGTSTtE3ipRixKTB/s320/DSC_7255.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Me and mum having a laugh up in Dandelong</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8NMFzMHyW1Km3ZWFK0dgOKf4CiDCTDLXcBkvUVOBeTjIS7oHXcCN3U8ddVkFFTE40iYpMoAAJrUuKXPh7kOcHwCPN4z6w5f13gqAcqwm4pvHCf9b2NyfO410jQgIbUXikgA90juA2U3Ar/s1600/DSC_7361.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8NMFzMHyW1Km3ZWFK0dgOKf4CiDCTDLXcBkvUVOBeTjIS7oHXcCN3U8ddVkFFTE40iYpMoAAJrUuKXPh7kOcHwCPN4z6w5f13gqAcqwm4pvHCf9b2NyfO410jQgIbUXikgA90juA2U3Ar/s320/DSC_7361.jpg" width="213" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Overlooking the fireworks in Melbourne</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilvi9qSnnIhPQpINqC-nxLO1nUJS_C2W88WWd1dKIDGjJgH3WpfkXhW7EKLkQDTPxXdcnuhSB8XJ7LOKQlCtkLE7r7Ch-bT0H_uWjVyEvDnXtTf0c7WVMD07tKSK48_33BEc4SMlThRpg4/s1600/DSC_7699.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilvi9qSnnIhPQpINqC-nxLO1nUJS_C2W88WWd1dKIDGjJgH3WpfkXhW7EKLkQDTPxXdcnuhSB8XJ7LOKQlCtkLE7r7Ch-bT0H_uWjVyEvDnXtTf0c7WVMD07tKSK48_33BEc4SMlThRpg4/s320/DSC_7699.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Enjoying my last cultural day out with John & Nader, reflecting on the city</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</span></div>laura newmanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16515951360170007806noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1969955670379426893.post-90703905692851144692012-04-14T22:48:00.000-07:002012-04-14T22:48:55.459-07:00On the Road...Adelaide to Melbourne<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">After staying with the wonderful Olympia in Adelaide, we spent our final evening at the Fringe Festival viewing lots of art, theatre and performance works...I felt in heaven! We made an early start as we opted to head through 'The Grampian's' National Park with Nader, taking time to explore the outdoors and nature of the reserve. The drive through the park was brilliant, slowly creeping around bends and meandering around the mountains. The open landscape felt so rich and fresh, there was even a beautiful scent of eucalyptus in the air for all the koala's to eat! After spending most of the day in the National Park, we opted to get the tents up and enjoy the outdoors once again. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br />
</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">After a natural nights sleep, we headed South, heading towards the start of the famous 'Great Ocean Road', this is a road that covers the Coast of Victoria, the state of Australia. The views along this drive are spectacular, viewing sand-dusted cliffs and crashing waves along our journey. The weather was changing as we ventured further East and the wind was growing fast. We ensured we took time to stop off at nearly every viewpoint, taking in this natural beauty and admiring the scenic landscape. It was so different to anything else we had viewed on this road trip. It's strange, the state of Victoria really reminds me of England, similar views, smells and almost in appearance. Even though I was probably at the furthest point from home, I had never felt so much closer, was really nice and comforting for me. As the pink sky creeped through the clouds, we admired our last look-out point and then headed for some camping ground. Our final evening together, myself, John and Nader. We enjoyed the evening with some tea and biscuits listening to the wind roar through our tents. The next morning, I felt eager and excited to head to Melbourne, as I was about to see my family for the first time in a while. We where staying with my cousin Kevin and his lovely wife Emma, they had recently emigrated over from Liverpool and have totally integrated and absorbed Melbourne way of life and are so happy over here. I love talking to them as they always make me feel happy and so appreciative of what I am doing on my journey around the world. So...as we drove Susie the Suburu for the last time into the city, I felt a mix of emotions, excitement for the next part of my journey in Australia and seeing family but also slight sadness to say farewell (only for a while) to Nader after having such an amazing road trip across lands of Oz!</span><br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtMh8ebotQv1sbvTW5Ns94H-kAsGhS4bQO9zn2VnlnlRvBNzM-NKFd5wRbmYUnAwgSq88KGpazMeMlYXqJ3AHajHq7l9YDhSG7yIzWxOfrEv_ihGNmWmDkLh-n0R-3MyrXvgQppAzi6uRE/s1600/DSC_6559%5B1%5D.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtMh8ebotQv1sbvTW5Ns94H-kAsGhS4bQO9zn2VnlnlRvBNzM-NKFd5wRbmYUnAwgSq88KGpazMeMlYXqJ3AHajHq7l9YDhSG7yIzWxOfrEv_ihGNmWmDkLh-n0R-3MyrXvgQppAzi6uRE/s320/DSC_6559%5B1%5D.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Heading back into the outdoors...setting up camp we had an extra friend help us!</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiG_QQoogF1ojdkg2qXB8B9DPRsV8Au5nOSDuN337zDMX3RbXoaoKjHp_DHkZ8dfEVW3jk0JEJ_ULT9YzecxtpV1iYGAATLptpfFihP1uUnPcP-ffSb0YR7BcoFZmUzvmtLXmcYgoOlDv8J/s1600/DSC_6577%5B1%5D.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiG_QQoogF1ojdkg2qXB8B9DPRsV8Au5nOSDuN337zDMX3RbXoaoKjHp_DHkZ8dfEVW3jk0JEJ_ULT9YzecxtpV1iYGAATLptpfFihP1uUnPcP-ffSb0YR7BcoFZmUzvmtLXmcYgoOlDv8J/s320/DSC_6577%5B1%5D.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Enjoying a morning walk through 'The Grampian's National Park'</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwKIS3r6sgeJ_rK62uoGLyegOU5knsdxAt6woxO1UqegAO2addPzvrwA9tgHgKQ2KJbN4JF3ox1nuCTJwiMJ2nCSg11LrBgtz-v_6YfFf3B6-qi2GvD43SHnFfbg5ayhDi0cWJZWbNlFym/s1600/DSC_6598%5B1%5D.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwKIS3r6sgeJ_rK62uoGLyegOU5knsdxAt6woxO1UqegAO2addPzvrwA9tgHgKQ2KJbN4JF3ox1nuCTJwiMJ2nCSg11LrBgtz-v_6YfFf3B6-qi2GvD43SHnFfbg5ayhDi0cWJZWbNlFym/s320/DSC_6598%5B1%5D.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">The beautiful landscape of The Grampians</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQFULFflSCGqGZsoUbRQ11mt_diNU_j-o33aZW_a9d8GqaHc2Fu9mFrEyx5pjPt01B_u0mbsigfCwn4rreaXaU0uICl881zffoNVXf8KN_gLDb-KdM-82rBTIEyZzfxXtsUgLNX1uP9MCU/s1600/DSC_6602%5B1%5D.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQFULFflSCGqGZsoUbRQ11mt_diNU_j-o33aZW_a9d8GqaHc2Fu9mFrEyx5pjPt01B_u0mbsigfCwn4rreaXaU0uICl881zffoNVXf8KN_gLDb-KdM-82rBTIEyZzfxXtsUgLNX1uP9MCU/s320/DSC_6602%5B1%5D.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Enjoying the fresh air and being back on the road</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizRQIMrr06H8cWJUjLOXq4efzLGJWOOnzTR2lJ7Jm9Znr2cO5Q62OxqcQvd8cmXe3WTF602XsvVE0bwH59Uu0cSPh0RWW12LFijJcHENkuww2LvfJiPwFToIXQoUZh3UyV4T_CChj3XcV0/s1600/DSC_6637%5B1%5D.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizRQIMrr06H8cWJUjLOXq4efzLGJWOOnzTR2lJ7Jm9Znr2cO5Q62OxqcQvd8cmXe3WTF602XsvVE0bwH59Uu0cSPh0RWW12LFijJcHENkuww2LvfJiPwFToIXQoUZh3UyV4T_CChj3XcV0/s320/DSC_6637%5B1%5D.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Starting our journey on the 'Great Ocean Road'</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQ80GbBSguKv__txZZvSFmG4zFDcf3NQ2UyV-r_7SJ41seUnyLECIqGsbi95u3KKxctx_c55yPkP0_bSXDUpTrJD7f0uPfQNV64P7T0MHTjAa1B82Fl1-BoWjblTbqZdK1RZZI9Y_0sK0Q/s1600/DSC_6624%5B1%5D.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQ80GbBSguKv__txZZvSFmG4zFDcf3NQ2UyV-r_7SJ41seUnyLECIqGsbi95u3KKxctx_c55yPkP0_bSXDUpTrJD7f0uPfQNV64P7T0MHTjAa1B82Fl1-BoWjblTbqZdK1RZZI9Y_0sK0Q/s320/DSC_6624%5B1%5D.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Enjoying the scenic beauty of the natural cliffs and rocks</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2jf4SuD0uIH89b1db2F3AKUFoRQXvFg2KMm1PxMLToo8fu1X8Km1uNBGBNhBtUl1Pz2skpC6tcJu9EcsR1x9N5oTsc5D9NRlJAi9WTEPqtf4ThzstJaCiyYh4nyyO4FIm5Dq9pY2jz85w/s1600/DSC_6648%5B1%5D.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2jf4SuD0uIH89b1db2F3AKUFoRQXvFg2KMm1PxMLToo8fu1X8Km1uNBGBNhBtUl1Pz2skpC6tcJu9EcsR1x9N5oTsc5D9NRlJAi9WTEPqtf4ThzstJaCiyYh4nyyO4FIm5Dq9pY2jz85w/s320/DSC_6648%5B1%5D.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Admiring sunset just as we set up camp for the night</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvBIKZL9c3cl8LGyNCfAv5TDryz0yTdJYM9DEMGqAoSvssvKCI7ZwU0RUpcvOE9n2fWdBPqjuTVzyV3Vnuqg8Eq6phPThRSBs1nonWtGSKUwhY7dNOZYt8zluqB8K2PQv-ZprlWKTJ3wuo/s1600/DSC_6681%5B1%5D.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvBIKZL9c3cl8LGyNCfAv5TDryz0yTdJYM9DEMGqAoSvssvKCI7ZwU0RUpcvOE9n2fWdBPqjuTVzyV3Vnuqg8Eq6phPThRSBs1nonWtGSKUwhY7dNOZYt8zluqB8K2PQv-ZprlWKTJ3wuo/s320/DSC_6681%5B1%5D.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Morning stop off looking inside the cliffs</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgw7w0e_x2ivzJyX6DEDUNNLF1YYH8XVweRXEi1Ad2gYTlKzLmonNnh7Rhg0Nxuuhyy3laB2On4GjBhPzPTFWs2hHXZUy8avkRxB8mRmdGeKWKh5OMeJFQePxIJ1wnqRfkXJ74AbUtfz3ty/s1600/DSC_6683%5B1%5D.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgw7w0e_x2ivzJyX6DEDUNNLF1YYH8XVweRXEi1Ad2gYTlKzLmonNnh7Rhg0Nxuuhyy3laB2On4GjBhPzPTFWs2hHXZUy8avkRxB8mRmdGeKWKh5OMeJFQePxIJ1wnqRfkXJ74AbUtfz3ty/s320/DSC_6683%5B1%5D.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">This one is 'London Bridge', note how the other arch fell down a couple years back</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjb0gxCz6it_N-Nn2BujYx4z4Js9fyXL0WCH2pORP6FFWi_pkFt-4GDzpOq1BCA8r48_YJq_DSOsJV2Q3L0eK31oABv6DmGIfu7TuBQcFQbDKsI6BzdOeI6Kvzb0eU1K084MLPz6COjNWy2/s1600/DSC_6685%5B1%5D.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjb0gxCz6it_N-Nn2BujYx4z4Js9fyXL0WCH2pORP6FFWi_pkFt-4GDzpOq1BCA8r48_YJq_DSOsJV2Q3L0eK31oABv6DmGIfu7TuBQcFQbDKsI6BzdOeI6Kvzb0eU1K084MLPz6COjNWy2/s320/DSC_6685%5B1%5D.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">All of us together at 'London Bridge' look-out</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRINWv9iMnOGR0M0A2rd_Qg7N2QKDYCHECLnWMlfV-5OTVmXDjozclU3h182kPZZdjDf85BvsSlxbr_BPij4E7Hy5VaRBjjQsbKAy7OqDI7FB7bmYHHJPM6MOcu9LgQKLWL8ox42BnPK-y/s1600/DSC_6708%5B1%5D.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRINWv9iMnOGR0M0A2rd_Qg7N2QKDYCHECLnWMlfV-5OTVmXDjozclU3h182kPZZdjDf85BvsSlxbr_BPij4E7Hy5VaRBjjQsbKAy7OqDI7FB7bmYHHJPM6MOcu9LgQKLWL8ox42BnPK-y/s320/DSC_6708%5B1%5D.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Further along the Great Ocean Road, enjoying a walk into one of the bays</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgE_O3BTEDrq-XE6ITrPoLAtGLpkyHtyVA6S89aNjp3piIC_2iOIB8vjMD6fbPOkUeRHyyyq5bnkjmDb6Be1_Xa-ft2EAyvBs7Vxc_AQdrvbFR4rbHU8AGrQ4y9Wp5A8we3_elbu4KzIXPv/s1600/DSC_6738%5B1%5D.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgE_O3BTEDrq-XE6ITrPoLAtGLpkyHtyVA6S89aNjp3piIC_2iOIB8vjMD6fbPOkUeRHyyyq5bnkjmDb6Be1_Xa-ft2EAyvBs7Vxc_AQdrvbFR4rbHU8AGrQ4y9Wp5A8we3_elbu4KzIXPv/s320/DSC_6738%5B1%5D.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">In the Otway National Park, searching and finding a wild koala</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj81NaAj2ay67a05zJ-nmL8WGmXx6PMvkFnME-rn05aM21ZWyrjB5_l96bIVcMdGaQ2cbQhVyodEHqXiTFJ2v6a0ZuUZxkyHp46JO-Sk5vp9APD0F_97MCw2BO5BUIXRbXpic2erAs9vGn7/s1600/CSC_8544%5B1%5D.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj81NaAj2ay67a05zJ-nmL8WGmXx6PMvkFnME-rn05aM21ZWyrjB5_l96bIVcMdGaQ2cbQhVyodEHqXiTFJ2v6a0ZuUZxkyHp46JO-Sk5vp9APD0F_97MCw2BO5BUIXRbXpic2erAs9vGn7/s320/CSC_8544%5B1%5D.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Spotting another little man, taking it easy on a branch for the day</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh75hC6It9eOJZtXgwfTA88KLSzLupWTMGL97x5ztV1jy2kMpNb7zDXUVhWggONAsAKgZ3P19nmQZWEjo-j_hZ1xQ5HooK4WQ89145G369Dvpg86rY0ThsTMFqOl4sOXqep9fo_4lft7vNz/s1600/DSC_6772%5B1%5D.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh75hC6It9eOJZtXgwfTA88KLSzLupWTMGL97x5ztV1jy2kMpNb7zDXUVhWggONAsAKgZ3P19nmQZWEjo-j_hZ1xQ5HooK4WQ89145G369Dvpg86rY0ThsTMFqOl4sOXqep9fo_4lft7vNz/s320/DSC_6772%5B1%5D.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Final part of the Great Ocean Road, stopping in some stormy weather for a bit of fresh air</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table></div>laura newmanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16515951360170007806noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1969955670379426893.post-39991401407637151982012-04-01T19:33:00.000-07:002012-04-01T19:33:44.757-07:00The Outback Roadtrip...WA to Adelaide<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">So we embarked on our adventure into the outback across this vast, magnificent landscape. Firstly whizzing out of Perth we ventured inland towards a place called Kalgoorlie. Kalgoorlie is famous for being the 'richest mile' in Australia. It is a town based purely on mining and is most famous for its 'Super Pit', a gigantic pit that is mined for raw gold. So, we embraced a new hobby of gold prospecting, searching for a small nugget of gold that will make me filthy rich, unfortunately this time round I was not so lucky and could only manage to find crystalised rocks and pebble stones. </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">As a bit of background, our adventure all started through a man called Nader, Nad or Nade as we each refer to him. He is an Australian guy who was travelling on a sort of holiday back to Melbourne his hometown. He treated the trip like a holiday, which was brilliant for us, as we could all enjoy the trip at a leisurely pace and take in the real beauty of Australia. He supplied us with camping equipment and we all chipped in on fuel and food. So after stocking up, we all shared the driving...in the 'Smooth Suzie Subaru', such a nice car to drive! </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Nader has a PhD in Physics and was interested in visiting the Super Pit, so we managed to arrive on the right day, when once a month the town offers free tours into the pit with a tour guide providing information. It was fascinating to see the whole processes that are involved in this industry and also shocked by how much wealth is generated. The workforce is a high percentage of female truck drivers, its a dangerous job and safety is key, therefore, with women being the better specie oh I mean driver (my feminist side barking out!), lots of the employee's on this mine are females. They work long and sloggish shifts, twelve hour days or nights and they are paid around 95 thousand pounds...me and John seriously considered applying for a job! </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">After camping around Kalgoorlie, we headed South venturing towards the famous stretch of the 'Nullabor'. This is a stretch of road that is so desolate that when you finally manage to see another car passing you, it is tradition to each give each other a wave...I did many a time. Each night we camped in the outback, pulling into the Western Australia's reddish sands, under the grub of gum tree's. We slept under the array of stars and universe, this became our means of entertainment, identifying stars, correlations and viewing the planets. I was in total wonder and happiness being able to peacefully sit and admire the orange glow of Mars, the beaming glistle of Venus and Jupitar, it was spectacular. Having no light pollution and being in total wilderness was uplifting for the soul but also sets in an eeriness of total isolation....I loved it! </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">As we furthered along the Southern Coast, we opted to stop off many times along the way, taking in the natural beauty of the land and reflecting on this epic journey. One evening we decided to take a chance and camp around 20metres away from the vast cliffs edge, looking out into the Great Australian Bight, a deep blue mass of crashing waves and home to whales, sharks, dolphins and many of the world's best marine life. The wind grew stronger and as we sat and watched sunset, it was physically enchanting to feel the cold air grasp around you and the sun gentle meander towards the seabed. This was one of the highlights to my roadtrip, the total tranquility and openess of the land. </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">We journeyed further across in the Suburu, cruising comfortably along the highway. It's strange after not driving for so long, I really enjoyed the long hours of driving, with our music blasting along the way, interesting conversations and stopping to greet wildlife, bumping into wild emu's, kangaroo's and many lizards along the way. As we ventured into Southern Australia, we camped one evening on a beach called Streaky Bay. The beach was deserted and really beautiful in it's stretch of golden sands. The tide of water was way out at the time, so we quickly set up our room for the night and made sure we had time to take in the sunset. That evening was the most memorable sunset's of my life, it was magical in the colours projected into the sky, the universe feeling so close and the total calmess in the air. I just sat and enjoyed it all, trying to cherish every bit of the sunset as I knew it was something special. So darkness fell and we settled into eating our evening meal, as the darkness was harsh it wasn't until later we looked around only to notice we where surrounded by over a hundred beetles, which resembled black cockroaches! I felt uneasy, even though they are not harmful, they are not the nicest creature trying to run over your feet and legs. After becoming comfortable with our new neighbours, I looked by John's chair only to spot a baby scorpion, we all became alarmed, Nader grabbing an axe! Then we realised there where 3 baby sized scorpions, so within 2 minutes a huge mummy scorpion appeared, I felt quite sickly at this point. Thankfully, we ushered them away and no harm was done. Even when we settled into our tents to sleep that evening, I did not sleep so well, listening to the rustling of the beetles, the shadow's of the scorpions and the nighttime mice running over the tent trying to eat the velcro...yeah definitely not the best sleep of my life! Reflecting back to the sunset on this beach though, this is one of the best experiences of my life and I still think back and smile now to that evening, these journeys and life experiences is what makes my adventure so memorable. </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">We finally set off again heading towards Adelaide. Me and John had arranged to stay with a wonderful lady we met in Vietnam called Olympia. When we travelled through Vietnam, we always met up with Olympia and her two sons, Pan and Haris. Olympia was really kind and said to come and stay with her when we visited Adelaide. So, arriving into the 'Festival State', we headed to Olympia's home. Arriving into our first major city for the whole of the roadtrip, you begin to resonate on the actual size and vastness this country consists of. There are so many different landscapes, wildlife, cultures, climates and even time difference between states over here. I was happy to greet city life and embrace Adelaide with openess and a welcoming from a beautiful lady who cared for us and treated us so well. More importantly, I was most excited about having an actual 'real' bed to sleep on for the night...one of the best nights sleep of my life!</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">Note: I have included a vast amount of pictures on this one, such an amazing experience for me, I really had to. Hope you enjoy...</span><br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijvaYT59qX2n2kUMOIXuU53Kinpwp4PDX5FeAmHQF1Hp_0b9BNVqqoI2A6gdyPSa_k3XyWUj8dasDwEKayOleSg5mRFa0J78vP97vdk6UhlBOQoHOt97sdjLntukbeqkBeQDTKfHAcJl6C/s1600/DSC_5638%5B1%5D" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijvaYT59qX2n2kUMOIXuU53Kinpwp4PDX5FeAmHQF1Hp_0b9BNVqqoI2A6gdyPSa_k3XyWUj8dasDwEKayOleSg5mRFa0J78vP97vdk6UhlBOQoHOt97sdjLntukbeqkBeQDTKfHAcJl6C/s320/DSC_5638%5B1%5D" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">My surprise and happiness of a free tour to the 'Super Pit'</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8ULvZtgnjXVpQvslrRsgxB53iM573Q3Ljh5VYs7LkimbMEv73gxXm0a_D25S9mN7pmgtLsFs6Ac7JHnUbFBCWDv4T1PMitnVO4EQiFECtp_qN6Wwk2fAg-XRjQ9fNiYtkdc72gEZQS5ex/s1600/DSC_5640.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8ULvZtgnjXVpQvslrRsgxB53iM573Q3Ljh5VYs7LkimbMEv73gxXm0a_D25S9mN7pmgtLsFs6Ac7JHnUbFBCWDv4T1PMitnVO4EQiFECtp_qN6Wwk2fAg-XRjQ9fNiYtkdc72gEZQS5ex/s320/DSC_5640.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The famous 'Gold Mine' of the Super Pit</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgd3TsRtbZ6oEylYgNman-ifyn7heyATzju15RQh6q61FgH-t7b_JUcqOvfQ51MgRexPdv9iMCiyl1Ve1rmLIGpC-1nW2RIUEhfx8TZqHmHZkZ0Vmhk-b1hsuc0Q1cImthaAoVs3EhS4rzK/s1600/DSC_5662.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgd3TsRtbZ6oEylYgNman-ifyn7heyATzju15RQh6q61FgH-t7b_JUcqOvfQ51MgRexPdv9iMCiyl1Ve1rmLIGpC-1nW2RIUEhfx8TZqHmHZkZ0Vmhk-b1hsuc0Q1cImthaAoVs3EhS4rzK/s320/DSC_5662.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Me and Nader observing the mine</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeBGY13-MJwBe4qIb4NEMl9emJNP3ZLmPbtAMiJNtJwo1kew2JY5xk6Rnqe_HThRkLDSNehPC-xaI0P4iano4JmyVjK5xJkuy2_JWBf_VmNLvYR9ecXSlVgJZJaPJuE1AIDM_8yH2iGfUs/s1600/DSC_5666.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeBGY13-MJwBe4qIb4NEMl9emJNP3ZLmPbtAMiJNtJwo1kew2JY5xk6Rnqe_HThRkLDSNehPC-xaI0P4iano4JmyVjK5xJkuy2_JWBf_VmNLvYR9ecXSlVgJZJaPJuE1AIDM_8yH2iGfUs/s320/DSC_5666.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">A 4 million pound truck, one of 32 working the mines</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXxJ4bQlIuH4tMGAuCi-lDc73tq7Dy641GyhVuYehdnuzIgQSgGmkfHUS75-xYiayYTcktADidQVfbAh9Cgsz_DtwhCPkttrBYFqNCCJSVivj0o-l3Uw5z7WjeKiwtUyAHOo02DqBBkePh/s1600/DSC_5693.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXxJ4bQlIuH4tMGAuCi-lDc73tq7Dy641GyhVuYehdnuzIgQSgGmkfHUS75-xYiayYTcktADidQVfbAh9Cgsz_DtwhCPkttrBYFqNCCJSVivj0o-l3Uw5z7WjeKiwtUyAHOo02DqBBkePh/s320/DSC_5693.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Camping in the outback...dusty red WA land</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwSWLcP2Cy4zuFjJwMU112lLYtgsT2vPNw9OmW-baK5EPTwdsPvG7dLO-hVsUd1VBTHvGFEmRE0peZ5VGmH5JmszRdfDHWjZjLGE0UMdJh5SIY9iF_s8rm9-4CHwnMvfElM5JjDmnX9Baq/s1600/DSC_5702.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwSWLcP2Cy4zuFjJwMU112lLYtgsT2vPNw9OmW-baK5EPTwdsPvG7dLO-hVsUd1VBTHvGFEmRE0peZ5VGmH5JmszRdfDHWjZjLGE0UMdJh5SIY9iF_s8rm9-4CHwnMvfElM5JjDmnX9Baq/s320/DSC_5702.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">All ready for sunset after putting up the tent</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRdFCNuqhgNnW0LySd7IrUHA2HkafblnOcFwFFE8ngN0Iys6XojjBQMRRURoL78eco2mHSeOswIWer1b8n0Qi0dQWEpSzm5PQk7VEwDNbpbzh_M0LTYb1dghPnXtzefqnD4JSBLhH0EJYy/s1600/DSC_5723.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRdFCNuqhgNnW0LySd7IrUHA2HkafblnOcFwFFE8ngN0Iys6XojjBQMRRURoL78eco2mHSeOswIWer1b8n0Qi0dQWEpSzm5PQk7VEwDNbpbzh_M0LTYb1dghPnXtzefqnD4JSBLhH0EJYy/s320/DSC_5723.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Enjoying our evening meal and enjoying a beverage too...</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkC9DmU6rLqu-Qe4JJN1gBbb9eF96nf64PDQ5KBhGeQfdbd4Z7-WekzpzsPYYsIehA3Tr03G0wQCj2t2oks4xg0nNYMiQesSemrPCaBp8Lw0WVcMVVu9UeIonqNh2rd_qePJ06MubKGj3X/s1600/DSC_5729.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkC9DmU6rLqu-Qe4JJN1gBbb9eF96nf64PDQ5KBhGeQfdbd4Z7-WekzpzsPYYsIehA3Tr03G0wQCj2t2oks4xg0nNYMiQesSemrPCaBp8Lw0WVcMVVu9UeIonqNh2rd_qePJ06MubKGj3X/s320/DSC_5729.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The sunset of the outback near Kalgoorlie</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDHgFRnd2eFJjdciThhtIuByeVuH2ofnQIXzLXC_h9R-TtqXMRV4Z4V4qz1HhoWFUBEp5qQo-8NqAL_dGIuuhWK94eAkKGuZKM71_TXyzlvW5l15KF1-Y1rvUOBgX1p9fKcNwNy8SVjNGB/s1600/DSC_5730.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDHgFRnd2eFJjdciThhtIuByeVuH2ofnQIXzLXC_h9R-TtqXMRV4Z4V4qz1HhoWFUBEp5qQo-8NqAL_dGIuuhWK94eAkKGuZKM71_TXyzlvW5l15KF1-Y1rvUOBgX1p9fKcNwNy8SVjNGB/s320/DSC_5730.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">John and Nader preparing the evening meal</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDHeCDSuWONaeRhriy1NaTCRN8RKKjkXwoMocO7FLw9r4u4XQl0pit1bjh_Usl8jeBUUZf2sboCcKTe3q9tz1TrAj5YpmnY7v3RTbRUPJ6a-Gvt53IlKiB8a951VQD3OzRBZe2eeTukl3g/s1600/DSC_5747.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDHeCDSuWONaeRhriy1NaTCRN8RKKjkXwoMocO7FLw9r4u4XQl0pit1bjh_Usl8jeBUUZf2sboCcKTe3q9tz1TrAj5YpmnY7v3RTbRUPJ6a-Gvt53IlKiB8a951VQD3OzRBZe2eeTukl3g/s320/DSC_5747.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">John exploring the Gold Mine museum</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjD-vbVP5oHxcEVQbquM55eCsRtRqFFk72kF7nto5v2_7KTTP9QCD2Ug_51OFog5xxK3ZRw8Mi2MtAxFCJVp0F0C0h8Yhex8xh9SbjS0h1EXjLCHE9pqumSPmD-IchKqk-JIdvKH4VmSyiS/s1600/DSC_5763.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjD-vbVP5oHxcEVQbquM55eCsRtRqFFk72kF7nto5v2_7KTTP9QCD2Ug_51OFog5xxK3ZRw8Mi2MtAxFCJVp0F0C0h8Yhex8xh9SbjS0h1EXjLCHE9pqumSPmD-IchKqk-JIdvKH4VmSyiS/s320/DSC_5763.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Having a wander through the 'Gold Vault' in Kalgoorlie</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhG9dti0-83dGjuCxXh4hvMCmwSqd1ZREvba0TAzIA1suxVnNwyB8JoEcE3TfVPGz33tpvRphvULdz9lIoULMbr7Wt7ND9VRSqQDDjpuVJCwg5zlCa4FZ9wXjdZhqjfbeUC9cy8huW0ycVG/s1600/DSC_5770.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhG9dti0-83dGjuCxXh4hvMCmwSqd1ZREvba0TAzIA1suxVnNwyB8JoEcE3TfVPGz33tpvRphvULdz9lIoULMbr7Wt7ND9VRSqQDDjpuVJCwg5zlCa4FZ9wXjdZhqjfbeUC9cy8huW0ycVG/s320/DSC_5770.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The famous 'Golden Mile', this is what thrives in Australia</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizVOpN8Pd07-RYQTSURZ1O8IdMxBUWax-WVjH2P3JX85ZOjmnKDJZnCK0DRzh31450FJWoz2UG2G_bIo8OkV1wZJoiJ4b5d75CMQdyMqm3TJvn2bJfgDdxXTWdVklm_rtHSySKZ_vM0PIl/s1600/DSC_5774.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizVOpN8Pd07-RYQTSURZ1O8IdMxBUWax-WVjH2P3JX85ZOjmnKDJZnCK0DRzh31450FJWoz2UG2G_bIo8OkV1wZJoiJ4b5d75CMQdyMqm3TJvn2bJfgDdxXTWdVklm_rtHSySKZ_vM0PIl/s320/DSC_5774.JPG" width="213" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Holding a ten thousand pound nugget of gold...super rich!</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBe9hQ-IhLxZHsgHnR5XMiCg4ClxfaQXqq35OIMrJ0LjkPnO9rJMpKSjVSPbuBalyWWb8t6jLYwEy_ABZkJ1biOAIPU6zQ_E10wUlErjcrzjoGkT9_hruGWw7bhsJm0ojYH7OEoYhk8Nvw/s1600/DSC_5823.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBe9hQ-IhLxZHsgHnR5XMiCg4ClxfaQXqq35OIMrJ0LjkPnO9rJMpKSjVSPbuBalyWWb8t6jLYwEy_ABZkJ1biOAIPU6zQ_E10wUlErjcrzjoGkT9_hruGWw7bhsJm0ojYH7OEoYhk8Nvw/s320/DSC_5823.JPG" width="213" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">My treat while visiting a town...shake & cake</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpGC0wYdTvBQS9q9c38s5pjUq23qZFe2VhRjQ_VOKwnAYRGWUKgvs1L2z1WNpEBM1ll2dXkYIp9BxcA1L6sXXsvGSahCz2IS6xJu3CCvLp_dt060gEWsXqjj7qklHLdZNCBJfB2yn-3oiC/s1600/DSC_5888.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpGC0wYdTvBQS9q9c38s5pjUq23qZFe2VhRjQ_VOKwnAYRGWUKgvs1L2z1WNpEBM1ll2dXkYIp9BxcA1L6sXXsvGSahCz2IS6xJu3CCvLp_dt060gEWsXqjj7qklHLdZNCBJfB2yn-3oiC/s320/DSC_5888.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Cruising along the outback roads near sunset</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinXT55ygIZ_dBWZ0u2mZz0ZJL9eAv4duiOjC4n2grUkO3uTqMMRjhySbutwqgzEL0RzkOPqfZ9PLowN2QaVXOeW9aZJ_0HDrUbrL3SzUNqmQySoGJHPSKvEexlMufSoQ81AvDbcpDnTGfH/s1600/DSC_5902.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinXT55ygIZ_dBWZ0u2mZz0ZJL9eAv4duiOjC4n2grUkO3uTqMMRjhySbutwqgzEL0RzkOPqfZ9PLowN2QaVXOeW9aZJ_0HDrUbrL3SzUNqmQySoGJHPSKvEexlMufSoQ81AvDbcpDnTGfH/s320/DSC_5902.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Pulling up for a toilet break in the bush...literally!</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-425oI1Ze0TFmO-LY0d8EeaHr5G1o_s_Fb2CDJZWOfQs02EqhHJIbisPR4ucmooZ_91JkNE22yP2B_sdDCOcBDsqm_2n7lSZAY7ypgAnkWWRAz6Rd2XYJsE8E305SZgpKQd1o9nz_OGrq/s1600/DSC_5933.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-425oI1Ze0TFmO-LY0d8EeaHr5G1o_s_Fb2CDJZWOfQs02EqhHJIbisPR4ucmooZ_91JkNE22yP2B_sdDCOcBDsqm_2n7lSZAY7ypgAnkWWRAz6Rd2XYJsE8E305SZgpKQd1o9nz_OGrq/s320/DSC_5933.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">John chilling by the desert landscape</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguUIKi7hPuOCSj5p7P8QMprqpGZwKAYwavoxVQlR2RmtGbDbbInHmZZjSD3Yy2nxlUYGgXvsQNcED4K1DlO5W3b-RdG92EWw0XerrcEhawo3yUdfKJZsm_0xMBjGVgk_sAUDXkaQvYH_O-/s1600/DSC_5936.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguUIKi7hPuOCSj5p7P8QMprqpGZwKAYwavoxVQlR2RmtGbDbbInHmZZjSD3Yy2nxlUYGgXvsQNcED4K1DlO5W3b-RdG92EWw0XerrcEhawo3yUdfKJZsm_0xMBjGVgk_sAUDXkaQvYH_O-/s320/DSC_5936.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I feel so small compared to the size of this country</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjibl1Qz4mVYIEWuOXN7blJF4evNP9HuRkFsZVDLKCd48fG50hU8iYU6Q0JHmeD2RUsOj61atth-CkyE-4cVGyueA82F5qh6RBN9nfrC2BJQ_znJJN_YbfeFM3kFlc5pMVsgtL8CcgXrupH/s1600/DSC_5970.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjibl1Qz4mVYIEWuOXN7blJF4evNP9HuRkFsZVDLKCd48fG50hU8iYU6Q0JHmeD2RUsOj61atth-CkyE-4cVGyueA82F5qh6RBN9nfrC2BJQ_znJJN_YbfeFM3kFlc5pMVsgtL8CcgXrupH/s320/DSC_5970.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Driving along the road...as you can see, limited congestion...</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqw-g850SrmR96wV-kZqi-bWNySPWRxIsw4OE0wHRvFzqbpg2VMcTtTXxQPbFSMmU_2DNWdGYtOsoH4SyWvDYKKmbU-chjVbLnEwnNN1D69Xph-PZ0IJb1zxhqnEhrCM3_jk8r2Ipi3xLB/s1600/DSC_5965.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqw-g850SrmR96wV-kZqi-bWNySPWRxIsw4OE0wHRvFzqbpg2VMcTtTXxQPbFSMmU_2DNWdGYtOsoH4SyWvDYKKmbU-chjVbLnEwnNN1D69Xph-PZ0IJb1zxhqnEhrCM3_jk8r2Ipi3xLB/s320/DSC_5965.JPG" width="213" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Stopping at a weird and unusual outback petrol station to be greeted by this exhibition</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRjEaUrT05v78Ez7aIp-0YO3nu-Lmekw0ts615jOf_OOU7L_5ApAsS3nj4qlQ9P-cATVJHcZo3RtefI1U7tPFBLK__Rtz-4jV8-_si2F_hPq0IZ1wsbN7G6KJaw_VvbaGuNCqc-TNVOR6g/s320/DSC_5988.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="320" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Overlooking the landscape along the 'Nullabor'</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRjEaUrT05v78Ez7aIp-0YO3nu-Lmekw0ts615jOf_OOU7L_5ApAsS3nj4qlQ9P-cATVJHcZo3RtefI1U7tPFBLK__Rtz-4jV8-_si2F_hPq0IZ1wsbN7G6KJaw_VvbaGuNCqc-TNVOR6g/s1600/DSC_5988.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"></span></a></div><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhN-OPDAjKoRE2eA8pZe2oXExw44IqCTEw9erXCRy0YKjfofio7GRdW41xppuyKKWkqjoXURzzN7LcHdJz543FsNQJuqBPZS-LsKW0Y42LA7ycMbAy2ewlwMbPV79Cp23lUfZTq6lBsJ8JU/s1600/DSC_5997.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhN-OPDAjKoRE2eA8pZe2oXExw44IqCTEw9erXCRy0YKjfofio7GRdW41xppuyKKWkqjoXURzzN7LcHdJz543FsNQJuqBPZS-LsKW0Y42LA7ycMbAy2ewlwMbPV79Cp23lUfZTq6lBsJ8JU/s320/DSC_5997.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Taking a rest on our epic journey...</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8f4_fCs4oM4VsjU1me1e49a1fnnZ5gQBVN3eDu_FDsKTylKOUXJcaqPaaLqv2k-97UDUe98KhBvMddWe873sxpSAz_mnbbS0jXBOF68Jj6952kl3vmJrt5Vs-leE-Yc6Dinp_Rb-CQ54-/s1600/DSC_6005.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8f4_fCs4oM4VsjU1me1e49a1fnnZ5gQBVN3eDu_FDsKTylKOUXJcaqPaaLqv2k-97UDUe98KhBvMddWe873sxpSAz_mnbbS0jXBOF68Jj6952kl3vmJrt5Vs-leE-Yc6Dinp_Rb-CQ54-/s320/DSC_6005.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The amazing views along our roadtrip</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiIqJX3BGysMTRI4PZy42BLFTnlVSdeadWCp4wIzT9s7poO8hgX05BEMSvTBSBcKNoDS8JxwOWTFuVAQQw1A_S0rby2GGS54udIk9eP91YPIUiJvi9kxaV3VsKX827oOjVV5En2IZMenPy/s1600/DSC_6022.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiIqJX3BGysMTRI4PZy42BLFTnlVSdeadWCp4wIzT9s7poO8hgX05BEMSvTBSBcKNoDS8JxwOWTFuVAQQw1A_S0rby2GGS54udIk9eP91YPIUiJvi9kxaV3VsKX827oOjVV5En2IZMenPy/s320/DSC_6022.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The landscape beginning to change slightly...</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzhKs6BhrQO1iFxdWmxbqQd1R8M-10qSJdSHhsAq_dx0-irepjij4yGVuDREW9K5xo1srUo-64xG3yafehAM-f-MsHzzJgvhShK9Yfa5jm7NvXKYVi2kTJRspzp9GFowDlo1CFVPkEbhx2/s1600/DSC_6038.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzhKs6BhrQO1iFxdWmxbqQd1R8M-10qSJdSHhsAq_dx0-irepjij4yGVuDREW9K5xo1srUo-64xG3yafehAM-f-MsHzzJgvhShK9Yfa5jm7NvXKYVi2kTJRspzp9GFowDlo1CFVPkEbhx2/s320/DSC_6038.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">One of my driving stretches, notice the sand is changing colour (from red to golden)</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEFq979bUMpKPG5DzhfTeMA4nvwq3AI-aUt8-dynU8-HIDGedK3p75npae5Fmms9q63ErWB3CDs3ipYHzjzJOSygevRSdLqM2IxIerfr9A-60emx2nm_bUQbGCzjCtwjrhLl41xu8cPCv_/s1600/DSC_6040.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEFq979bUMpKPG5DzhfTeMA4nvwq3AI-aUt8-dynU8-HIDGedK3p75npae5Fmms9q63ErWB3CDs3ipYHzjzJOSygevRSdLqM2IxIerfr9A-60emx2nm_bUQbGCzjCtwjrhLl41xu8cPCv_/s320/DSC_6040.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Admiring the rocks along the 'Nullabor' next stop for this sea is Antarctica...</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicERBFSU8lMCBo4iOqc2wBIMNxR1kgnQnqpYHj3ZSJToLXLdPJyDwF5NIcRl-blpsTlyeVfPKK2yEw_CquyBl2S8pVAxQtzvVDyVyKS9G-ZapktEFyr3SQqOhHI8AyfFoov-wL8N43lBFH/s1600/DSC_6052.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicERBFSU8lMCBo4iOqc2wBIMNxR1kgnQnqpYHj3ZSJToLXLdPJyDwF5NIcRl-blpsTlyeVfPKK2yEw_CquyBl2S8pVAxQtzvVDyVyKS9G-ZapktEFyr3SQqOhHI8AyfFoov-wL8N43lBFH/s320/DSC_6052.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">John blowing in the wind sitting on the edge of the cliffs</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3AasCY-2w1yV5nHMMsa_V0e7y_aqUqC1c0RSJpg6rOQi2pi6gxCjDia42iuCiOXKd070ZZ0vNk1VS1j0Opiq1EOOlYDpxFMaf4OGs-u7nHwnp-oxfmbqg9bA0dYBYM6wfUnmAombRSVCw/s1600/DSC_6061.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3AasCY-2w1yV5nHMMsa_V0e7y_aqUqC1c0RSJpg6rOQi2pi6gxCjDia42iuCiOXKd070ZZ0vNk1VS1j0Opiq1EOOlYDpxFMaf4OGs-u7nHwnp-oxfmbqg9bA0dYBYM6wfUnmAombRSVCw/s320/DSC_6061.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Overlooking these amazing cliffs, that roll on for miles</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrAJPONWRlos3Y65ynxpzUx3zHEaFKYjSz4vfvQ68JVEOlpiYW5p1jKntyWBamO2GdupUP2ZLv6DP_pLYYMpKGJOcmrxKnZqi7XB9eCg_JLGpHxS0mQXfoVTz1Oc8F6xn0MdVrMpEWZiR_/s1600/DSC_6079.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrAJPONWRlos3Y65ynxpzUx3zHEaFKYjSz4vfvQ68JVEOlpiYW5p1jKntyWBamO2GdupUP2ZLv6DP_pLYYMpKGJOcmrxKnZqi7XB9eCg_JLGpHxS0mQXfoVTz1Oc8F6xn0MdVrMpEWZiR_/s320/DSC_6079.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">On the edge of the cliff</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJcab8c6oOZ6UZFiIWXrJY5y1hW7zTnPtjS3sza8cX1mcwxYJ7rR-D-y9ioHdQ_0kGP8lslhdZlTxTMC9Hg7MQDzgoLt3zJqIMoPbr-tJv2c8C0rxDc0dYk1nZ9eFqEnwMUiYjsnU5wUmn/s1600/DSC_6097.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJcab8c6oOZ6UZFiIWXrJY5y1hW7zTnPtjS3sza8cX1mcwxYJ7rR-D-y9ioHdQ_0kGP8lslhdZlTxTMC9Hg7MQDzgoLt3zJqIMoPbr-tJv2c8C0rxDc0dYk1nZ9eFqEnwMUiYjsnU5wUmn/s320/DSC_6097.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Such an enlightening experience, looking out into the sea from this spot</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhE4ZXXhbnXv0lBHLYOlUnhxgVZumvIJpj4nnCq9iVtMkxEfcAYusGRc3TkjDls-9dCWVgPkGXdEMVgKUx_805As_Jvb3zEqfszhG40FxNwHAqJbyNQLF_a7hMWv3Ghf8ORb5UUdqtAqBwn/s1600/DSC_6114.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhE4ZXXhbnXv0lBHLYOlUnhxgVZumvIJpj4nnCq9iVtMkxEfcAYusGRc3TkjDls-9dCWVgPkGXdEMVgKUx_805As_Jvb3zEqfszhG40FxNwHAqJbyNQLF_a7hMWv3Ghf8ORb5UUdqtAqBwn/s320/DSC_6114.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Having a moment to reflect upon my whole adventure</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVXjjumPDtvoE2sSDS52MAdT-43jjwk9cjpL-yl2hORpmCcn_mth4TpJ5cO9KJIe180F63XEFDC4XWyuLG77b6FfIpYCutZfLkM67UoHjACb5QP6rU3aeRd_Cdf2JWYXvSajcizH9VmQk6/s1600/DSC_6132.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVXjjumPDtvoE2sSDS52MAdT-43jjwk9cjpL-yl2hORpmCcn_mth4TpJ5cO9KJIe180F63XEFDC4XWyuLG77b6FfIpYCutZfLkM67UoHjACb5QP6rU3aeRd_Cdf2JWYXvSajcizH9VmQk6/s320/DSC_6132.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">One of my favourite parts of the roadtrip was along the 'Nullabor' cliffs</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjO2YLpLosuOf8KnJnBt18Yn0QY_lwjsSFQ-TevTjIQIYuUDkJOW_2_QDzb1u1cYcC04id1KOvhT3b246e0d_qWLo7kc2qytOuxT8EDfGhXXBBi-POMCUt1AUgJWEVpJQtUysaR7r6upNj/s1600/DSC_6146.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjO2YLpLosuOf8KnJnBt18Yn0QY_lwjsSFQ-TevTjIQIYuUDkJOW_2_QDzb1u1cYcC04id1KOvhT3b246e0d_qWLo7kc2qytOuxT8EDfGhXXBBi-POMCUt1AUgJWEVpJQtUysaR7r6upNj/s320/DSC_6146.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Not a person around for miles, plus a couple of hours drive each way to civilisation</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjS8GyWlkK7r_DVuMObQ7Lb-eSwlrO0_HkzDwTV_mTtgYr4sdGAqaTbANg4hS9oF2DMikG0-FqUlabRGat43dPT7IPYGaHFq2hSVUCwvy4Av2EYQTscGPmW8qUbV-T5MjlcaAvRymn9EE_B/s1600/DSC_6149.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjS8GyWlkK7r_DVuMObQ7Lb-eSwlrO0_HkzDwTV_mTtgYr4sdGAqaTbANg4hS9oF2DMikG0-FqUlabRGat43dPT7IPYGaHFq2hSVUCwvy4Av2EYQTscGPmW8qUbV-T5MjlcaAvRymn9EE_B/s320/DSC_6149.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">One of my greatest experiences in my life</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhT8LwT5c0sIqr2XwNPlLvvwEKdN2q3yZXqvuETl1BrVHL7ET31erGqP_xC9oX_83xfKfVedh9vZeoGEz9_4jdzogdy-GEUDIGtGdvh50ngkLp4K6bv2RpXcrhrbcIBitfLGGqU7X_Ldm_k/s1600/DSC_6185.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhT8LwT5c0sIqr2XwNPlLvvwEKdN2q3yZXqvuETl1BrVHL7ET31erGqP_xC9oX_83xfKfVedh9vZeoGEz9_4jdzogdy-GEUDIGtGdvh50ngkLp4K6bv2RpXcrhrbcIBitfLGGqU7X_Ldm_k/s320/DSC_6185.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Such great experience that we opted to camp and stay near the edge of these cliffs</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_Lfh5KZjDRSoCEKxZYcNZhZgIV4Kgw-DLzx99lK3vsV1rYjTufdGu1ZAtIYbOHC0GuCYKzSEqG-mZYf_gIy-CBs5atrfXJ6FMmpp-hL7ZPxfNJFs4YtpYMmG55o-HxqtLzm44QWvBocE9/s1600/DSC_6186.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_Lfh5KZjDRSoCEKxZYcNZhZgIV4Kgw-DLzx99lK3vsV1rYjTufdGu1ZAtIYbOHC0GuCYKzSEqG-mZYf_gIy-CBs5atrfXJ6FMmpp-hL7ZPxfNJFs4YtpYMmG55o-HxqtLzm44QWvBocE9/s320/DSC_6186.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Me and Nader bracing the winds awaiting sunset</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijdImaWNBDgheRGwyDEoD_2S5W6sDxeoCHQULyytuAHQNtlihGPgpu7Zl8yYSg0eln7h8lHqZG7RkpcvzLnfx6coesOUgMbFuq_s_uX4Cuawgmg4jICarTF5kIMw9zjBHpwm6521q2wkRj/s1600/DSC_6194.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijdImaWNBDgheRGwyDEoD_2S5W6sDxeoCHQULyytuAHQNtlihGPgpu7Zl8yYSg0eln7h8lHqZG7RkpcvzLnfx6coesOUgMbFuq_s_uX4Cuawgmg4jICarTF5kIMw9zjBHpwm6521q2wkRj/s320/DSC_6194.JPG" width="213" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Sitting in my chair taking in the sunshine</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8vvNzUYdMDshsF4-CJ0nEE3jTV09f_KXhyRaE-lqXvFpxwIKYl_TZWPk6suOvyRxcY0UGIPJa809neLOU-tUO1Mf5nOa3kz1-wVIT-vYzCQ5CdGe1tc-hZE9Jnxz9c1kpooAJdJLBLfR_/s1600/DSC_6199.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8vvNzUYdMDshsF4-CJ0nEE3jTV09f_KXhyRaE-lqXvFpxwIKYl_TZWPk6suOvyRxcY0UGIPJa809neLOU-tUO1Mf5nOa3kz1-wVIT-vYzCQ5CdGe1tc-hZE9Jnxz9c1kpooAJdJLBLfR_/s320/DSC_6199.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">John enjoying his walk along the cliffs, awaiting sunset</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEgBU3j8TEZwuD-Xmc7uPMVSB2CREZ5fv5o4st631xlFYR_RVKgnvd8BwUOe1z2_9FZSpZj5DIJWXpQ1h6Ij7JdMZO6nGwfWqum9SGIllHWApA3MUicp35ZrHSj9KGKuiOjejzgLlVr0Be/s1600/DSC_6205.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEgBU3j8TEZwuD-Xmc7uPMVSB2CREZ5fv5o4st631xlFYR_RVKgnvd8BwUOe1z2_9FZSpZj5DIJWXpQ1h6Ij7JdMZO6nGwfWqum9SGIllHWApA3MUicp35ZrHSj9KGKuiOjejzgLlVr0Be/s320/DSC_6205.JPG" width="213" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Loving the fresh air, open landscape and total freedom</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlfoAcy3YMq5l-b79k43mCJeaWaNc_KyO7nofirtpuYKmyjIDbJRLlSzNjPhSYWWeGAES5PodEiBXkaBg_x_VsbBedOuuLt7Ru8uMcFjt8MVHFK6nFNKOrp9r1JvdmEvivYFn5mmIauoNh/s1600/DSC_6220.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlfoAcy3YMq5l-b79k43mCJeaWaNc_KyO7nofirtpuYKmyjIDbJRLlSzNjPhSYWWeGAES5PodEiBXkaBg_x_VsbBedOuuLt7Ru8uMcFjt8MVHFK6nFNKOrp9r1JvdmEvivYFn5mmIauoNh/s320/DSC_6220.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Pondering my thoughts whilst watching the horizon</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjDd_hm_IMHuhE5AaYm-Crm_DaOO2OM5_hkc9d9Cj7auRj6oSH20oD2XW0f_zg3n5rzAGlsXp_T5hM26dVg6YiUaGkMyG76g84VsAd4biHCCcy5YEtfQuExnS_sgWQ3mR3lajwYQQe1kh8/s1600/DSC_6224.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjDd_hm_IMHuhE5AaYm-Crm_DaOO2OM5_hkc9d9Cj7auRj6oSH20oD2XW0f_zg3n5rzAGlsXp_T5hM26dVg6YiUaGkMyG76g84VsAd4biHCCcy5YEtfQuExnS_sgWQ3mR3lajwYQQe1kh8/s320/DSC_6224.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">This was amazing to watch, really beautiful moment</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaTGrS3gzGBthOC0hZyU0uk3eu24P0uhUm-XI14cPd7iS75FuIgUe8J3o2KvDt0itufA-ofd_7UwUhRQP5IFkzQWLgRtVnko0JjqzVFd59BYkzgttlRi8z_PwWvjQ11lUnx5h32kz8ozkD/s1600/DSC_6267.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaTGrS3gzGBthOC0hZyU0uk3eu24P0uhUm-XI14cPd7iS75FuIgUe8J3o2KvDt0itufA-ofd_7UwUhRQP5IFkzQWLgRtVnko0JjqzVFd59BYkzgttlRi8z_PwWvjQ11lUnx5h32kz8ozkD/s320/DSC_6267.JPG" width="213" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Back on the road, playing one of the holes on the world's longest golf course</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjq2Y8Eee5pQap1ENeTyRn5kNjChoSEj-93jpN754ZpVrWR6g35_B42bb9SBgNKvE18uqIkBPNVKaQRaiUasuZJxNxVsEbYWejyA1THrUDvdEXXHYZrNRVy6Qe66q0R6FfKJCJLsZb3komN/s1600/DSC_6299.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjq2Y8Eee5pQap1ENeTyRn5kNjChoSEj-93jpN754ZpVrWR6g35_B42bb9SBgNKvE18uqIkBPNVKaQRaiUasuZJxNxVsEbYWejyA1THrUDvdEXXHYZrNRVy6Qe66q0R6FfKJCJLsZb3komN/s320/DSC_6299.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Arriving into Streaky Bay, to be greeted with this beauty</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhA5NOj_2AWDe7z5rY0Gu-NUy3xlxWiAf3NAd62pSX6PVdDa8zIX6IFBbBdfRU1S8Hyy2xF7pyxStVX1_FWT-Xj_yqP8nGUqFoYuP43rxz_bDykupYqXHAKltqrOjrL_HEjm_QF3wOMu_Sw/s1600/DSC_6322.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhA5NOj_2AWDe7z5rY0Gu-NUy3xlxWiAf3NAd62pSX6PVdDa8zIX6IFBbBdfRU1S8Hyy2xF7pyxStVX1_FWT-Xj_yqP8nGUqFoYuP43rxz_bDykupYqXHAKltqrOjrL_HEjm_QF3wOMu_Sw/s320/DSC_6322.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Quickly throwing the tent up to make sure I have time to enjoy the sunset surrounded by only ourselves</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-PV9goG9X-QwGz1zzaQzgD7wxM7ArVWCGyY35Y-PZJ5qsZDDiFxWehKeJaE_kNIDvVsS3GEXXURn4HO_g0G5V_Ymv7ZHT49fCBFWjZyaXzDht0mpg2KKWkwaBuxnBsoQ99_iGSnCb47Fb/s1600/DSC_6330.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-PV9goG9X-QwGz1zzaQzgD7wxM7ArVWCGyY35Y-PZJ5qsZDDiFxWehKeJaE_kNIDvVsS3GEXXURn4HO_g0G5V_Ymv7ZHT49fCBFWjZyaXzDht0mpg2KKWkwaBuxnBsoQ99_iGSnCb47Fb/s320/DSC_6330.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">This is the view from our tent, watching the tide flow out</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNRWhpPgu7ydS3vHqBrRULa9a6vREJFZzSAmgkIY2kZBeRJdREALX3-cCXR8p7odcVUiQdexKsSPURvBGjEFnncj1LdpK1thCWSm13CgYN3vvxLFJOdXr0DHafyiaNiAKD6T6P0m0lsMFU/s1600/DSC_6334.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNRWhpPgu7ydS3vHqBrRULa9a6vREJFZzSAmgkIY2kZBeRJdREALX3-cCXR8p7odcVUiQdexKsSPURvBGjEFnncj1LdpK1thCWSm13CgYN3vvxLFJOdXr0DHafyiaNiAKD6T6P0m0lsMFU/s320/DSC_6334.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Enjoying the sunset on our private beach with nobody for miles, just the environment and it's beauty</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPgWV8vQqIgNicFb-Imlta9XDLVm2OnJ8yXX071k7G2B5JZ53ge6XWMoZkoIIBxloBw4IsHCm7uH43s-7jp4j3lUXyxSPSbli_bS6z5h8ORSqZHrCEsOXSF6aDLHSSL2rNt7D93bhmo-UG/s1600/DSC_6337.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPgWV8vQqIgNicFb-Imlta9XDLVm2OnJ8yXX071k7G2B5JZ53ge6XWMoZkoIIBxloBw4IsHCm7uH43s-7jp4j3lUXyxSPSbli_bS6z5h8ORSqZHrCEsOXSF6aDLHSSL2rNt7D93bhmo-UG/s320/DSC_6337.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">This is such a calming and quiet place</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgOiApORgK79tJYqh-b8_0p4WnlDWfNLzyTGGv0vP-HpWLHbSN4wmw3Vtfwi5_gqbr5FNZJebRz2yBaGdCLJQfwZR_9Yj6PGyeyxHYpKmDxQBc40rMMtGXGrnp4IyC9PrJe9SmGs_32bWI/s1600/DSC_6346.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgOiApORgK79tJYqh-b8_0p4WnlDWfNLzyTGGv0vP-HpWLHbSN4wmw3Vtfwi5_gqbr5FNZJebRz2yBaGdCLJQfwZR_9Yj6PGyeyxHYpKmDxQBc40rMMtGXGrnp4IyC9PrJe9SmGs_32bWI/s320/DSC_6346.JPG" width="213" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Listening to the sounds of the water, watching sunset</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgH8A2Ii3cGf5-4bnYiO5WKvyrHP29rPU8t6hb4ZmwWZMb7A_Yy9zeDVQ9M6hd4qhEkZLf7CSYRp-5BPMPwo5HvCC7Vp2SEDdvLNrYjSm8cz4_99Cy1MFuHG21GENK7wfC-KgQJQGtMHCrR/s1600/DSC_6350.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgH8A2Ii3cGf5-4bnYiO5WKvyrHP29rPU8t6hb4ZmwWZMb7A_Yy9zeDVQ9M6hd4qhEkZLf7CSYRp-5BPMPwo5HvCC7Vp2SEDdvLNrYjSm8cz4_99Cy1MFuHG21GENK7wfC-KgQJQGtMHCrR/s320/DSC_6350.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">As Nader goes for a walk, I jump and make myself into an angel</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjDRQq_CWXHSrDy3Q-aGJQlB1r4W0fZQEYOdllUGuXqF7hChUXTkVo0OVZ1hF6Zv1Rx7SsVgz_3eOKsEkajCysgZ6zh7uUjyJijgyg3kwx-av4Fyn77iYaEjwvp49zpAM6zW6FZViznYO1/s1600/DSC_6366.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjDRQq_CWXHSrDy3Q-aGJQlB1r4W0fZQEYOdllUGuXqF7hChUXTkVo0OVZ1hF6Zv1Rx7SsVgz_3eOKsEkajCysgZ6zh7uUjyJijgyg3kwx-av4Fyn77iYaEjwvp49zpAM6zW6FZViznYO1/s320/DSC_6366.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">This is one of my favourite and memorable experiences...notice the two planets....Venus and Jupiter</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHx7dM3t2LhkIgLAHjm9hZ_T7ocGcSHD8rJ4FSGZbqjmZQvd_6NmVg6pvvP-u9B88Z0CeSnqvCkhYOZyYDxw7GZy0YtiBL-FRf6IhN-5eFTyQNpJS0uFPz3EjEAaLwsWxKVQQUhquZ2oSF/s1600/DSC_6380.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHx7dM3t2LhkIgLAHjm9hZ_T7ocGcSHD8rJ4FSGZbqjmZQvd_6NmVg6pvvP-u9B88Z0CeSnqvCkhYOZyYDxw7GZy0YtiBL-FRf6IhN-5eFTyQNpJS0uFPz3EjEAaLwsWxKVQQUhquZ2oSF/s320/DSC_6380.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Back on the road...enjoying my driving</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFj-84aCNdgo7JrW4_AN4Xj_3HwKap9rWGBv0ogwB_ADmC-wJEGcBgKyJPlk3xpWTB8oKzzZG59-cMi0FLivB7mam3-fS-Z7QCs5GuqDWRF3LcFOHrKQZnF_DsgCSRlStzGeUzuDACcz1E/s1600/DSC_6390.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFj-84aCNdgo7JrW4_AN4Xj_3HwKap9rWGBv0ogwB_ADmC-wJEGcBgKyJPlk3xpWTB8oKzzZG59-cMi0FLivB7mam3-fS-Z7QCs5GuqDWRF3LcFOHrKQZnF_DsgCSRlStzGeUzuDACcz1E/s320/DSC_6390.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Stopping off at a remote old village, now historical site in total outback on dirt tracks</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPX5awBAEqJfI9crTqUL8LiF3G-sNxkOIbWQ-3EwtV8Oo5smwwPbraPLR5a1g9eZHV_dSTOhRUea_EAigaMNfWt8vmgnqDKIW7KwuyoAZ5JzxC4VZFX28PbhjOsAt7UBtTX8h19_KhmCYJ/s1600/DSC_6392.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPX5awBAEqJfI9crTqUL8LiF3G-sNxkOIbWQ-3EwtV8Oo5smwwPbraPLR5a1g9eZHV_dSTOhRUea_EAigaMNfWt8vmgnqDKIW7KwuyoAZ5JzxC4VZFX28PbhjOsAt7UBtTX8h19_KhmCYJ/s320/DSC_6392.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">This used to be a hotel for cattle drover's travelling across outback</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyVArdjWowYtWw8-H3wyLKTHEvhXsa-F16tC5hWPFLsgpjZD3GSafKB_N8ROGBUjV8O5WeFcm5W8SyTqRMOLnC41lfvyHd32ndBcJJ3gevCts1J3Cn03Y37KfK96p6WFg1u2-wrv7dSNNj/s1600/DSC_6406.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyVArdjWowYtWw8-H3wyLKTHEvhXsa-F16tC5hWPFLsgpjZD3GSafKB_N8ROGBUjV8O5WeFcm5W8SyTqRMOLnC41lfvyHd32ndBcJJ3gevCts1J3Cn03Y37KfK96p6WFg1u2-wrv7dSNNj/s320/DSC_6406.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Back on the road, my turn to drive us across East</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3Co7RKx493bI94WWn1cbuCMJjrCRZztkO8a3KXU2y6cs5WzaSjK_4nnW1IKBm8FCzZTRPCDT6yJe4kL2zR5ADBMm_aWtkRCgnOdt7Qb9gWhvQso4bKQZJDIMByex4-mMToSM0gsrb_tUh/s1600/DSC_6409.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3Co7RKx493bI94WWn1cbuCMJjrCRZztkO8a3KXU2y6cs5WzaSjK_4nnW1IKBm8FCzZTRPCDT6yJe4kL2zR5ADBMm_aWtkRCgnOdt7Qb9gWhvQso4bKQZJDIMByex4-mMToSM0gsrb_tUh/s320/DSC_6409.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The open landscape filled with wild emu's and kangaroo's</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiAU25RnzbImolcYpQwbqgyTfLM44zALWMgDbuK9ZfZciOS5nztG9TwZN0HGHoxp6N4pDioqhsp8x15Aoj3DBbnUgxUDkGyAxjRUKWfCgmm4HV1GdEufccUp8jHacki45GLMQw9Zuq4Wc2/s1600/DSC_6417.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiAU25RnzbImolcYpQwbqgyTfLM44zALWMgDbuK9ZfZciOS5nztG9TwZN0HGHoxp6N4pDioqhsp8x15Aoj3DBbnUgxUDkGyAxjRUKWfCgmm4HV1GdEufccUp8jHacki45GLMQw9Zuq4Wc2/s320/DSC_6417.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">John enjoying the mountains and the landscape around him</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj01S7KwrgWg8A1xc9BPosMcTLVMK47d2let3j3F7k_l-SSXX4-L-2io2bAYEp51kEBgqEI9SfLbMddC6HlpUcT3vp03wvC_p3qFVAtxlcG8n7Th_cXeKk3eaK71mHfk2W0vW6PdpoD2Y8V/s1600/DSC_6420.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj01S7KwrgWg8A1xc9BPosMcTLVMK47d2let3j3F7k_l-SSXX4-L-2io2bAYEp51kEBgqEI9SfLbMddC6HlpUcT3vp03wvC_p3qFVAtxlcG8n7Th_cXeKk3eaK71mHfk2W0vW6PdpoD2Y8V/s320/DSC_6420.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">After a long slog of driving, taking in the landscape around me</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgF3xsKl7VgDmueqzvEA5StzjYQLVcz92NPqtTIXEVEwNU0hb2uXowR3EAuRcJiRN3KgyNekD7oFm9H_mPgHSodL_D8DdrTR5691ofiow1BYTf8dvmAmsL0EiUAmsXPfghqfQysL-wu62_Y/s1600/DSC_6427.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgF3xsKl7VgDmueqzvEA5StzjYQLVcz92NPqtTIXEVEwNU0hb2uXowR3EAuRcJiRN3KgyNekD7oFm9H_mPgHSodL_D8DdrTR5691ofiow1BYTf8dvmAmsL0EiUAmsXPfghqfQysL-wu62_Y/s320/DSC_6427.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Treating ourselves to camping in National Park...enjoying a hot shower!</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNOObAoKgbwJj4QV1m6eYAgQMzij_ckDXCsD3w-3dmCXXd_c9jTloqBJBsGyjrXxe_Cz_RETdzBfMJ8j5ZfpvPCRXX3gRA_McpG1GP8WaEfWG-V2ZLTISismB1h6SyCezQ-HLKCxvZJ30F/s1600/DSC_6436.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNOObAoKgbwJj4QV1m6eYAgQMzij_ckDXCsD3w-3dmCXXd_c9jTloqBJBsGyjrXxe_Cz_RETdzBfMJ8j5ZfpvPCRXX3gRA_McpG1GP8WaEfWG-V2ZLTISismB1h6SyCezQ-HLKCxvZJ30F/s320/DSC_6436.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">A wild and rare rock wallaby near Aboriginal Heritage Site</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmUDeJynDpWIYyje3tsww0mHaSJdemXtagpIlXKVq6RnwWgP62oINX9BBMnzQcqGdnS0SxttSnjByWTqUO6ByQepewYgF1MgojVkiAnIfxwQnOAG_WggDllg4-GTLUq-j9-4EhoEp4sGHd/s1600/DSC_6442.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmUDeJynDpWIYyje3tsww0mHaSJdemXtagpIlXKVq6RnwWgP62oINX9BBMnzQcqGdnS0SxttSnjByWTqUO6ByQepewYgF1MgojVkiAnIfxwQnOAG_WggDllg4-GTLUq-j9-4EhoEp4sGHd/s320/DSC_6442.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Climbing the heritage site to view the landscape up in the rocks</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgj5TN8UGJCNAiPd8E11H7HNWNifrFlHK-HG03i7GMqVxYsPXeq5OfI9eafW2jtYCyy2_Ga3a7s6KgMjDKiAPyqgxAYaFcOy6ulcTfG2Y0HuodgDow70IBHBH8xdZv_lwpKq0YUiYMNRQxr/s1600/DSC_6447.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgj5TN8UGJCNAiPd8E11H7HNWNifrFlHK-HG03i7GMqVxYsPXeq5OfI9eafW2jtYCyy2_Ga3a7s6KgMjDKiAPyqgxAYaFcOy6ulcTfG2Y0HuodgDow70IBHBH8xdZv_lwpKq0YUiYMNRQxr/s320/DSC_6447.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Historical and thousands of years old Aboriginal Art Work</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBJAFyiKmdcRVdl_GlUL_xdEDSj7QTq3a4fnfPU9ZtLRTDDqy5qgqHQWqv4MhpcR1O-ooz_bZbFfwr6m1EiaqyUk1AlcFhS-KKDs61k4XUw5vJtOjXlRjnFoyT_DMTT3ofXF4dgTV4O85P/s1600/DSC_6450.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBJAFyiKmdcRVdl_GlUL_xdEDSj7QTq3a4fnfPU9ZtLRTDDqy5qgqHQWqv4MhpcR1O-ooz_bZbFfwr6m1EiaqyUk1AlcFhS-KKDs61k4XUw5vJtOjXlRjnFoyT_DMTT3ofXF4dgTV4O85P/s320/DSC_6450.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Taking in the landscape with nobody around us for miles...only the wildlife!</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfmR1lOjFrKqkb4ZYrhbisXcVCYHXLfWfWRiigD1q-9RYqzv4cT7f8yeULGxaCitT1Au0Idi6gz0T6cZyN83GoFT6FartvK1vUQVuBqT8PjLAeSogK4FKcKS0mNi4w6jqgs14RC9Jo2G0h/s1600/DSC_6453.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfmR1lOjFrKqkb4ZYrhbisXcVCYHXLfWfWRiigD1q-9RYqzv4cT7f8yeULGxaCitT1Au0Idi6gz0T6cZyN83GoFT6FartvK1vUQVuBqT8PjLAeSogK4FKcKS0mNi4w6jqgs14RC9Jo2G0h/s320/DSC_6453.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The rocks around this cave which is millions of years old</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSUo5s0wgzMho-0iK0WiHlqNGj3PEua9jZ1cExjdtU5PTWZ5irnUXYNi4ohM46r7DTY9tfR1o3xYHxzDe6qTwKV4-cS6pU4aX0XEAAzQPEc3b7sEQDI6UeOnrcUC-fU36KpjQiVN3gSS4s/s1600/DSC_6462.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSUo5s0wgzMho-0iK0WiHlqNGj3PEua9jZ1cExjdtU5PTWZ5irnUXYNi4ohM46r7DTY9tfR1o3xYHxzDe6qTwKV4-cS6pU4aX0XEAAzQPEc3b7sEQDI6UeOnrcUC-fU36KpjQiVN3gSS4s/s320/DSC_6462.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Arriving into Adelaide, walking along the promenade</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMzKKOBcgYH3U_lBofyvY8BfMMbtRvFbJJQ6FmAMRqF4BgKHMbam_L2ugYH-O9hTosvhk0hU9I2nX8YR3OAj0KvvFW-O-1bszQedReP_FkV-O-mxtsStb8FM0BJ_oblJ0xoWlLNmgjr_SX/s1600/DSC_6463.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMzKKOBcgYH3U_lBofyvY8BfMMbtRvFbJJQ6FmAMRqF4BgKHMbam_L2ugYH-O9hTosvhk0hU9I2nX8YR3OAj0KvvFW-O-1bszQedReP_FkV-O-mxtsStb8FM0BJ_oblJ0xoWlLNmgjr_SX/s320/DSC_6463.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Loving the beach life here, walking in the sunshine</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2IXTMWp_czU7b6jABRRtfTra62xggSca7KT6WX9OniobEb5_r6AL2kL6iMUWX68p6fuRj_SESwAUTvdP7T4U2JX51Wu_9yDRqmG7HfRPqmqXVkAfN-qpqLZfQRkDOvXgWU_03x-w-gBYz/s1600/DSC_6469.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2IXTMWp_czU7b6jABRRtfTra62xggSca7KT6WX9OniobEb5_r6AL2kL6iMUWX68p6fuRj_SESwAUTvdP7T4U2JX51Wu_9yDRqmG7HfRPqmqXVkAfN-qpqLZfQRkDOvXgWU_03x-w-gBYz/s320/DSC_6469.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Observing people and families having fun on a Saturday afternoon</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjz9CZAgVSiL_z_XKnczVwrxCjG79EAFia5ufWaTf0TZslBPBM7dVPFkJLhIVIMa2nNcycRoZekogyBCX1iVeVGcnemaUKb-XiQeckk93dTpyLGrvbATmG-fiSZ5q5yCsS1AgM8f37i-4JI/s1600/DSC_6476.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjz9CZAgVSiL_z_XKnczVwrxCjG79EAFia5ufWaTf0TZslBPBM7dVPFkJLhIVIMa2nNcycRoZekogyBCX1iVeVGcnemaUKb-XiQeckk93dTpyLGrvbATmG-fiSZ5q5yCsS1AgM8f37i-4JI/s320/DSC_6476.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Taking in the landscape of Adelaide</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiszX8y6rMrBKCt2GMccS8cS1EJYKVBnbDEQyefvwNbSxh7EjQx6ZUr7jfrdY1l9LAUYruvgsMVKMBAg5njzC6c-vNSb9kR0394V4QLSK1OTZe7AFgaHZrs1RfEadktewU_qkjrzzpXwTMX/s1600/DSC_6480.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiszX8y6rMrBKCt2GMccS8cS1EJYKVBnbDEQyefvwNbSxh7EjQx6ZUr7jfrdY1l9LAUYruvgsMVKMBAg5njzC6c-vNSb9kR0394V4QLSK1OTZe7AFgaHZrs1RfEadktewU_qkjrzzpXwTMX/s320/DSC_6480.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Catching a glimpse of a Bull Seal, playing around the jetty with everyone</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPtXHiAY1Db_WVtAkYHmECa2JhSe4BvYf06LJZ0DpY1PUed3BVe8Mzw4UVXNjQtdUbAJTgDGcjFBeX2KDACeq7DqgCb4yl-kD1KBA6AbYms-KletU7WPUuwBCrNgiRLOPOuPcmpvmI7pjl/s1600/DSC_6486.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPtXHiAY1Db_WVtAkYHmECa2JhSe4BvYf06LJZ0DpY1PUed3BVe8Mzw4UVXNjQtdUbAJTgDGcjFBeX2KDACeq7DqgCb4yl-kD1KBA6AbYms-KletU7WPUuwBCrNgiRLOPOuPcmpvmI7pjl/s320/DSC_6486.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Looking out and feeling happy in Adelaide</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisfSUWxQHdH7ytIGYAtsjNAbOaqHO2q_2haHQghyphenhyphenLj36nUNJPjb4TpRArZ0Yv9WW9DdPkfUDEPVtJzzpcqCM6n1Q_gxC7u-xVGqcBptFBiws0sxiwqtlAhnnAPpi6MEjWT3n3aroE9kQHr/s1600/DSC_6472.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisfSUWxQHdH7ytIGYAtsjNAbOaqHO2q_2haHQghyphenhyphenLj36nUNJPjb4TpRArZ0Yv9WW9DdPkfUDEPVtJzzpcqCM6n1Q_gxC7u-xVGqcBptFBiws0sxiwqtlAhnnAPpi6MEjWT3n3aroE9kQHr/s320/DSC_6472.JPG" width="213" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Walking back at sunset to grab some food</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"></span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"></span><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0HwnOKiu-z7WdJmiGjsiQVLOY-eP__upJTtUg6M3qDIR2Mrj9WvR261YdTj78NlqkbjHi8ClHhz57nrI2R7evCa6sb2jYq0qj2vDQMVB6ZpdIyCE90sz8Oj7MVqc-TAxaM6spQ5D1IOaP/s1600/DSC_6491.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0HwnOKiu-z7WdJmiGjsiQVLOY-eP__upJTtUg6M3qDIR2Mrj9WvR261YdTj78NlqkbjHi8ClHhz57nrI2R7evCa6sb2jYq0qj2vDQMVB6ZpdIyCE90sz8Oj7MVqc-TAxaM6spQ5D1IOaP/s320/DSC_6491.JPG" width="320" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Enjoying the sunset in Adelaide</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"></span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"></span><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvPJi5nVHY0B5IpOSxbhqmpAfYHMc9Kg9mE75EkF955yXREyxzRoIXHG4PqImx6u148Vd70HZL6iZ7X7QQBafMhRx2sXkSc6OT0QsctztFXjYCAcZg8R9Y0937SvsnRmuAcV5q1OuvG0iM/s1600/DSC_6493.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvPJi5nVHY0B5IpOSxbhqmpAfYHMc9Kg9mE75EkF955yXREyxzRoIXHG4PqImx6u148Vd70HZL6iZ7X7QQBafMhRx2sXkSc6OT0QsctztFXjYCAcZg8R9Y0937SvsnRmuAcV5q1OuvG0iM/s320/DSC_6493.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">An amazing sunset whilst enjoying some food, looking out into the sea</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLGnESVHbJkxkD3sypi7-0R4ZaOyTpAx0ZIfgwj9FmW2GSDlmBN9TwNDvHwyHQ_aMLGvmA6tdhUJXQ_hvAP_onhGFf-RgONmfO3NSaMyxNKUZ5VutriLiyI4W7fUPCybVxjHWrUP6jG7Rp/s1600/DSC_6494.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLGnESVHbJkxkD3sypi7-0R4ZaOyTpAx0ZIfgwj9FmW2GSDlmBN9TwNDvHwyHQ_aMLGvmA6tdhUJXQ_hvAP_onhGFf-RgONmfO3NSaMyxNKUZ5VutriLiyI4W7fUPCybVxjHWrUP6jG7Rp/s320/DSC_6494.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">John tucking into his fish and chips</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZeOAAivCoudI3qXgOE1H0lnVj-6ULxi12FQzHMORC3fYxFBRRceoJAzzcvPcgFhpcBut7N94F42MOe865vIlE4xZMms7ju4fryzn2hoqdWvOlMeUiCnlWAskwdfHZsZsz_V7QGG3ibR1H/s1600/DSC_6498.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZeOAAivCoudI3qXgOE1H0lnVj-6ULxi12FQzHMORC3fYxFBRRceoJAzzcvPcgFhpcBut7N94F42MOe865vIlE4xZMms7ju4fryzn2hoqdWvOlMeUiCnlWAskwdfHZsZsz_V7QGG3ibR1H/s320/DSC_6498.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Enjoying my fish and chips watching the sunset in Adelaide</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHw59-F0Rtr7b803ltKCuHD4R_fagz4NVonPpDDdQJSAOAm5HTDbUpYYkHN0TpQSYdvGrcgqiu_okW_6cu8FQ3nWgRHXnaZmg_Oa2lSUI17ycbeHJzuLTq4y5Pg177QRfww-spV3wO8ll4/s1600/DSC_6505.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHw59-F0Rtr7b803ltKCuHD4R_fagz4NVonPpDDdQJSAOAm5HTDbUpYYkHN0TpQSYdvGrcgqiu_okW_6cu8FQ3nWgRHXnaZmg_Oa2lSUI17ycbeHJzuLTq4y5Pg177QRfww-spV3wO8ll4/s320/DSC_6505.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Having a morning stroll along the beach</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcvM0NFQLuy63xJNJ8zbJRr_yZ85dJLVyXNANb-NQFLPgfQ51Pqv3wYqQnGL24lcFCS99cWc1OT46KXo2BjV3TF_JHZ888q79EOM4VxpV_f07CA1mJbn4OffUJi2QOR38meZBvd7aAJkyR/s1600/DSC_6515.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcvM0NFQLuy63xJNJ8zbJRr_yZ85dJLVyXNANb-NQFLPgfQ51Pqv3wYqQnGL24lcFCS99cWc1OT46KXo2BjV3TF_JHZ888q79EOM4VxpV_f07CA1mJbn4OffUJi2QOR38meZBvd7aAJkyR/s320/DSC_6515.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">John getting up close & personal with a bird on the beach</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfCd-ggIbYttNqcqa8lIVdWr9mX1Ne30kM1P1-fm8MtOhxb0K6wZMgtGfWzxnhVt7UmtjiG80j3fneptvKqYzF1AtgHvNugugIBKpOSh0972ks_liupFREWRLxMmOU_vd2mvD94_ZQ20tU/s1600/DSC_6521.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfCd-ggIbYttNqcqa8lIVdWr9mX1Ne30kM1P1-fm8MtOhxb0K6wZMgtGfWzxnhVt7UmtjiG80j3fneptvKqYzF1AtgHvNugugIBKpOSh0972ks_liupFREWRLxMmOU_vd2mvD94_ZQ20tU/s320/DSC_6521.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The bird now posing for a picture with me</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFLoATNSvezvh9ze02Mm2LEDCL3c_-JQNQuDJ6MlegJPb9Nt0fUrz_22834Gndf_xW_HsTlb_lhYm7blK7kz_iFtGUE4goovX7e2iCvJyjjP0aC8DlICESAZPGzsKQmkyaNQywtnBXSbkD/s1600/DSC_6524.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFLoATNSvezvh9ze02Mm2LEDCL3c_-JQNQuDJ6MlegJPb9Nt0fUrz_22834Gndf_xW_HsTlb_lhYm7blK7kz_iFtGUE4goovX7e2iCvJyjjP0aC8DlICESAZPGzsKQmkyaNQywtnBXSbkD/s320/DSC_6524.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Walking along the beach in Adelaide</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPORX_cKZY9kRVjjNLUlnQiSINy-e4kqdIiNuWehvxS-Mjj0a3dCCNvMG4Zv_dYfv34REr-ou5kJ7WBJKqb_Lvv6W5qxIVekxvHs1GPNODlLBunN1Pw5yB8Cmk8K2q55shyCBRFtsQzu4I/s1600/DSC_6530.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPORX_cKZY9kRVjjNLUlnQiSINy-e4kqdIiNuWehvxS-Mjj0a3dCCNvMG4Zv_dYfv34REr-ou5kJ7WBJKqb_Lvv6W5qxIVekxvHs1GPNODlLBunN1Pw5yB8Cmk8K2q55shyCBRFtsQzu4I/s320/DSC_6530.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">John working his 'man' skills, sorting out the bbq in Olympia's</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCpoSdk4fErsEDyKD8wXOHfZfzCbGcFk9IXRkQpBiA-Gz1j4-XqN7NkJm_i5b4OSXi9m7shYDspv12ChpmJNyJuUoWz9Wx_0_-UVLErykQl86pj374U7q-v_JlPs5MjbKq87n8kqu_pYRX/s1600/DSC_6532.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCpoSdk4fErsEDyKD8wXOHfZfzCbGcFk9IXRkQpBiA-Gz1j4-XqN7NkJm_i5b4OSXi9m7shYDspv12ChpmJNyJuUoWz9Wx_0_-UVLErykQl86pj374U7q-v_JlPs5MjbKq87n8kqu_pYRX/s320/DSC_6532.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Emma dishing up the delicious food for our lunch in Adelaide</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwIpOBS3xADjBb1mpNwED4SnTi2W1GJj5xszbkQiIHlAmi14GtnSV72j6WGNYKpSYeEX8IWXDJC2qDwuWwP6bc3VBB_VJXVRVgqLeF748f4atoE5Tqz1DjGBFtByxc4-VhCGieK_-7psVl/s1600/DSC_6534.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwIpOBS3xADjBb1mpNwED4SnTi2W1GJj5xszbkQiIHlAmi14GtnSV72j6WGNYKpSYeEX8IWXDJC2qDwuWwP6bc3VBB_VJXVRVgqLeF748f4atoE5Tqz1DjGBFtByxc4-VhCGieK_-7psVl/s320/DSC_6534.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Olympia and Emma finishing off lunch...Greek style!</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAzsYbFD_OgJxdh0UgB8MT7VwvoP_87OySqanquQgW10-vlZZOwfxvHGW00XpVO-2wRqSCHoSWPiR-hHxU0PmZqksKOz809BSS-cX8bVipxZ4Yc4Atq2YsadVxUc8J6t7wYD3eYptnCqaj/s1600/DSC_6539.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAzsYbFD_OgJxdh0UgB8MT7VwvoP_87OySqanquQgW10-vlZZOwfxvHGW00XpVO-2wRqSCHoSWPiR-hHxU0PmZqksKOz809BSS-cX8bVipxZ4Yc4Atq2YsadVxUc8J6t7wYD3eYptnCqaj/s320/DSC_6539.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">In the Adelaide Fring Festival, me and the headliner 'Jesus'</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhG2Z0DjW4XDwvNh3MyFMFADbBEebhN3natvaBqRfIcrXxykMo_1mTMVZp3W1l5562A9S9WiOt9ui_j4YFHJt6nE-_vrV09z53e292nLWLi99aQJ8ioWMa_9Jv_AxyjsH67kYHNAhzWr2LG/s1600/DSC_6541.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhG2Z0DjW4XDwvNh3MyFMFADbBEebhN3natvaBqRfIcrXxykMo_1mTMVZp3W1l5562A9S9WiOt9ui_j4YFHJt6nE-_vrV09z53e292nLWLi99aQJ8ioWMa_9Jv_AxyjsH67kYHNAhzWr2LG/s320/DSC_6541.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Me with an amazing family</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFad65QDzbOGhiQ6vDpoozKEdJ1ydymhBtn5ke8raa57d-7z3ekxXkHIgZOEG9x5L3ulNlIx_YGqrwmXshTsOM_rELFxI2BUOh4ansxIUinau1AVkC91Jh8VLNhN0aX2iV4xiMvCrWLEZI/s1600/DSC_6542.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFad65QDzbOGhiQ6vDpoozKEdJ1ydymhBtn5ke8raa57d-7z3ekxXkHIgZOEG9x5L3ulNlIx_YGqrwmXshTsOM_rELFxI2BUOh4ansxIUinau1AVkC91Jh8VLNhN0aX2iV4xiMvCrWLEZI/s320/DSC_6542.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">John and everyone, while we are all out enjoying the festival in Adelaide</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
</div>laura newmanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16515951360170007806noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1969955670379426893.post-91769023674621583202012-03-19T19:57:00.000-07:002012-03-19T19:57:42.903-07:00Western Australia...<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Arriving into Perth on my JetStar flight, I braced myself for immigration. My previous experience of customs was not such an enjoyable one, on my last holiday heer, I was questioned in depth by an official on I was staying and the reasons for my holiday. This time though we blissfully strolled straight out of the airport. Passing through the exit doors I was so happy to see some of my family, my uncle John and aunty Susie. Sometimes, you don't realise but seeing a familiar face and somebody who is family, is comforting and happy to experience. Plus, getting to ride home in Uncle John's sky-blue classic Rolls Royce was a great journey back!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br />
</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">We enjoyed our first week in Perth, seeing lots of cultural places, from Yanchep National Park to underground caves and seeing plenty of kangaroo's and kuala's. We set off daily to explore the city, embracing the sunshine, the heat is on in Perth, its so hot that you feel instantly tired stepping out into the sunshine in the day. We visited Fremantle quite a few times, this is a place that is special in my heart. I am not sure exactly what it is about the place, but it almost feels as though you are stepping back in time and the architecture and ambiance of the place oozes relaxation, sunshine and calmness. I happily strolled the streets, enjoying an ice cream and even the traditional fish and chips on one sunny afternoon. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br />
</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">My family made their home so welcoming to us and this is something I am grateful for, you don't realise or more so appreciate the small things in life. More than anything since being on my travels I looked forward to enjoying....a hot bubbly bath! So, within a day or two I had stocked up in taking a bubbly bath every other day, I caught up on my fix of tv and dvd's and more than anything just chilling, taking time to stay still, not always moving or living out of the backpack. I enjoyed taking the dogs Phoebe and Morse for walks around the dam, even one day when John saved Phoebe's life, as she swam out chasing ducks and due to her old age and not so good health had difficulties swimming back. John was the hero that day, stripping down to his boxers and racing out into the fresh water dam to save her, as she was just beginning to slip under, fighting for her life. When they clambered there way back to the side, it was very much touch and go for Phoebe, gasping for her every breath, but thankfully after a good few days rest; she was back to her normal self. It's even the small things I enjoyed about staying with family, spending evenings with them relaxing on the couch, making evening meals or even the simple things such a nice ole cup of tea! </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br />
</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">After spending an amazing two weeks with my family, we felt well and truly rested and almost eager to get back on the road and set of on the adventure. We decided to post an advert for rideshare across to Melbourne. After finding the perfect guy to share the trip with, we met for tea one evening and set out our plans of what our adventure would entail. So, the time has come to say farewell to my family, I am sad to say goodbye but then excited to start the next chapter on our adventure. After embracing the Aussie culture and Aussie way of life, all I can do is sit back and say 'no worries, no drama's'...Oz Style!</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br />
</span><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGhsSPo-Ib4E3hR4itRPwlGEixS5n35YJnpRHnrIwh5ypQLX-OABzWYfUtMdNBlABIIf6YKK40bFNNGnrb_0WimRW-1r6nHFfl1omfzAuZaLZF5oZeapn8teTuFtbWQC-wD8gmR9KCEJZV/s1600/DSC_5096%5B1%5D" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img aea="true" border="0" height="213px" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGhsSPo-Ib4E3hR4itRPwlGEixS5n35YJnpRHnrIwh5ypQLX-OABzWYfUtMdNBlABIIf6YKK40bFNNGnrb_0WimRW-1r6nHFfl1omfzAuZaLZF5oZeapn8teTuFtbWQC-wD8gmR9KCEJZV/s320/DSC_5096%5B1%5D" width="320px" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Seeing some Kuala's with my Uncle John</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCM_UO6pjUf1JAhKSOxgdb2pkYST5KpM-FuR6JK_gXgOC2CTrEiljOARLbVGBR1ORQ9nEVY-R29ZXiHwCaVhbYOWdPXAB6U2Tl5JJOykzYQriei5mgw9_QLJs2Db1DXzGXMwY_bO1HW9E3/s1600/DSC_5102%5B1%5D" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img aea="true" border="0" height="213px" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCM_UO6pjUf1JAhKSOxgdb2pkYST5KpM-FuR6JK_gXgOC2CTrEiljOARLbVGBR1ORQ9nEVY-R29ZXiHwCaVhbYOWdPXAB6U2Tl5JJOykzYQriei5mgw9_QLJs2Db1DXzGXMwY_bO1HW9E3/s320/DSC_5102%5B1%5D" width="320px" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">A cute kangaroo just bopping around his daily life</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDvdEbJWAe2__dF3Vyp8UGwz7zjy4vcXQTl0kqoWZG6ocp0mJabVAvUSNfQ42ZVBKyNLhfzmfMOc2peTy788ors28nfoBiFupgx8VYsDnoFAf0QDm8oL5F8NJuDRgX2cSlRy-s2V0ch36J/s1600/DSC_5241%5B1%5D" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img aea="true" border="0" height="213px" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDvdEbJWAe2__dF3Vyp8UGwz7zjy4vcXQTl0kqoWZG6ocp0mJabVAvUSNfQ42ZVBKyNLhfzmfMOc2peTy788ors28nfoBiFupgx8VYsDnoFAf0QDm8oL5F8NJuDRgX2cSlRy-s2V0ch36J/s320/DSC_5241%5B1%5D" width="320px" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">In Perth city centre, admiring the flowered swans</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9Tjd-VR2gCfrwNGUt6IHkwkcUTEmAubEi3-Rg7aUgTP9Td949y6B8rjrkztIuSR0ah30JraPUbtI1OPwX9aTWkgpAjTPZD0-IXIB-5q0F4ApZeEuVfPJ8uC3IK2c06EFsHcxdmV4Yg0e7/s1600/DSC_5209%5B2%5D" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img aea="true" border="0" height="213px" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9Tjd-VR2gCfrwNGUt6IHkwkcUTEmAubEi3-Rg7aUgTP9Td949y6B8rjrkztIuSR0ah30JraPUbtI1OPwX9aTWkgpAjTPZD0-IXIB-5q0F4ApZeEuVfPJ8uC3IK2c06EFsHcxdmV4Yg0e7/s320/DSC_5209%5B2%5D" width="320px" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Checking out the city in the sunshine</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgi29PLYzqB5RpOCH_DEP4uU6pDiOA5UBgmUkDA9ArC8j5AcUuxYKqWuwIuruiGBxAMDFv3243F_ev27Ffu_nF3Z3-sIFYPv7niQ9s1KWmikk8Pl5aI41ucfSXoo6xwzeZwYetB9NDQ5Yp9/s1600/DSC_5169%5B1%5D" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img aea="true" border="0" height="213px" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgi29PLYzqB5RpOCH_DEP4uU6pDiOA5UBgmUkDA9ArC8j5AcUuxYKqWuwIuruiGBxAMDFv3243F_ev27Ffu_nF3Z3-sIFYPv7niQ9s1KWmikk8Pl5aI41ucfSXoo6xwzeZwYetB9NDQ5Yp9/s320/DSC_5169%5B1%5D" width="320px" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Enjoying the watersports at Mandurah</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLpsoplLEVSpz2QGee5nOiqAjsOK6Asf4-dV3YS06yj0einV7lSw8QrQNRfV1w-IsXrVditS22A9P3Vf5seG7jFA4R2ZmlZ8VQjZLdEECDaRQ_iOkesrtUtUgof2t8vLXnreUSM26ox-9K/s1600/DSC_5189%5B2%5D" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img aea="true" border="0" height="213px" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLpsoplLEVSpz2QGee5nOiqAjsOK6Asf4-dV3YS06yj0einV7lSw8QrQNRfV1w-IsXrVditS22A9P3Vf5seG7jFA4R2ZmlZ8VQjZLdEECDaRQ_iOkesrtUtUgof2t8vLXnreUSM26ox-9K/s320/DSC_5189%5B2%5D" width="320px" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">John doing a wee bit of fishing on a Sunday afternoon</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrn0fOoXLVZz9jfwRsh3mKRu1BuV4M_oMqP3KMCcK3Vbr7TO7pqUYpZbtG0Z_4kkUZxA8ojjip1UX_T2mRcntWSluAvg-l1HnAt6bptf0eaU5NG9Ld-q1Cve-B43G7mY4svQ5NxB4Ezycd/s1600/DSC_5260%5B1%5D" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img aea="true" border="0" height="213px" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrn0fOoXLVZz9jfwRsh3mKRu1BuV4M_oMqP3KMCcK3Vbr7TO7pqUYpZbtG0Z_4kkUZxA8ojjip1UX_T2mRcntWSluAvg-l1HnAt6bptf0eaU5NG9Ld-q1Cve-B43G7mY4svQ5NxB4Ezycd/s320/DSC_5260%5B1%5D" width="320px" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">John outside the 'English Quarter'</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqCVr8FmNPIzqY4tdzcAk65kMqLvMxvxsw9LFYRsGUOCanC4JBszf-5g4QTGG1314M2WJthcH5868fWDfmgTOeO1T5clYlk6s3_M37ljoqdDIblvUOUdFr9Astm6R8_ZI1cjoksH2yWqCs/s1600/DSC_5299%5B1%5D" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img aea="true" border="0" height="213px" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqCVr8FmNPIzqY4tdzcAk65kMqLvMxvxsw9LFYRsGUOCanC4JBszf-5g4QTGG1314M2WJthcH5868fWDfmgTOeO1T5clYlk6s3_M37ljoqdDIblvUOUdFr9Astm6R8_ZI1cjoksH2yWqCs/s320/DSC_5299%5B1%5D" width="320px" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Outside my family's home, the beautiful old dam and view from my room</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0jsF3gQ77M_W5XIUYJQX5cP8ESF0VjaAjlm8ef8pCENRjYaYNyelpDzw13finCQtb2QyTGEnovlbs7-cbmh0qT2YH54fNkGXrGOCQV_dMjJdRdNX7KGpQi5bSFmXOtzYDAfRteE-I49yk/s1600/DSC_5320%5B1%5D" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img aea="true" border="0" height="213px" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0jsF3gQ77M_W5XIUYJQX5cP8ESF0VjaAjlm8ef8pCENRjYaYNyelpDzw13finCQtb2QyTGEnovlbs7-cbmh0qT2YH54fNkGXrGOCQV_dMjJdRdNX7KGpQi5bSFmXOtzYDAfRteE-I49yk/s320/DSC_5320%5B1%5D" width="320px" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Morse, John and Phoebe on a daily stroll</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3mGyLbGfmRRGlLFf6jBtu-reUFpmD-HBexCPvrI0-DVulLh_XWbRhOrz9H0szJoR5Dz2txH5nOZdjnHlRp2wSTdey05embTKEbVNlWSD-R6s5E6rBinJSKVzbG2nQL3FeahYmZLNeVUwb/s1600/DSC_5218%255B1%255D" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3mGyLbGfmRRGlLFf6jBtu-reUFpmD-HBexCPvrI0-DVulLh_XWbRhOrz9H0szJoR5Dz2txH5nOZdjnHlRp2wSTdey05embTKEbVNlWSD-R6s5E6rBinJSKVzbG2nQL3FeahYmZLNeVUwb/s320/DSC_5218%255B1%255D" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Enjoying the sunshine whilst exploring Perth</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgorikhm8vgzZEbK8fOvYrj0Z4KfD108zk0ZDzc4uCY3pvpgXM_FaG_Wtsw4YYq_IrJfn8SfJQUUImYp-_JnhaZzK6FMdmhPkrfudn2hqj3PVEsFtuWW5p64GXyIX-OE02xIADkN-Y-_tfm/s1600/DSC_5263%255B1%255D" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgorikhm8vgzZEbK8fOvYrj0Z4KfD108zk0ZDzc4uCY3pvpgXM_FaG_Wtsw4YYq_IrJfn8SfJQUUImYp-_JnhaZzK6FMdmhPkrfudn2hqj3PVEsFtuWW5p64GXyIX-OE02xIADkN-Y-_tfm/s320/DSC_5263%255B1%255D" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Off to buy some 'English' sweets in the quarter</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihqBG1pLKoUqjogYsLAnBrrvNALyrwU1qIsz4Ox5WM-UF2Y8m9dT2B_mt9ICERl0rHjonUdU9ln1r2S0F0Vq3N2ZSimpChvWG_AeCjDwgR5oPCALDJcMJ1BVMAcPSr1wAUkdxMs_PLSGxa/s1600/DSC_5339%255B1%255D" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihqBG1pLKoUqjogYsLAnBrrvNALyrwU1qIsz4Ox5WM-UF2Y8m9dT2B_mt9ICERl0rHjonUdU9ln1r2S0F0Vq3N2ZSimpChvWG_AeCjDwgR5oPCALDJcMJ1BVMAcPSr1wAUkdxMs_PLSGxa/s320/DSC_5339%255B1%255D" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Giving Phoebe a massage after her dramatic rescue</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEq7PYotbaSn9J3VP2yMn5MT3T422zeLR1hKFTt4WOYdC75emPxAd3g5R7tAcXfHEEIH9IJ9LKC1sDnp8OcfGQtBnK1PWW8ERdk-NMAD6A0Lpfafi80EP-f5pAitG9Gfh6gh7Ve4u47HIe/s1600/DSC_5398%255B1%255D" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEq7PYotbaSn9J3VP2yMn5MT3T422zeLR1hKFTt4WOYdC75emPxAd3g5R7tAcXfHEEIH9IJ9LKC1sDnp8OcfGQtBnK1PWW8ERdk-NMAD6A0Lpfafi80EP-f5pAitG9Gfh6gh7Ve4u47HIe/s320/DSC_5398%255B1%255D" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Enjoying a morning of ironing on an antique ironing board in Fremantle</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjbRPSur3UgiOjLijv_Vfdp8PDSAESOE9NKZ3oYEijdllSauwklbzRQOywypjKvqLGU0OVO6q3egURZuHHkV5kZKZHxgnYhQ1G_eHTrlP0390F-pkrG-e9Lk3Ny0zPbNb-nRTbZZ5co1qW/s1600/DSC_5488%255B1%255D" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjbRPSur3UgiOjLijv_Vfdp8PDSAESOE9NKZ3oYEijdllSauwklbzRQOywypjKvqLGU0OVO6q3egURZuHHkV5kZKZHxgnYhQ1G_eHTrlP0390F-pkrG-e9Lk3Ny0zPbNb-nRTbZZ5co1qW/s320/DSC_5488%255B1%255D" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">The wonderful view from King's Park, admiring the city</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span id="goog_1801055074"></span><span id="goog_1801055075"></span><br />
</span><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZdJgibhzcfkyqtpzh1-U1uPaD7E1UnAdfY02jonhHJdgML6w8IfVBlQ109OxJjRu8sLcX-HeZI868ga5bGcuwbIEhfbCSSPWQVL44Ir18m7VO4q8hZihb2lZthDuGVt-d6wMr8LJmqZrx/s1600/DSC_5468%5B1%5D.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZdJgibhzcfkyqtpzh1-U1uPaD7E1UnAdfY02jonhHJdgML6w8IfVBlQ109OxJjRu8sLcX-HeZI868ga5bGcuwbIEhfbCSSPWQVL44Ir18m7VO4q8hZihb2lZthDuGVt-d6wMr8LJmqZrx/s320/DSC_5468%5B1%5D.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">I was playing and bothering or rather winding the cat up...beautiful TJ!</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2jBIyREcIw8Lt1p8A4bpMNg3F0zDDhAvuzG9VHfESG_za6y9-XFJ-nefYF0MEDLboFhO1Zee8U-ZqwcRurIZIY9-r3UNwBYfId_kac0lPoa95XE77fv_8FXUzTre3y-XvW5r2plwHj5kX/s1600/DSC_5429%5B1%5D.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2jBIyREcIw8Lt1p8A4bpMNg3F0zDDhAvuzG9VHfESG_za6y9-XFJ-nefYF0MEDLboFhO1Zee8U-ZqwcRurIZIY9-r3UNwBYfId_kac0lPoa95XE77fv_8FXUzTre3y-XvW5r2plwHj5kX/s320/DSC_5429%5B1%5D.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">The delicious foods of Fremantle Markets</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirHyIPMGYYMmL60VTUFWNipX7F4b7H-v5rHL1_bBgSP9bH2GFsIFi6-vhOsmNZcFTUwlfpQK8icFW_NOPH6QaknDxTGfXcFKoHTGelqx6K63DLEp_7KS4n4uUdmZcqOOjFYQ8YgjKIyls3/s1600/DSC_5561%5B1%5D.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirHyIPMGYYMmL60VTUFWNipX7F4b7H-v5rHL1_bBgSP9bH2GFsIFi6-vhOsmNZcFTUwlfpQK8icFW_NOPH6QaknDxTGfXcFKoHTGelqx6K63DLEp_7KS4n4uUdmZcqOOjFYQ8YgjKIyls3/s320/DSC_5561%5B1%5D.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">My lovely family...Uncle John and Auntie Susie</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKInsjBKC1dJp5zg0AEcJWNNtIf3kWTjRgAvsi0KBc4Aj1ByGiEv4J6vD-74OtTYRaTk9hR320c1LrbyH3gEro4yKgUbcTB2jOKPJD8q8bRhRVKp1HnVflURdkAqk0cZBQi8iKBlbBXb9G/s1600/DSC_5592.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKInsjBKC1dJp5zg0AEcJWNNtIf3kWTjRgAvsi0KBc4Aj1ByGiEv4J6vD-74OtTYRaTk9hR320c1LrbyH3gEro4yKgUbcTB2jOKPJD8q8bRhRVKp1HnVflURdkAqk0cZBQi8iKBlbBXb9G/s320/DSC_5592.jpg" width="213" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Promise not throwing myself off...on top of the tower over Perth</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"></span><br />
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_lsaVMAFxlpdTFbTHk-CUOsdjhWEYT7JfQvwYPeawqd6_ALlbogozEFbtNgXnTIX08rY04oObx61OOzNjb77GAPS7JJz8iU0pI1qD3b26sebUFJJZLu6rHKFKddh5q4J56C1MmIPX3Pbc/s1600/DSC_5612%255B1%255D.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_lsaVMAFxlpdTFbTHk-CUOsdjhWEYT7JfQvwYPeawqd6_ALlbogozEFbtNgXnTIX08rY04oObx61OOzNjb77GAPS7JJz8iU0pI1qD3b26sebUFJJZLu6rHKFKddh5q4J56C1MmIPX3Pbc/s320/DSC_5612%255B1%255D.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Me and John holding up a historic missle</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIP7CSwOdeRfTpk7rxr_IZ-IPbwsw-FYjeoB5ILPUeXZoa4mJklTUDg_DyFrWEEZrE6IFm5TLK1EhQ8lq4jxLCNTsNBeDQWQ_BWFX_fkWBzBqmWr8gUUNoHFgC-A7du1FmV9P4-KKEyNCC/s1600/DSC_5412%255B1%255D.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIP7CSwOdeRfTpk7rxr_IZ-IPbwsw-FYjeoB5ILPUeXZoa4mJklTUDg_DyFrWEEZrE6IFm5TLK1EhQ8lq4jxLCNTsNBeDQWQ_BWFX_fkWBzBqmWr8gUUNoHFgC-A7du1FmV9P4-KKEyNCC/s320/DSC_5412%255B1%255D.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Enjoying my day's in Western Australia</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span id="goog_1801055074"></span><span id="goog_1801055075"></span><br />
</span><br />
</div>laura newmanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16515951360170007806noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1969955670379426893.post-16964062375561299562012-02-13T23:11:00.000-08:002012-02-13T23:11:54.796-08:00Bali, Lombok & The Gili Islands...<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">After a long journey, crossing by ferry and then more hours on our cramped public bus, we eventually arrived in Bali. We where dropped off in Kuta, which is a 'lively' resort. Now I use the term lively loosely, its more like the equivalent of Australia's version of what Benidorm is for England. After one evening there, it was all too much for us, even me and John felt super old in Kuta. It was a resort full of young, wild and drunken Australians and that was definitely not what we where wanting, especially in order to embrace Balinese culture. So, the next morning, we hopped on a bus and headed North to a place called Ubud. </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Ubud was true Bali for me, the small town is filled with traditional houses, people are traditional and orthodox on their beliefs and means of following Balinese tradition. The place is laidback and has lots of interesting places to explore and most of all, has delicious food to offer. We spent a couple of days cycling around the main area of Ubud and pushed further into the outskirts, visiting temples and taking in the lovely luscious lands of what I felt was the true Bali. The open green fields glow as the sunshine beams down and the air swells around you. I felt like Lance Armstrong at one point, battling up a huge hill in the pouring down rain, feeling my calf muscles burning but knowing that it was all worth it. These are the experiences that I love and what makes the journey worthwhile. After a couple of days, we opted to head over to a place called Padangbai for a night then get the ferry over to Lombok. Padangbai is a small harbour town, it is more a place to stay to rest and await your journey across to Lombok or the Gili's. We where lucky enough to find a gem of a guesthouse, the actual room was more like our own house, with a downstairs, upstairs and balcony included. The one night we chose to stay, a local wedding was happening next door and the mix of traditional Balinese music and hardcore trance music blasted on until the wee hours. It's funny such an eclectic mix that the locals seem to enjoy! </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">We opted to catch the public ferry across to Lombok, mainly for the reasons of it being the cheapest option to travel. We could have paid more and arrived at our destination in 90 minutes, but no we opted to travel with all the local people on the huge ferry which took 5 hours to cross 25km! The journey was interesting, as I boarded the enormous car ferry, I noticed that for the whole ferry, there was only one small dingy life-raft boat on board, considering there must be around 200 people on board that day, the small lifeboat probably holds 30 people. This was my small concern but kept thinking positive and was super thankful I am a decent swimmer when it comes to the sea. After spending hours of doodling in my notebook, playing chase with the cockroaches running around my feet and having a nap in my chair, I was happy to see the green hills of Lombok infront of me. Once we left the ferry, it was minibus time to head up to a place called Senggigi</span>, North West of Lombok. This is a coastal town, which offers good waves and time to rest and take in Lombok's beauty.<br />
<br />
As we hopped off the minibus, we where greeted by a man called Abdul. He offered us a package to scuba dive on the Gili Islands and also stay in Senggigi for few days, which was perfect for us. We usually don't book anything in a package, more do everything as we go really, but this sounded good and the place to stay looked nice too. We stayed in a local village area with a traditional room and this is the place where our lessons began in the Indonesian language. All Abdul's friends hungout at the guesthouse and his friend Dedi owned the place. We would sit and chat to them for hours and worked on perfecting our knowledge of the Indonesian language. We spent the next three days, wandering around the place, eating local street food and engaging with locals. By the end of our time in Senggigi, I could have a small conversation with local people, asking how they are, saying my name, asking their name, saying my country of origin, asking where they come from and talking about food or the weather. I could order my food and drinks in Indonesian and ask for the bill, also being able to understand the numbers...I can count one to ten in Indonesian, this is something I am immensely proud of!<br />
<br />
We headed over to Gili Trawangan, the furthest of the three Gili Islands, by a small fisherman boat. The boat should probably carry maybe 30 people, on the day I crossed over, I was crushed on with 50 people and was surrounded by stock of beer, water and other things being delivered to the islands. The waves where rather choppy and each slammed into the boat as we crossed the open water. Thankfully, I arrived safe and sound to Trawangan and the initial quietness and open sands welcomed me happily. We wandered along the track around the island and bumped into a local guy who worked at a guesthouse. In the end, we walked with him and went to check out and stay at this guesthouse called Dua Nina. It was clean and basic and a good price for us too. All water on the island is cold and the water is sea water, as there is no fresh water on Trawangan, so plenty of ice cold sea water showers.<br />
Gili Trawangan is surrounded by white sands, calm and tranquil and the means of transport is only bicycle or horse and cart. The way of life is slow and this is something I enjoyed. I would wake each morning and walk around half of the island, find a secluded spot on the beach under a tree and enjoy reading my book. In the evenings, we would visit the food market, a small court with local benches and eat traditional Nasi Goreng, washed down with an ice cold Bintang Beer, perfect! The plan was to stay for 3 days or so, catch some beach time, do some snorkeling, scuba diving and relaxing then head back to Bali. Well, that was until the next day, the news arrived that the huge car ferry that we had travelled across on had crashed off the coast of Lombok. The strong winds and waves where dangerous and forced the ferry to roll and crash into rocks. Thankfully, nobody was hurt and all managed to survive.<br />
<br />
When John went to do his scuba diving, we found out that Abdul had conned us in a way, well...he used to work with Lombok Dive but a few months back he stopped paying them. Thankfully, Monay the guy who owns and runs the diving school gave John the day of diving, then asked for his help to go back to Lombok with him and go to see Abdul. John ventured over around 5pm, that night he never returned, I was anxious and worried, on both the situation with Abdul and also the sea conditions incase he tried to get back on a boat. Thankfully, he called after 9pm and I was updated on all what had happened in the past couple of hours. Basically, when they arrived back, John was not the only person confronting Abdul, there was two German girls there screaming at him and then later two Americans came in too. All ended up down the police station and it all came out that Abdul used to be a successful business man and respected by everyone, however, within the past few months his gambling addiction had wasted away all his money and most of his friends. We where the least affected as we where only owed two dives, so Monay said he would help his old friend out and give them to John. However, the other four people he had conned where owed over 1000 pound. That evening, he managed to get somebody to buy half of his business so he could pay them the money. Even though he had in a way robbed from us, John said he couldn't help but feel sorry for Abdul, as he was a man who was at rock-bottom due to his addiction. I was happy the next day when John arrived back to Gili Trawangan, safe, ready to dive and on the look out for turtles!<br />
<br />
The safety standards and records in Indonesia are not the best and there doesn't seem to be any type of concern or worry about the lack of safety they have in place. With this accident occurring, the harbour master had ordered that no boats, small or large where to leave dock for at least the next 3 days. By day 3, the boats where still not running back to Bali, this is when I began to feel slightly worried and anxious in order to catch our flight. Luckily, we still had time so instead of chancing the slow ferry back, we opted to pay more and when possible catch the fast boat straight back to Bali. After spending a week on the Gili's, we headed back to Bali and had a couple of days in hand to enjoy Ubud once again before catching our flight to Oz. Once, we where back in Ubud again, I felt extremely happy and relieved. The whole time we have been in Indonesia, the weather has been overcast with intervals of tropical rainfall, however it is still hot, a humidity that draws you to tiredness. I prefer the weather to be overcast, as it is manageable and you are able to walk around and enjoy the beauty of the place much more. Ubud was my favourite place in Bali, it is filled with tradition, amazing people and tasty food. Each night, we ventured to a local restaurant, which a local woman owned and ran, she was the one and only chef and cooked everything from scratch! The deserts are my favourite thing about Bali, Lombok and Gili foods, the 'Da Wa Wa', which is simple pancake pastry rolled into a sort of springroll shape and filled with fresh coconut and palm sugar, delicious!<br />
<br />
Indonesia is a spectacular place in terms of natural beauty and traditional life. The people and cultures are calm and welcoming. The food and music is mesmerising and most importantly the language is becoming my favourite to learn. Considering the whole of Indonesia consists of 17508 islands and the population is around 233 million people, I should be able to interact and use my second tongue (now Indonesian) to get by on my good ole travels.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpJlggeUGXngUjXp0BsFgAb1aP4RwU0NU4OIiu8fDbO2NE9e4SkVv06EDx6TPBaKU2DUJF4Ww8OoWIwoLVQPYFy3D8rmsyp9fLs-cM-ZiThyCWUO7mJQkSLBhnoFHIzbTdqolFpEme3thZ/s1600/DSC_4780%5B1%5D.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpJlggeUGXngUjXp0BsFgAb1aP4RwU0NU4OIiu8fDbO2NE9e4SkVv06EDx6TPBaKU2DUJF4Ww8OoWIwoLVQPYFy3D8rmsyp9fLs-cM-ZiThyCWUO7mJQkSLBhnoFHIzbTdqolFpEme3thZ/s320/DSC_4780%5B1%5D.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Exploring one of many temples in Bali</span>...</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1J9hyaCtJXXjYbOExYY2-Vb2_UvTWCyOam12YS3Ioz7A__vAz4KYI7l-R7nvNqCKoQEJSr_8XKI0PS4bCFlDqXaWyw_YlpHYMSJo3U4TENGf576-vaEzj0djOLld8SndkjWyxAeFv7iH7/s1600/DSC_4790%5B1%5D.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1J9hyaCtJXXjYbOExYY2-Vb2_UvTWCyOam12YS3Ioz7A__vAz4KYI7l-R7nvNqCKoQEJSr_8XKI0PS4bCFlDqXaWyw_YlpHYMSJo3U4TENGf576-vaEzj0djOLld8SndkjWyxAeFv7iH7/s320/DSC_4790%5B1%5D.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">After my rain shower on the bike</span>...</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHOsJESlfa_UcfTvucNrZAYfk_WCvt4s3QmlgDuvkCwZJ2UmvLp5dBFRwUqwc7x0lyjF4Hu15qZ80aldub8SkN0b8InX9TW02yKLwq7XR0l6e53sU5WRC8fwlkZy-LXZLEVeZHtQr58KwU/s1600/DSC_4793%5B1%5D.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHOsJESlfa_UcfTvucNrZAYfk_WCvt4s3QmlgDuvkCwZJ2UmvLp5dBFRwUqwc7x0lyjF4Hu15qZ80aldub8SkN0b8InX9TW02yKLwq7XR0l6e53sU5WRC8fwlkZy-LXZLEVeZHtQr58KwU/s320/DSC_4793%5B1%5D.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Open fields of green in Bali...</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2iu2MHzehFRiinOohxOdBHo7KO62uod_KdGUoZEAA2L7_atLphyphenhyphenqofgyuTXFExuXoGXC4ZkdfKovbLWLsO_N9pUapM09e3-YAxGkLS9-1hn1HiPDAcDulxCPZrC8unFIzJo2-4v-r_sa-/s1600/DSC_4806%5B1%5D.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2iu2MHzehFRiinOohxOdBHo7KO62uod_KdGUoZEAA2L7_atLphyphenhyphenqofgyuTXFExuXoGXC4ZkdfKovbLWLsO_N9pUapM09e3-YAxGkLS9-1hn1HiPDAcDulxCPZrC8unFIzJo2-4v-r_sa-/s320/DSC_4806%5B1%5D.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Resting after my cycle marathon around Ubud...</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWgG8gtJD6yeRaHQuckueib_PbIgTTv-HhEs6UXEktEj4jyQQxoU2IEz_xsDgLL-d7ha0Rw6pgw7A4A15OCJbgTU_0QkqynkZtBbMwCrwMPYIJLC6goCPJxGN4wfDDE2Iz-GDCvh0IKg9h/s1600/DSC_4810%5B1%5D.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWgG8gtJD6yeRaHQuckueib_PbIgTTv-HhEs6UXEktEj4jyQQxoU2IEz_xsDgLL-d7ha0Rw6pgw7A4A15OCJbgTU_0QkqynkZtBbMwCrwMPYIJLC6goCPJxGN4wfDDE2Iz-GDCvh0IKg9h/s320/DSC_4810%5B1%5D.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">A typical afternoon of rain in Bali...</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJSToxfMh_hqQshgCKdn0KzAJ9eVZE5U5xY28NkFIvA8tk6Zzy0z7C11kGKSocfNeSwx6ugdQTAdf7xpL0Dim_ayDXbGxSK5ccNSDLM8ylmuFTmmCpaLMnL32C8CWzNvIuSjxLcosyLSPS/s1600/DSC_4831%5B1%5D.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJSToxfMh_hqQshgCKdn0KzAJ9eVZE5U5xY28NkFIvA8tk6Zzy0z7C11kGKSocfNeSwx6ugdQTAdf7xpL0Dim_ayDXbGxSK5ccNSDLM8ylmuFTmmCpaLMnL32C8CWzNvIuSjxLcosyLSPS/s320/DSC_4831%5B1%5D.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Perfect end to my evening...fresh bread and a nice pot of tea!</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFQjZipdgjTNJoAV9N2_O8jYPo215ijD4KnjhcH_lMSyKPdd7uAyNPpVIksA_Y375kwTDUZp32v7REy91Y_wQV_WQE2IiN0ZW42BvWmkVT503nMejyEELANaeirdmuv8CF-oz91KfiTsNj/s1600/DSC_4845%5B1%5D.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFQjZipdgjTNJoAV9N2_O8jYPo215ijD4KnjhcH_lMSyKPdd7uAyNPpVIksA_Y375kwTDUZp32v7REy91Y_wQV_WQE2IiN0ZW42BvWmkVT503nMejyEELANaeirdmuv8CF-oz91KfiTsNj/s320/DSC_4845%5B1%5D.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Hitting the road again...</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjA9y4OeWgRmCB-w1LeoH9dSWExGNx_OnV0OOUt54RDgk-Fpn4Q-UjPFYEKlYw_ekE0nLlrky9iwCJ6xZLXtlMYB2BY5361bwCGR2Az1VQLSmA4zdNryJsuVetuJzUc8HkLkxeXBJ4xLWSM/s1600/DSC_4853%5B1%5D.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjA9y4OeWgRmCB-w1LeoH9dSWExGNx_OnV0OOUt54RDgk-Fpn4Q-UjPFYEKlYw_ekE0nLlrky9iwCJ6xZLXtlMYB2BY5361bwCGR2Az1VQLSmA4zdNryJsuVetuJzUc8HkLkxeXBJ4xLWSM/s320/DSC_4853%5B1%5D.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Enjoying the sights and fresh air...</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEc3eRmx9EgJ46TaAQjwHaGUooYfZ6XVpfD_P8plnDzZ4P9eQRPBeVm3P6nFPiB2uRlm3JRSnShsQSHXhkjyngZ5NZrOdyugYm1oT4bvjMeVkCB_-rcMSzlbwRA-rBZ1M6kgxmR8XYoDYK/s1600/DSC_4889.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEc3eRmx9EgJ46TaAQjwHaGUooYfZ6XVpfD_P8plnDzZ4P9eQRPBeVm3P6nFPiB2uRlm3JRSnShsQSHXhkjyngZ5NZrOdyugYm1oT4bvjMeVkCB_-rcMSzlbwRA-rBZ1M6kgxmR8XYoDYK/s320/DSC_4889.jpg" width="213" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Chilling in our beautiful guesthouse...</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQQPLH4jSfdlV7TDygI8rFClqD4krvxgGc_53zhE5Sn7qPJL4refkKkayrnAbGhTYrsVAU7HVZF4kvPvwuyTCy8Gy1ISHuaPQpB7HdNzSg96pFdqLXEaibh0P4j99doDM-e_ObZYYWmQsS/s1600/DSC_4923%5B1%5D.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQQPLH4jSfdlV7TDygI8rFClqD4krvxgGc_53zhE5Sn7qPJL4refkKkayrnAbGhTYrsVAU7HVZF4kvPvwuyTCy8Gy1ISHuaPQpB7HdNzSg96pFdqLXEaibh0P4j99doDM-e_ObZYYWmQsS/s320/DSC_4923%5B1%5D.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">John having a jam with locals in Senggigi...</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoco7bNLu3BkQRpMpUWTfwjTiiqJ5OIUBnXIKlPqgORd8QGZ11MHPB_74k4wBEe8TxjIwtI0dqeLSTX9dN6A8faSR54X3woA3wIMxfLG5dKiZbZCqWanfv8QYCGLUz-dyGRkhIIuLMTZfp/s1600/DSC_4928%5B1%5D.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoco7bNLu3BkQRpMpUWTfwjTiiqJ5OIUBnXIKlPqgORd8QGZ11MHPB_74k4wBEe8TxjIwtI0dqeLSTX9dN6A8faSR54X3woA3wIMxfLG5dKiZbZCqWanfv8QYCGLUz-dyGRkhIIuLMTZfp/s320/DSC_4928%5B1%5D.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Playing 'The Beatles' on his bass...</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8AYI606I_4fWFvrTUnCa5VugkQmeUAz-CCYdxV83A-dZS5HnRPAXP46pg4hI3N0TMcPAjNU3aaYxvS28QpJWUdgMz_ZSWNzpnb4sXOhBgW9a1ph1m6CMYPtW9o2NKXI-q9H3wm43apGh_/s1600/DSC_4945%5B1%5D.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8AYI606I_4fWFvrTUnCa5VugkQmeUAz-CCYdxV83A-dZS5HnRPAXP46pg4hI3N0TMcPAjNU3aaYxvS28QpJWUdgMz_ZSWNzpnb4sXOhBgW9a1ph1m6CMYPtW9o2NKXI-q9H3wm43apGh_/s320/DSC_4945%5B1%5D.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Enjoying the beauty of Gili Trawangan...</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCFpzu0Bmi7rOtVLMFRqsDdh72646SZ3IEd_V7e88JZm_bcDNYcV4Cqqc1yv6MyPc4A8N8U0PP1OdiWCnP90cSX6WAacImxqxCAFCRhQudsRw9DQJZwBP3yuisNLfLebZFzEty4LRjwukr/s1600/DSC_4960%5B1%5D.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCFpzu0Bmi7rOtVLMFRqsDdh72646SZ3IEd_V7e88JZm_bcDNYcV4Cqqc1yv6MyPc4A8N8U0PP1OdiWCnP90cSX6WAacImxqxCAFCRhQudsRw9DQJZwBP3yuisNLfLebZFzEty4LRjwukr/s320/DSC_4960%5B1%5D.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">The traditional horse and carts on the island...</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUnF5SYe0cCvvrkj8m7lhbD8ES4kEvahBN99DE3_rK7rvHvY_GTSUEMpmLuK102pgUk9gmafPQR-2Qg4amN0z4-tDEDk-ALI2DZJV1q5K7EounCYefKu59WaWQP02PuksosX88EF_u6QJc/s1600/DSC_4968%5B1%5D.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUnF5SYe0cCvvrkj8m7lhbD8ES4kEvahBN99DE3_rK7rvHvY_GTSUEMpmLuK102pgUk9gmafPQR-2Qg4amN0z4-tDEDk-ALI2DZJV1q5K7EounCYefKu59WaWQP02PuksosX88EF_u6QJc/s320/DSC_4968%5B1%5D.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Needing a vanilla ice cream to cool be down...</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmEJvWYKnHLzXgmjotk2Gd1PWBHFD5r2GFoSVxKYu8yf3KTQjNVALKFFqNFu4sVFlX5YHDLVMcVLVbAw_jbesvfPTxPQufsSZ5s1i3TX89mR5eAmENsRwCKz6-d7otqbveqc3u1e6F9B6x/s1600/DSC_4988%5B1%5D.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmEJvWYKnHLzXgmjotk2Gd1PWBHFD5r2GFoSVxKYu8yf3KTQjNVALKFFqNFu4sVFlX5YHDLVMcVLVbAw_jbesvfPTxPQufsSZ5s1i3TX89mR5eAmENsRwCKz6-d7otqbveqc3u1e6F9B6x/s320/DSC_4988%5B1%5D.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Enjoying the island...</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnIb04vdiNwxRrv37oqRvEulHBcgjveZurnHkVK4BVxAlrJMdkaF9Efkj1Q30NZOJoY94ybbUf9-GGGqXbByakKXhxcd4lg5YRPPHDjtgU8Xohn_-ZDChKHY7WgjNgAknhu7BzsO7Nbbwu/s1600/DSC_5007%5B1%5D.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnIb04vdiNwxRrv37oqRvEulHBcgjveZurnHkVK4BVxAlrJMdkaF9Efkj1Q30NZOJoY94ybbUf9-GGGqXbByakKXhxcd4lg5YRPPHDjtgU8Xohn_-ZDChKHY7WgjNgAknhu7BzsO7Nbbwu/s320/DSC_5007%5B1%5D.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">My daily walk along the beach...</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPMCLsaTBDxXqEgJ8L0F78yBPG49502HQKcV9NpGuUCH3oVtOw7Jl0q7VK-4pqEwNXGhHDL8Dfofx3dDcelSBY5sVeliHAkCQ-DkMzwD7Xi1xeKvT1tRoE9gvWrsXk-oWxM9CL8zRbXk6p/s1600/DSC_5030%5B1%5D.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPMCLsaTBDxXqEgJ8L0F78yBPG49502HQKcV9NpGuUCH3oVtOw7Jl0q7VK-4pqEwNXGhHDL8Dfofx3dDcelSBY5sVeliHAkCQ-DkMzwD7Xi1xeKvT1tRoE9gvWrsXk-oWxM9CL8zRbXk6p/s320/DSC_5030%5B1%5D.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Watching time pass me by...</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhK1D69qnHPWqDqagpIk4HaBkLRRRGlR1UI8hpfQaVGZ_ldzn5vOa96HjH_eCYSO5IHXjpl5zgaCzXf42lqlfvWLoQot2SbxOgwG_3OJEGsjY-mcSRpA4CuDJc880vXYdYP-k-SBt0-v8Gp/s1600/DSC_4982%5B1%5D.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhK1D69qnHPWqDqagpIk4HaBkLRRRGlR1UI8hpfQaVGZ_ldzn5vOa96HjH_eCYSO5IHXjpl5zgaCzXf42lqlfvWLoQot2SbxOgwG_3OJEGsjY-mcSRpA4CuDJc880vXYdYP-k-SBt0-v8Gp/s320/DSC_4982%5B1%5D.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">One of the wrecks on the island...</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKtKNTFNJe_wzEyuSjmhxTKl1SCDGQKn9IVP5DHH6m9xtHoUHCLXR1XGjq2nTByZRSzZMyOdpcHedubdJEaUUKbFG3POWNW_9luCOYXQQvWHfAKsa97xvqrldxxdal9QvWeWftuhnhq277/s1600/DSC_5073%5B1%5D.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKtKNTFNJe_wzEyuSjmhxTKl1SCDGQKn9IVP5DHH6m9xtHoUHCLXR1XGjq2nTByZRSzZMyOdpcHedubdJEaUUKbFG3POWNW_9luCOYXQQvWHfAKsa97xvqrldxxdal9QvWeWftuhnhq277/s320/DSC_5073%5B1%5D.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">The delicious food back in Ubud...</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQOcMOK2r2fOlT5-Pmvku2E4M3YucpHiHWv9AlMqlix3TKZqX1fbfoDu9JNJGx9oGYPI45kDfanXK7D6laD80xAHhyphenhyphenG7B5JRic0RLRoBKKSZDkksAE-PZt_13FVb4QNuuHpt_H9vjvz_lz/s1600/DSC_5075%5B1%5D.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQOcMOK2r2fOlT5-Pmvku2E4M3YucpHiHWv9AlMqlix3TKZqX1fbfoDu9JNJGx9oGYPI45kDfanXK7D6laD80xAHhyphenhyphenG7B5JRic0RLRoBKKSZDkksAE-PZt_13FVb4QNuuHpt_H9vjvz_lz/s320/DSC_5075%5B1%5D.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Tucking in to my tasty feast...</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3G6fPOhUGnecFUftNigQ0i1qAWDNGNA2gKvjhyM3nxwtNtsgLgBwNVD4ad8xfzgTEgZaf7vA90ozGU5EeR7IGuB5AvJclYl7t3F6sgt-cUcLTdsyurh3gus-KSjUskFlqY-_49tohKfug/s1600/DSC_5088%5B1%5D.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3G6fPOhUGnecFUftNigQ0i1qAWDNGNA2gKvjhyM3nxwtNtsgLgBwNVD4ad8xfzgTEgZaf7vA90ozGU5EeR7IGuB5AvJclYl7t3F6sgt-cUcLTdsyurh3gus-KSjUskFlqY-_49tohKfug/s320/DSC_5088%5B1%5D.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">The traditional celebrations and decorations outside people's homes in Ubud...</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtIEAGAkKyomSzFqGZ5kq0D095FvW3N_dQ5IDg5GS9N2DhMLHDFqh7PgrIGHc_-PXbVEVMXhLr_a62LUQlWoqKQPTP5fYU1zD1_ajVndoIdwzPLcLbqx4eupZBVLSN8JFsgYXxVglxObgf/s1600/DSC_5085%5B1%5D.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtIEAGAkKyomSzFqGZ5kq0D095FvW3N_dQ5IDg5GS9N2DhMLHDFqh7PgrIGHc_-PXbVEVMXhLr_a62LUQlWoqKQPTP5fYU1zD1_ajVndoIdwzPLcLbqx4eupZBVLSN8JFsgYXxVglxObgf/s320/DSC_5085%5B1%5D.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Outside our home in Bali...tradition and beauty!</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<br />
</div>laura newmanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16515951360170007806noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1969955670379426893.post-12137520340603571372012-01-31T21:42:00.000-08:002012-01-31T21:42:13.750-08:00Mount Bromo...<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">After a long journey across Java, we eventually arrived late at night to Mount Bromo. As we where staying in a homestay, we where ferried up the volcano chugging away in a bus that remarkably resembled the Scooby-Doo Bus! As we chugged along, we ventured further into the clouds, quite high up that you instantly felt the cold chill in the air as looked down into the white mist. Once we reached our basic cabin, we went to the local village hall for a nice cup of tea before bed, then went over what was going to happen once we woke up. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br />
</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">The coldness in the air was something new to us, it instantly caught your body and you felt the chill from your nose all the way to your toes. In a way, this is the closest feeling of home I have felt, in terms of weather. As we where so high up in altitude, it was difficult to get warm, therefore, I became five sizes bigger as I piled on the layer upon layer to insulate myself. We even opted to buy two wooley hats from a local seller. We justified the buy, as saying to ourselves it will be good to use in future for when we head to NZ. Plus, we needed it on the trek and the early morning journey to keep ourselves warm. We settled into bed around 10am, I felt bad as I hadn't had the chance to actually buy John anything for his birthday. So while he got ready for bed, I composed a small poem and created a little birthday card for him to open in the morning. Once we where snuggled in the tiny cot of a bed, it was still super cold, I even slept with two pairs on socks on! As the alarm clock buzzed at 3am, I sleepily dragged myself up and sang 'Happy Birthday' to John. Then, we had to get ourselves ready and the jeep collected us just before 4am, this was the start of the trek. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br />
</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">The jeep rummaged upwards on the volcano, then it stops at a base level, the rest you have to trek up, at this time we are still in darkness. It was a great experience, the lovely cold air smothering you as you trudge up the hill and await the sunrise to follow. Once at the top of the viewpoint, reaching 2770m in the sky, there are only a small number of people and a couple local villagers who have somehow managed to set up a shop selling fruit and hot tea and coffee. The viewpoint overlooks three volcano's, Mount Bromo, Tengger and the last and most spectacular Semeru. The Semeru is still smoking and displays a spellbinding picture bursting through above the clouds. Everybody waits and the feeling of anticipation that filters through the air is electric. I felt calm, relaxed and happy, this was an amazing place to be at sunrise and one that I will never forget. As the sun began to rise slowly, the sky grew lighter in colour and the presence of the landscape began to appear. We took some pictures, then spent most of the time enjoying a local cup of tea, sitting and just watching the volcano's in the distance. Everywhere you look the landscape is beautiful and I ensured I spent the time taking it all in. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br />
</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">As the time rode on, we headed back down towards the jeep just before 7am, then we ventured across the land over to Mount Bromo. At the base the jeep drops you off, then you hike across the elevating hill and hike up the crater of Bromo itself. This was a tough walk up the crater but most definitely worth it. As I reached the top of the steps climbing up the crater, the sight of the inside of the volcano and the wide circumference of the volcano was mesmerising. The inside of the volcano almost looks like a round green lake, when you look closely you can see small whispers of smoke lifting through. The land is a sullen blackish brown colour and when you look across the landscape you almost feel as though you are on Mars. There is quietness that surrounds the land, everything is calm and seems untouched. The baron colour and whisps of smoke and sands makes it almost eerie in ambiance. You have to be really careful with your footing, as the edges of the crater is quite narrow and one false move and I may be sizzling in that luscious green lake below. We spent some time sitting on the edge of the crater, looking down into the ibis of the lava hiding underground, thinking about this natural feature growing from our earth. After reflecting on the whole experience of Mount Bromo, we felt content, happy and truly inspired by this natural active volcano. We then headed back to base and the jeep ferried us back to the homestay. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br />
</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Here we enjoyed breakfast, more tea and had time to take in the last sights of Mount Bromo. Then, it was time to pack and get ourselves ready for the journey to Bali. Feeling happy and fulfilled by the magical sights we had seen, we now looked forward to exploring Bali and taking our time to get to know the island and enjoy the 'Balinese' culture. So, for John's birthday, he expressed it was one of the best things to wake up and do, something I know both of us will always remember and cherish when thinking back to the smoldering landscape across the famous 'Mount Bromo'...</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br />
</span><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqVgnBJLjy8FxXH-w40RoZ1xU1JZ-AZqrXazjqt5mrJboz1MYaHvUZKInmDtDeBOJD0p3Z7iUySBLIZLeGZyE4Hdir1Y-w1UDnEzvn98_qs5KQyDB-emldJwtMZzw5QFCJWWh0z97Yt-Zo/s1600/DSC_4585%5B1%5D" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqVgnBJLjy8FxXH-w40RoZ1xU1JZ-AZqrXazjqt5mrJboz1MYaHvUZKInmDtDeBOJD0p3Z7iUySBLIZLeGZyE4Hdir1Y-w1UDnEzvn98_qs5KQyDB-emldJwtMZzw5QFCJWWh0z97Yt-Zo/s320/DSC_4585%5B1%5D" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">As darkness lifts, the clouds smolder through...</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdSjZbzwF1O4-8bIIqLVmMQAknkEXZv3o3YIkqrclqQI_5-SEtzw3AWq7S05X4Zz6ZuA1yJ3zDtinAUXwijBo5wp2so22yQQVhJvCtZWJrmi4tLfAmGuZ-AZer-pvyAH-xvlV7rsQ5HSm6/s1600/DSC_4596%5B1%5D" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdSjZbzwF1O4-8bIIqLVmMQAknkEXZv3o3YIkqrclqQI_5-SEtzw3AWq7S05X4Zz6ZuA1yJ3zDtinAUXwijBo5wp2so22yQQVhJvCtZWJrmi4tLfAmGuZ-AZer-pvyAH-xvlV7rsQ5HSm6/s320/DSC_4596%5B1%5D" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">The sky grows lighter and our view appears...</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguncIGEM77mMksTJDe4ylpJ0rI54n4ERRdxRnvCTW5xl83Xq5QZwnZlcecl8T2DA_vTCRn5UKcL-3a8yF4pw_0dRgawqrfsrEoYo2tz-wEyNbyF3iXoecG5B_tk4A3-clIqQbh_MIvO4tD/s1600/DSC_4604%5B1%5D" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguncIGEM77mMksTJDe4ylpJ0rI54n4ERRdxRnvCTW5xl83Xq5QZwnZlcecl8T2DA_vTCRn5UKcL-3a8yF4pw_0dRgawqrfsrEoYo2tz-wEyNbyF3iXoecG5B_tk4A3-clIqQbh_MIvO4tD/s400/DSC_4604%5B1%5D" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">The landscape is enchanting to observe...</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjwdc8VfDW8rFfGRbS3-0bLYCqY30kyPD6ICDMP1MC7L3Z0lRZtxQFe2DZBMPxgNn3tnXKXt_r-zg2lgB5J20B0f6LPHP1zdinj4CX_xTFB8M0rAhiBfr3gEDK4NujM8PnL2MZ4a6OkyRc/s1600/DSC_4618%5B1%5D" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjwdc8VfDW8rFfGRbS3-0bLYCqY30kyPD6ICDMP1MC7L3Z0lRZtxQFe2DZBMPxgNn3tnXKXt_r-zg2lgB5J20B0f6LPHP1zdinj4CX_xTFB8M0rAhiBfr3gEDK4NujM8PnL2MZ4a6OkyRc/s400/DSC_4618%5B1%5D" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Admiring the three active volcano's</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLcbSeBXyPAHeuCeZbdgWjzrFq9LURK_xxAVbI6ZGBQA7fIwaK3V-1TzeRu5wXil8dU09PKYQAzwf80f2Ny_1DqmKpWOTVO3RmR-qQGKoBz6g5FQPfYJzDTr_GX_bgirOBkfQKFTYRZ0wG/s1600/DSC_4625%5B1%5D" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLcbSeBXyPAHeuCeZbdgWjzrFq9LURK_xxAVbI6ZGBQA7fIwaK3V-1TzeRu5wXil8dU09PKYQAzwf80f2Ny_1DqmKpWOTVO3RmR-qQGKoBz6g5FQPfYJzDTr_GX_bgirOBkfQKFTYRZ0wG/s320/DSC_4625%5B1%5D" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Overlooking the vast landscape...</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEho7U9Isubm8GKgLOYz9NWrY3k1eA4sahtYRFJVedqqyxCPmaXbwkEO84YNFsWmCLQGAM2kVCOZSJlpX4tU8BsgfKk5qBSnsh3_eFJL-q5yk73EWoCrv0ruWyhlXFnCI-odkByz8DMu1XpC/s1600/DSC_4631%5B1%5D" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEho7U9Isubm8GKgLOYz9NWrY3k1eA4sahtYRFJVedqqyxCPmaXbwkEO84YNFsWmCLQGAM2kVCOZSJlpX4tU8BsgfKk5qBSnsh3_eFJL-q5yk73EWoCrv0ruWyhlXFnCI-odkByz8DMu1XpC/s320/DSC_4631%5B1%5D" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">The smokey volcano in the distance...</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0Rwo-ttO_ryCZRYYMBsajuGsN0oshWyCOFZXtK8xd-JFyaosiV0UiXumWH4qXxRLZMZ0G3N_ZGho_m0dVeT2aePQ95u3bkIZTFAOsgTkQ3gpPgE41i1wYosxlsi6bHqmOVnL0bI-PejoW/s1600/DSC_4639%5B1%5D" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0Rwo-ttO_ryCZRYYMBsajuGsN0oshWyCOFZXtK8xd-JFyaosiV0UiXumWH4qXxRLZMZ0G3N_ZGho_m0dVeT2aePQ95u3bkIZTFAOsgTkQ3gpPgE41i1wYosxlsi6bHqmOVnL0bI-PejoW/s320/DSC_4639%5B1%5D" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Feeling the morning chill and staying warm in my new hat...</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjA0RQfOyOPnhXJHj2oga8jKHUnuF967Ei4SErvEvNyIdBRnCP4COPtaSZDIdw5oTbhwkf2B9APgO9iSOoJDqneEIWrAhiiyu-bdzkboRLUzN6wRe1m9QxbrxR3SiHkCCU_YOb1-daik7HB/s1600/DSC_4644%5B1%5D" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjA0RQfOyOPnhXJHj2oga8jKHUnuF967Ei4SErvEvNyIdBRnCP4COPtaSZDIdw5oTbhwkf2B9APgO9iSOoJDqneEIWrAhiiyu-bdzkboRLUzN6wRe1m9QxbrxR3SiHkCCU_YOb1-daik7HB/s320/DSC_4644%5B1%5D" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">The sun is slowly appearing...</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGfQRdIB0bAVZLrHHUY94Tc_ZulIGEo_AWXIGpw1uWHa2omqItRxW-Wb15vKB0h7nfLXpH-Fi6pCFyFQPEvKtbu7iN2nXp2xOn1rAWGkpmvT3Ctu0ySoRnfJ3b5Gy-hjo4mUK8founGD-A/s1600/DSC_4650%5B1%5D" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGfQRdIB0bAVZLrHHUY94Tc_ZulIGEo_AWXIGpw1uWHa2omqItRxW-Wb15vKB0h7nfLXpH-Fi6pCFyFQPEvKtbu7iN2nXp2xOn1rAWGkpmvT3Ctu0ySoRnfJ3b5Gy-hjo4mUK8founGD-A/s320/DSC_4650%5B1%5D" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Observing the sun in the distance...</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmIeEB-qnI9Z1OpMbQ7479QN8nN4IN2OnumUYUaJS7KDBdczmBMEhyphenhyphenY4qDisL_2n5oXdVlh0kQCLbzRM4RL1A4RL1VVEcWYVsbDCUanVsJO95p-zruVa74CZmuziqWtHwf1fVu7NvkN8uk/s1600/DSC_4653.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmIeEB-qnI9Z1OpMbQ7479QN8nN4IN2OnumUYUaJS7KDBdczmBMEhyphenhyphenY4qDisL_2n5oXdVlh0kQCLbzRM4RL1A4RL1VVEcWYVsbDCUanVsJO95p-zruVa74CZmuziqWtHwf1fVu7NvkN8uk/s320/DSC_4653.jpg" width="213" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Enjoying our morning tea and coffee.. </span></td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjC2khBTnBapfhz9JYg4CB-dQ_X0OjrV8LSMpTaOHhFBLHJpjVukT2HZ7jcZAQSIRAekaE2vIH4eTPTfwyQ-k1DTQC4K0CCJxEhSgTTSHFAJ7B9YmastNHVa_YRjg1DdhZtHGMXXQ8An-au/s1600/DSC_4670.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjC2khBTnBapfhz9JYg4CB-dQ_X0OjrV8LSMpTaOHhFBLHJpjVukT2HZ7jcZAQSIRAekaE2vIH4eTPTfwyQ-k1DTQC4K0CCJxEhSgTTSHFAJ7B9YmastNHVa_YRjg1DdhZtHGMXXQ8An-au/s320/DSC_4670.jpg" width="213" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Enjoying my cuppa on top of the viewpoint...</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiOvOVP1pD7yF7t1u6LLj0D2U7_enzjhGxokSzc_MqiPAKPHg_vTEbNjf1HaJYlr70ctXgKkRw00bqptCaFIP9uKbS5or644Tg2ngof8IOny82U_iJ0bSbkAnfCDpNhmZ_g0M_QVCAamuf/s1600/DSC_4692%5B1%5D" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiOvOVP1pD7yF7t1u6LLj0D2U7_enzjhGxokSzc_MqiPAKPHg_vTEbNjf1HaJYlr70ctXgKkRw00bqptCaFIP9uKbS5or644Tg2ngof8IOny82U_iJ0bSbkAnfCDpNhmZ_g0M_QVCAamuf/s320/DSC_4692%5B1%5D" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Hello mr sunshine...</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAsd3dQLw7esI1XDCWrYMvHM3W082sV1vRZ34ngliUOK9GUEK0BWl1R0eJeZhHfPFxDhnKGZpHn6067HleD_qz5r88JaQnkJqiDFGCqOnOr4MGP_ZKGL8mJn96W0SfMGte5h-Fbowwh2pm/s1600/DSC_4708%5B1%5D" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAsd3dQLw7esI1XDCWrYMvHM3W082sV1vRZ34ngliUOK9GUEK0BWl1R0eJeZhHfPFxDhnKGZpHn6067HleD_qz5r88JaQnkJqiDFGCqOnOr4MGP_ZKGL8mJn96W0SfMGte5h-Fbowwh2pm/s320/DSC_4708%5B1%5D" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Walking across the base of Mount Bromo...</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivhkQO7xtkvE90IZjjmZL8t3X6Ha61xqvA3XSCrOUgcXm6mqjFH4gQSHZF-ddTg-aLWaRA5MLSaoju86NNp9SSFq6D3OmHYEwKktFv9wH0UPfZVhauvFnNjboKHaXTNGMG8XG9WZ9ns4HU/s1600/DSC_4714%5B1%5D" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivhkQO7xtkvE90IZjjmZL8t3X6Ha61xqvA3XSCrOUgcXm6mqjFH4gQSHZF-ddTg-aLWaRA5MLSaoju86NNp9SSFq6D3OmHYEwKktFv9wH0UPfZVhauvFnNjboKHaXTNGMG8XG9WZ9ns4HU/s320/DSC_4714%5B1%5D" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Trekking upwards towards the crater...</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnBggTGUrA2mL31L2BicZyTPsAPQNB2kwl3lg_Vz-i0PAyzBWxyIJmoFO2w1Wa2OZfdb79x-3JBXLErLs4ITDwLFwgGNi_frl_vKv0l47Weipf6PiSK2L8ROrcz7ymm7YcDDgYIGGXecwq/s1600/DSC_4720%5B1%5D" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnBggTGUrA2mL31L2BicZyTPsAPQNB2kwl3lg_Vz-i0PAyzBWxyIJmoFO2w1Wa2OZfdb79x-3JBXLErLs4ITDwLFwgGNi_frl_vKv0l47Weipf6PiSK2L8ROrcz7ymm7YcDDgYIGGXecwq/s320/DSC_4720%5B1%5D" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Peering into the abyss...</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh33WWfEcY-6Xpdbss7SHevBdELXgnfpXLmzo-ydjC-5yXvUQsCbly7Dw5DwwV8E9-Wp7ayVwW17OMZUgS93fSWsztOJvskehA1iIsiZfDHRKP0PXNMsnXC0WMTgB1iLhVQCWH9lDpUTwBZ/s1600/DSC_4726%5B1%5D" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh33WWfEcY-6Xpdbss7SHevBdELXgnfpXLmzo-ydjC-5yXvUQsCbly7Dw5DwwV8E9-Wp7ayVwW17OMZUgS93fSWsztOJvskehA1iIsiZfDHRKP0PXNMsnXC0WMTgB1iLhVQCWH9lDpUTwBZ/s320/DSC_4726%5B1%5D" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Birthday Boy!!</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_XhliKXZbr5DdnA1iT7QQC4SIKiJ8xU_SMWE7Ij1phHSegySZxlUjJ9cFNwcmnjPg9OYXNf8yaTgMuQvqtNzpu2XwfwqFioSsJHH6xF5v4TmAINa-fVtG-4sEh9aqO9CtZuXzmS-hdIa_/s1600/DSC_4729%5B1%5D" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_XhliKXZbr5DdnA1iT7QQC4SIKiJ8xU_SMWE7Ij1phHSegySZxlUjJ9cFNwcmnjPg9OYXNf8yaTgMuQvqtNzpu2XwfwqFioSsJHH6xF5v4TmAINa-fVtG-4sEh9aqO9CtZuXzmS-hdIa_/s320/DSC_4729%5B1%5D" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">On the edge of the crater on Mount Bromo...</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivjVku0Mfgn6PEQQH49FFhb0YfvZ8DEggh0OXG3shmTWpsPHUmdoGATLPFnvKcNtWPNOnpW0R0o-aA317W4CSpPJv6kNmKjYHlbIpju2qv2WKk7TUuhYicVqM-kTsZiT7U_Ex-9lf8mOin/s1600/DSC_4762%5B1%5D" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivjVku0Mfgn6PEQQH49FFhb0YfvZ8DEggh0OXG3shmTWpsPHUmdoGATLPFnvKcNtWPNOnpW0R0o-aA317W4CSpPJv6kNmKjYHlbIpju2qv2WKk7TUuhYicVqM-kTsZiT7U_Ex-9lf8mOin/s400/DSC_4762%5B1%5D" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Admiring the landscape, it almost feels like Mars...</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEib_nk8KI6BY0_-lkIeOVNREK9OsbHZJf7s5zd5WcpgEQWlrfKuRKG0M3jPgnbPVaUabfeX_sI03UDTd5n95YyOQ6XzbA1NlwKJkp_SgBtqIA0Jz-JYvUS_sfJoDgpgz_zhyphenhyphen7jUjbGuVOOk/s1600/DSC_4744%5B1%5D" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEib_nk8KI6BY0_-lkIeOVNREK9OsbHZJf7s5zd5WcpgEQWlrfKuRKG0M3jPgnbPVaUabfeX_sI03UDTd5n95YyOQ6XzbA1NlwKJkp_SgBtqIA0Jz-JYvUS_sfJoDgpgz_zhyphenhyphen7jUjbGuVOOk/s320/DSC_4744%5B1%5D" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Taking in the sights of the active volcano's...</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJUp6Lmx2ycjGPqSfN6gF0DOQ5NK2HdFlMfuGIcYHXy1hwflFyDE7D1gTPu-IhHoAXRNzsF6c829zOctQK3yWRzj7IuQYiFEuFfhrB57aB7vXV9rr9lF_OmLdmghaa-BMpZHrEocXafZGR/s1600/DSC_4750%5B1%5D" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJUp6Lmx2ycjGPqSfN6gF0DOQ5NK2HdFlMfuGIcYHXy1hwflFyDE7D1gTPu-IhHoAXRNzsF6c829zOctQK3yWRzj7IuQYiFEuFfhrB57aB7vXV9rr9lF_OmLdmghaa-BMpZHrEocXafZGR/s320/DSC_4750%5B1%5D" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Immersing myself in the clouds...</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3b8PqJiPdq_olrGiqnzNpcUNdZWr_2jshcLSbUCwQwXO1G5iWmCWuzj4Kz9-KjWYaYb941SWfFCPiOtUG12cbRFX-CSTlqdfVK1l_D4gVHP9KM1uFDxRluzh9tzb8Ax0A_eQDNt78hdVm/s1600/DSC_4774%5B1%5D" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3b8PqJiPdq_olrGiqnzNpcUNdZWr_2jshcLSbUCwQwXO1G5iWmCWuzj4Kz9-KjWYaYb941SWfFCPiOtUG12cbRFX-CSTlqdfVK1l_D4gVHP9KM1uFDxRluzh9tzb8Ax0A_eQDNt78hdVm/s320/DSC_4774%5B1%5D" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">The enchanted landscape that was a magnificent experience for me...</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div>laura newmanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16515951360170007806noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1969955670379426893.post-28655378116193180062012-01-29T23:27:00.000-08:002012-01-29T23:27:58.609-08:00Jakarta to Jogja...<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">As I arrived safely and soundly into the hustle and bustle of Jakarta, I touched down in the evening air, filled with darkness, noise, life and non-stop hassle. Well...sometimes hassle is a good thing, I think it gives the experience more motion and my answer to it 'smile and keep on walking', always seems to work for me. When your tired, hot and sweaty and almost frustrated walking down narrow streets of Jakarta city centre, all you can do is smile and I always start singing a little song to myself, knowing that soon enough I will be happy in a room, sitting down and relaxed. We managed to barter a room for the one night we where staying and then ventured out to catch a bite to eat on the street. As it was getting late, we managed to doze off to sleep around 1am and we woke up not so fresh as a daisy at 5am in order to catch our train to travel across the country of Java. Jakarta is vibrant and never seems to sleep, however, in ways it reminds me so much of Mumbai and the madness that goes with it. There is a great deal of poverty here, the land is not so clean and certain streets, more or less the place we stayed in was rather 'seedy'. Why use such language you may ask, as I woke at 5am I could here from the next room, a lady of the night leaving with her male companion! That's the sort of place we where staying in, can't really complain though, we had our own bathroom with a real toilet, not squat and it was cheap, good enough for me. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">So, as we headed out in the bristle of dawn, we flagged a tuk tuk ride to the train station, then at the train station, we somehow worked out which platform to go to and awaited our train. We ended up chatting to two Indonesian woman who gave us the advise of 'Hati Hati' which is beware, as many people pickpocket or try to rob you at this train station. I literally sat on my backpack on the floor and did not move until the train arrived. Well, when it did arrive an hour late, this is normal in Indonesia, almost reminiscent of Indian train times. We boarded our 'business class' seats, which was a wooden bench for two people to sit on and a window which air could filter through, I dread to think what economy class looked like. We settled in for the ride, then realising we where the only non Indonesian people on this whole train, was a funny experience. As I said, I always like to do what the locals do and how they travel. Every stop the train makes, so many sellers hop on the train trying to sell everything from food, drinks to toys and plants! We ended up chatting to the people around us and managed to learn words in Indonesian and the guy who was next to us loved The Beatles, so next minute he is blasting out Beatles songs from his phone and singing along, was a memorable experience. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">After 9 hours on the train, we arrived into Yogyakarta, which is otherwise known as Jogja. We settled in a lovely homestay called Utar. It was family run, where the grandma made breakfast, the children served the breakfast, the father cleaned the rooms and the mother sorted all the washing. After a night there, we where chatting to the owner and he explained he was the 'Secretary to The President of Indonesia' through the week and in the evenings and weekends he helped out at home. Now I realised why every picture around the place was of the Presidential Palace in Yogyakarta or of important people in uniform. They where a lovely family who gave us lots of information and assisted us in getting to our next destination. While staying in Yogyakarta for a few days, we headed out in the city. We explored the sights and wandered around the endless street markets they have here. </span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Reflecting on this city, it oozes arts, every corner is filled with artwork and they actively promote creating art or being musical or performing in anyway. I looked back to one morning we spent looking round a gallery, it was university students work and the tutor explained what they do here and also how its a really free, open and supportive community. This is something I appreciated and admire, as the Indonesian people take huge pride on their arts, not only representing themselves but also their culture, country and national identity. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">After we had rested enough in Yogyakarta, we booked to venture over to a place called 'Ganung Bromo or as we know Mount Bromo'. This is a vast active volcano that is situation in the East of Java. We worked it so that we could arrive at Bromo then do the trek to the viewpoint and also to the crater of Bromo on the morning of John's birthday. This would be a brilliant way to spend his birthday and one to remember. So, with the excitement growing with this new adventure, we quickly booked to head over there and finally said our farewells to the lovely family in Yogyakarta. All I needed to do now is sleep and await my 12 hour bus ride to get there...</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
</span><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyrNZBdMhKAAjgoOAJhitRNIj0mkAIEOlXw2bo-oeD9iEYQCeTyl7GoESNPdcucwHPoOeWAQSzLqmXyBTio17ord_NIXI6kjzBOMncF-aa7u71vZiOWtdpP6Hf038-r3K8oTBMQo4JDH76/s1600/DSC_4540%5B1%5D" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyrNZBdMhKAAjgoOAJhitRNIj0mkAIEOlXw2bo-oeD9iEYQCeTyl7GoESNPdcucwHPoOeWAQSzLqmXyBTio17ord_NIXI6kjzBOMncF-aa7u71vZiOWtdpP6Hf038-r3K8oTBMQo4JDH76/s320/DSC_4540%5B1%5D" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Shattered and fatigue in Jakarta...more one beer will help me sleep!</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYYKQN5hfTqqhDtyZ6TOEiyHJntWNuScFv4HBGPc1qscezeKQqKJwOOtBxIL1gZDLf4uzkxcfUjbugecPlM2xNi4_Z3rsv8_1D-yc4eSc7P8vLtzlOXXDcLbs87eciP85AhGWr6A6pNxQD/s1600/DSC_4543%5B1%5D" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYYKQN5hfTqqhDtyZ6TOEiyHJntWNuScFv4HBGPc1qscezeKQqKJwOOtBxIL1gZDLf4uzkxcfUjbugecPlM2xNi4_Z3rsv8_1D-yc4eSc7P8vLtzlOXXDcLbs87eciP85AhGWr6A6pNxQD/s320/DSC_4543%5B1%5D" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The secretary to the President of Indonesia...oh and our homestay owner</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiO1a-wuIXvzqxMk6GpIV7Ch8LMbHYO8t46hbr-CE6aJCmQKuPghPalIa5tnwz5u6MTEjNwsRQmfGxEHp_4rv7zIeiHXGUfXcXZsihTHxK5s6wFLatlv_Djfq-3bUGKVCwoCAUodxt7kmEa/s1600/DSC_4546%5B1%5D" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiO1a-wuIXvzqxMk6GpIV7Ch8LMbHYO8t46hbr-CE6aJCmQKuPghPalIa5tnwz5u6MTEjNwsRQmfGxEHp_4rv7zIeiHXGUfXcXZsihTHxK5s6wFLatlv_Djfq-3bUGKVCwoCAUodxt7kmEa/s320/DSC_4546%5B1%5D" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Walking around the spacious Palace of Yogyakarta</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhD5GY99_lzl39yyfJfKG3J47ux4Ju9gGhRN1OxVVU_oK_XfMkuT248-pthR4cWZqRzQ6Bds10v6guXzEDaUSd7KFbisPODLFkno4w71rObtc08C_r4Kv8WNQQwov2y1ePB5MvdgF8zPh5B/s1600/DSC_4553%5B1%5D" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhD5GY99_lzl39yyfJfKG3J47ux4Ju9gGhRN1OxVVU_oK_XfMkuT248-pthR4cWZqRzQ6Bds10v6guXzEDaUSd7KFbisPODLFkno4w71rObtc08C_r4Kv8WNQQwov2y1ePB5MvdgF8zPh5B/s320/DSC_4553%5B1%5D" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Saying hello to the wildlife in the cage...</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqnL0G_wLjRtUIK6wxDLO_ZR9ALQgkYYit4vVR2Mh7BqlZ1PRdj_YDN2pprY5VXt9TuTs91xzW2XB7arvGwP-sSWPB9ZsbH8VpJ1BjoB8Z3hGLKaJs6KdZakg0VUJibQotGKNoYr-j2HRb/s1600/DSC_4557%5B1%5D" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqnL0G_wLjRtUIK6wxDLO_ZR9ALQgkYYit4vVR2Mh7BqlZ1PRdj_YDN2pprY5VXt9TuTs91xzW2XB7arvGwP-sSWPB9ZsbH8VpJ1BjoB8Z3hGLKaJs6KdZakg0VUJibQotGKNoYr-j2HRb/s320/DSC_4557%5B1%5D" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Hitching a ride back into town</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXg9_VDBvW88YMfqosV-PLGytgdsnobSx7FIF20LwIjpQjayqk6pjdXVZKnYIakIs7UXCyhHWmucO1FWAahT63SOk644khyplVpEs0A-PUDOtEu9VvWgGJiao1ng6-bXCBofkGG2BsYnke/s1600/DSC_4559%5B1%5D" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXg9_VDBvW88YMfqosV-PLGytgdsnobSx7FIF20LwIjpQjayqk6pjdXVZKnYIakIs7UXCyhHWmucO1FWAahT63SOk644khyplVpEs0A-PUDOtEu9VvWgGJiao1ng6-bXCBofkGG2BsYnke/s320/DSC_4559%5B1%5D" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">John taking over and offering a lift...this may be his new profession 'Cyclo Taxi'</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEif-PElHYKdrqKy17cd8E6azUfrFN77ORNV9yCEgdbO2CP3DKw2Rs8y61_HoR8ALDjCGl5IjHPe3vBReq91jy7fBMGeQuj3sFOSCnLvtNfzaJ1qEFMeTAeFVWyUNfoVysS6tMKg8IPv7qXQ/s1600/DSC_4565%5B1%5D" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEif-PElHYKdrqKy17cd8E6azUfrFN77ORNV9yCEgdbO2CP3DKw2Rs8y61_HoR8ALDjCGl5IjHPe3vBReq91jy7fBMGeQuj3sFOSCnLvtNfzaJ1qEFMeTAeFVWyUNfoVysS6tMKg8IPv7qXQ/s320/DSC_4565%5B1%5D" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">It's harder than it looks...those where the words of John offering rides around the block</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div>laura newmanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16515951360170007806noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1969955670379426893.post-37956352263470698122012-01-27T21:19:00.000-08:002012-01-27T21:19:22.546-08:00Singapore....<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Hello Singapore! It's amazing how such a small and concise island can how so much influence, power and wealth within South east Asia. It is not so big and can be explored within a day or two. As we crossed the border out of Malaysia, we greeted the overcast skies and vast humidity with open smiles. Arriving just before dusk, we ventured into the suburb of 'Little India', known for its metropolis of cheap accommodation, delicious eateries, most being of Indian origin and accessible distance into the heart of the city. </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Our original plan was to somehow work out how to get the boat across from here to Indonesia in the next day or so, well that proved an interesting topic. When we spoke to lots of people about the journey by boat, they each grew a strange unearthly smile. This was because the journey was in fact by a huge shipping container type boat that crossed from Singapore through to Jakarta and the epic journey would last at least 30 hours. This journey entailed you sleeping side by side in one big hall next to 300 local people, queing as cattle class for food and all sharing 2 toilets. My initial response was perhaps not a positive one. Everybody we spoke to urged us to book a flight across and vowed we would be thankful for it. I evidently enquired about the cost of the boat and to weigh up our options, as I dug deeper into research, it all became apparent that the cost was merely the same for both means of travel. So, do I spend the 30+ hours on the shipping container boat, which I do have to say would have been an 'experience' for me, or do I opt for the practical and easy option of flying. We opted to think it over for a day and then settle on a decision in the morning, the more people we spoke to about the journey the more I was being pushed into flying. I heard many stories of minimal safety, people being robbed while they slept and also the boat itself didn't have the greatest safety record. Three days before, a shipping container boat had sank doing the same route we where going to be doing, luckily all crew managed to survive and the next boat that was following the same route managed to turn back to land and not be swept under in the thunderstorms that where occuring that week. This inadvertently finalised my decision to fly, for fear of becoming the next 'Rose' in Titanic 3! </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Once our flights where booked, we had another 2 days to enjoy Singapore on as much as a budget we could, this is one expensive place. In terms of European standards, its probably the same costs of back home in England, however after spending the past 6months in India and most of South East Asia, I felt this economy burn within my purse. Our days where spent wandering the city, taking in the local architecture and meeting people. We ensured we had some time to relax, eat some local food and catch up on some reading. Singapore is a vibrant city and is very forward thinking in the approach to its own society. Here, they are always looking at ways to improve the place, as it has minimal rubbish and the strict laws and rules across the place is clear. It is known as 'fine city', as there seems to be fines for everything, from littering, smoking in public to the more absurd of jaywalking, chewing gum being illegal, dancing or speaking out in public without a license. All sounds a bit crazy, but I found the the people of Singapore are more proud and obedient to these rules in a sense to keep order and harmony among the influx of diverse people that live within its land. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">As our flight approached, I was more so excited about travelling by aeroplane again, its been a while since I'd used this means of transport. Also, I wanted to be open and showed excited to see what Indonesia was like. I braced myself for the rumble of Jakarta but became more focused on looking forward to travelling across Java, exploring the open lands, local people and embracing Indonesia's culture. Looking back upon my decision to fly, should I have easily succumbed to opt to fly or should I have took the slow journey and the 'experience' of a large scale vessel across the seas in the thunderstorm. Who am I kidding, I have the worst travel sickness going and with all the travels I have carried out recently across Malaysia and going to be doing across Java, I quietly reflect to myself... yes Laura you chose wisely!</span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgj9XzMHQ1_cbkiTIY1S8iOa10XKaTBqStgKARYQC9R-9li3w9PY9pg6XNUMeRtyTe1bSKxs4DnXhsuBD4zvoeZoNnrOKCt57DzwB_B7mPs0al5uDwmzeGSr7btihP_aWFx85taQJ8RMXub/s1600/DSC_4420.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgj9XzMHQ1_cbkiTIY1S8iOa10XKaTBqStgKARYQC9R-9li3w9PY9pg6XNUMeRtyTe1bSKxs4DnXhsuBD4zvoeZoNnrOKCt57DzwB_B7mPs0al5uDwmzeGSr7btihP_aWFx85taQJ8RMXub/s320/DSC_4420.JPG" width="213" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Walking around Singapore</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTpwnQw_H6_QkaVeBjqMOdzazjj987JPNkWcNQHT2pwazyGWXGgyJzjabnlOAgBIIGCEXB7dJ25etebI0qRG6PByU946KRztZa3AtzWYvNuAjvO3DtMCxsbyDYiuoGOEHl9MLPsoL9-Xkk/s1600/DSC_4431.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTpwnQw_H6_QkaVeBjqMOdzazjj987JPNkWcNQHT2pwazyGWXGgyJzjabnlOAgBIIGCEXB7dJ25etebI0qRG6PByU946KRztZa3AtzWYvNuAjvO3DtMCxsbyDYiuoGOEHl9MLPsoL9-Xkk/s320/DSC_4431.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I think Singapore displays good objectives when it comes to policies, education & the arts</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyHMPSHKjsZjyIIzqV09I8Y9w2vsmF3cnA4xJQIjT-zgPQtF__T0cCQNFbo6GPOWBRmeR2B0mU0kxsMHCD4JW8pfYyhN0J_uCgM3G5jP6kEK5bkgCDeHUdJxi6JOJbBPkjZxSRptTOIXxW/s1600/DSC_4484.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyHMPSHKjsZjyIIzqV09I8Y9w2vsmF3cnA4xJQIjT-zgPQtF__T0cCQNFbo6GPOWBRmeR2B0mU0kxsMHCD4JW8pfYyhN0J_uCgM3G5jP6kEK5bkgCDeHUdJxi6JOJbBPkjZxSRptTOIXxW/s320/DSC_4484.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Overlooking the Harbour in the evening</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOqBnUDxbNsM1ym2aAphUrRbhtNp-x5gHfqcJ1Tadi-CfofuSAhiHFoAZkbgSbw5_eC46WrlsN_2x_WY94rl_s8Ta7qo269wZw7lmvTcrYEMT_N1AR2VwteLsGRuza3GHQdjIenx28BpbO/s1600/DSC_4474.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOqBnUDxbNsM1ym2aAphUrRbhtNp-x5gHfqcJ1Tadi-CfofuSAhiHFoAZkbgSbw5_eC46WrlsN_2x_WY94rl_s8Ta7qo269wZw7lmvTcrYEMT_N1AR2VwteLsGRuza3GHQdjIenx28BpbO/s320/DSC_4474.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Taking in the sights of the colourful skyline of Singapore</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span id="goog_2028434736"></span><span id="goog_2028434737"></span></span></div>laura newmanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16515951360170007806noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1969955670379426893.post-8908391826120501722012-01-18T20:58:00.000-08:002012-01-18T20:58:19.128-08:00Melaka...majestic lanterns & mini markets...<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Arriving into Melaka Sentral was a smooth and comfortable ride. We ventured through the station and hopped onto the local bus to head towards the town square and more importantly Chinatown, the area we had decided to stay. As we departed the bus in the centre of town, the first thing that hits you is the traditional colonial feel that this place holds. The 'British' influence is grand, this is observed through many of the old buildings architecture and style, the side of road that is driven on in Malaysia and most shockingly or more so to me it was....Malaysia has English plug sockets!! It's sometimes the small things I am most fascinated by and this was one of them. Melaka is a very traditional town, life is no rush and Chinatown is graced with narrow streets which display beautiful lanterns hanging outside every persons home. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br />
</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">We randomly bumped into an English guy who offered to show us a room, as we where just wandering along looking for a place to stay. The place was called Jalan Jalan and it was very bohemian yet simple. I loved it. The uber artistic atmosphere that oozed along the walls, the open area had a huge creamy couch where you could lounge and read a book. There was facilities to browse the internet, listen to music, read from the mini library and most of all relax. The room was quite modern and we overlooked the street, with a huge rectangular window that allowed the gusty wind to cool and ventilate the room. We ventured into the evening with many others staying at Jalan Jalan, we opted to walk a small distance until we reached a busy restaurant. This restaurant was filled with many locals, a sign that it is god cooking and most of all friendly staff. We ate at Puk Petra Restaurant, this was a Pakistani restaurant that offered spicy, mild and homemade Melaka cuisine. I opted to eat a curry and it was super tasty and delicious, a pleasant evening had by all. The next day we explored Melaka, taking in the sights and ambiance that filled this whole enchanted town. The evening involved visiting the main market which was situation in the heart of the town, you had stalls filled with foods, clothes, random items and even entertainment. There was a stage where locals performed, ensuring all the crowd became involved, I observed from the back, soaking in the sights and sensations of the true Melaka experience. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br />
</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">I could have easily have stayed longer in this small majestic town, however, with time permitting slightly on my travels, the decision was made to venture to Singapore. After enjoying breakfast, it was back to Melaka Sentral to hop on a bus to Singapore. As we got there, the Chinese woman was quickly ushering us to outside the station, here we realised that she had called the bus that had left 5mins ago back to pick us up, otherwise we would have had to wait 5 hours for the next bus. We thanked both her and the driver immensely and scooped ourselves into the nearest available seats. The driver was friendly and ensured we had a safe journey down to Singapore, as we ventured to both sides of immigration, he explained everything to us and even kept a look out and waved to us, once he would spot us in the crowd. A nice genuine guy who wants to help you, makes you feel safer and happier in your journey. As the rain crashed along the windows of the bus, I became excited and also intrigued to see what Singapore, an even more diverse and affluent country has to offer...</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br />
</span><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgp7AMHPUA_-y6duiKKs5brSeqGKxjlJ768pDQy3RodNfHrIMCHeKRWX0cgik1PNWetQ6pJtZ1HeHqfzRb6FRk-x8MHgIkdH6kVo4SQ_l8Wx7vqLeuktqW-NABWeVewAcUv8s4aCphbALOk/s1600/DSC_4359.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgp7AMHPUA_-y6duiKKs5brSeqGKxjlJ768pDQy3RodNfHrIMCHeKRWX0cgik1PNWetQ6pJtZ1HeHqfzRb6FRk-x8MHgIkdH6kVo4SQ_l8Wx7vqLeuktqW-NABWeVewAcUv8s4aCphbALOk/s320/DSC_4359.jpg" width="213" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Wandering around the town of Melaka</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAg42VzlK2N-Mu7TzvHCwkeEZHHAIzw8ApDYavMI8NdwQg2i5-v0lEEAn6z8YJZuoW6MnCfH5NS213WR2WsGmQCub3SvOCmFNnPtVYMMBh6dNOeS7Hcek-ze6ngIkNNAof2eshwRIIGy55/s1600/DSC_4354%255B1%255D" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAg42VzlK2N-Mu7TzvHCwkeEZHHAIzw8ApDYavMI8NdwQg2i5-v0lEEAn6z8YJZuoW6MnCfH5NS213WR2WsGmQCub3SvOCmFNnPtVYMMBh6dNOeS7Hcek-ze6ngIkNNAof2eshwRIIGy55/s320/DSC_4354%255B1%255D" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Eating some local street food...tasty!</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYQDtU24ZPmTpMvKML66up3WBy_YB94m6j3L_I729vhnCwsawSM18R7KihNntCm7HqknPh-lhIj-AMA6XK1Xy-TXo1mk4u4082w53w80FmAeyJOori3osI1p6eLGYe5LWH5tsU5682dE5Y/s1600/DSC_4365%255B1%255D" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYQDtU24ZPmTpMvKML66up3WBy_YB94m6j3L_I729vhnCwsawSM18R7KihNntCm7HqknPh-lhIj-AMA6XK1Xy-TXo1mk4u4082w53w80FmAeyJOori3osI1p6eLGYe5LWH5tsU5682dE5Y/s320/DSC_4365%255B1%255D" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">The colourful and imaginative tuk tuk's around town</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLwQbzd16K8IGN7fOHUryWrCysA4P3wj9FanYOQzq3Nyw0WjWPW-K9-nuCOkA80UoYfIFmtPPjAengNOr27mbcSPqfwfvE8lN6e5qHK1GTajQwOprvSJz3g_Ed-iRTXskyT1Dx_HFpPOxR/s1600/DSC_4369.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLwQbzd16K8IGN7fOHUryWrCysA4P3wj9FanYOQzq3Nyw0WjWPW-K9-nuCOkA80UoYfIFmtPPjAengNOr27mbcSPqfwfvE8lN6e5qHK1GTajQwOprvSJz3g_Ed-iRTXskyT1Dx_HFpPOxR/s320/DSC_4369.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Having a browse through the market</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZciqK7G2mIwjaQVHFvslht-0xIOMAQOMBrGvlHAwqOBEuqVhyyfWoQ-ok0eaSFKVWnMOWDhHBv3FQ1UJqBc6I7Rl0oVias4TAElICqelH40Wd1pqUE4ohcwGBtCEDW4H-TwKFpCpzyg76/s1600/DSC_4370.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZciqK7G2mIwjaQVHFvslht-0xIOMAQOMBrGvlHAwqOBEuqVhyyfWoQ-ok0eaSFKVWnMOWDhHBv3FQ1UJqBc6I7Rl0oVias4TAElICqelH40Wd1pqUE4ohcwGBtCEDW4H-TwKFpCpzyg76/s320/DSC_4370.jpg" width="213" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">I do love a 'bargain'!!</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHO9CgMCuSlXBewxt-EedTF9cW1ItdFcaUACRKT3ewZ175-5wseq_KKAdP1CLTamsYjyrqOH4nyeLY6xJ_CJp446z2dQ-NemZHmvHggQU0aCGwuTyjvt_a6_bNxRE5sWtjwaWNxjuGqJMB/s1600/DSC_4373.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHO9CgMCuSlXBewxt-EedTF9cW1ItdFcaUACRKT3ewZ175-5wseq_KKAdP1CLTamsYjyrqOH4nyeLY6xJ_CJp446z2dQ-NemZHmvHggQU0aCGwuTyjvt_a6_bNxRE5sWtjwaWNxjuGqJMB/s320/DSC_4373.jpg" width="213" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">On the way into the museum, with the brightly painted walls</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgczEV2GP2BuLgK9NcZVfEpuPMB29TOFPE0uukf_Jlh9bWo1rfcuSpGyXFf-HfSD7wX2arCjmk-_LWLiuqqDz_5y2Vrqi9bEn_Q5E1nU-p2ZovPhRz4wMo545opTZcVfua6zVxaVeZCyJNt/s1600/DSC_4393.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgczEV2GP2BuLgK9NcZVfEpuPMB29TOFPE0uukf_Jlh9bWo1rfcuSpGyXFf-HfSD7wX2arCjmk-_LWLiuqqDz_5y2Vrqi9bEn_Q5E1nU-p2ZovPhRz4wMo545opTZcVfua6zVxaVeZCyJNt/s320/DSC_4393.jpg" width="213" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">A famous statue in town...weighing up my buffness!</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBXTXYVBfDzUQ2x0_4ptntQsw1GagU0u32gHLBtoapJyGIEywaMTb-McoyKgl6PL_YHIdSbvwB4YRPvWBQ5jti-3piIW0yYU0sQkoXr1P7r0rv5DTuClDyPgzJJ7sxYs8SJAYcJOoXzAxR/s1600/DSC_4402.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBXTXYVBfDzUQ2x0_4ptntQsw1GagU0u32gHLBtoapJyGIEywaMTb-McoyKgl6PL_YHIdSbvwB4YRPvWBQ5jti-3piIW0yYU0sQkoXr1P7r0rv5DTuClDyPgzJJ7sxYs8SJAYcJOoXzAxR/s320/DSC_4402.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Heading home, onto the street we live on</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQzwr9qdYk4YYUlgV2ZCXcqWEopmsPQXkumtPreFUGM0I2AVF_66iDnxvTrpW_73R3PVyDku7b51aPj3l-m9Od8YTOoOkdsC7silTxKJOhRUX62sXB2MLybbQyIwlcaTYzzqo_dvL3ZfLq/s1600/DSC_4406.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQzwr9qdYk4YYUlgV2ZCXcqWEopmsPQXkumtPreFUGM0I2AVF_66iDnxvTrpW_73R3PVyDku7b51aPj3l-m9Od8YTOoOkdsC7silTxKJOhRUX62sXB2MLybbQyIwlcaTYzzqo_dvL3ZfLq/s320/DSC_4406.jpg" width="213" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Outside the front door, this captures the essence and beauty of Melaka way of life</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div>laura newmanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16515951360170007806noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1969955670379426893.post-40324505013333309912012-01-13T03:43:00.000-08:002012-01-13T03:43:06.352-08:00Kuala Lumpur or KL as I now refer...<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I arrived into Kuala Lumpur feeling sleepy yet with a hint of excitement as the bus dropped us into the centre, which even at 3.30am hustled and bustled with life. The journey South from Thailand ended up taking us around 16 hours, but it was a comfortable journey with lovely people who looked after us on the journey down. When we departed the bus, the first element that overwhelmed me was the vast concrete skyscrapers that filled this vibrant city. Everything has a feel of contemporary and modern architecture flushes through the skies of KL. As we didn't want to pay for a nights accommodation by arriving at 4am, we opted to throw ourselves into the only cafe type of place open, good ole McDonald's!! We ventured upstairs with our backpacks on and armed with a fresh cup of tea and coffee, only to be met by ten other backpack type of travelers doing the exact thing we where doing, I see here great minds think alike. The time passed quickly, by the time I had a read and enjoyed my cup of tea, we headed over to a hostel around 7am. Here, we checked in to a tiny cube shaped room, which literally only had space for the small double. The mattress was as thick as a baby changing mat and you could feel every piece of the metal frame of the bed underneath it. Surprisingly, we where able to crash out into our cot and have a good couple of hours sleep before we began our adventure around the city. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">When we awoke, the guesthouse was filled with life and unusual smells. The hostel is owned by a Chinese family and the reception area has its own aquarium, filled with two small turtles and huge fish, was an interesting place to stay. Outside, the sun was shining and the humidity clung to my skin as tight as it could, within a couple of minutes you already feel fatigue and the sweltering heat as it drips you of energy. We explored the city, moving through Chinatown, through to Little India, managing to stop off for a curry lunch. We sat in the city centre park and took in the big city surrounding us, I really like the fact that KL tries to ensure there is still open spaces of nature, even in this concrete clad city. The evening was spent on the rooftop of our hostel overlooking the majestic landscape and finally having a wander through the night market below. The infusion of sights, smells and seriously good bargains was a brilliant way to end my evening. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The next day we ventured through the city again, making our way over to the Petronas Towers, this is a famous landmark within KL. The sheer presence and power they project is overwhelming, it is a beautiful building, filling the sky with an inspiring shape that almost compliments KL as a city. I spent the next 30 minutes standing outside staring up towards the sky, amazed by the buildings and how cool they are to see. Inside, we ventured into a shopping mall, there are over a 100 shopping malls with plenty of brands covering this diverse city. As the afternoon followed, we headed back to the hostel, collected our backpack and made way for our journey heading to Melaka. Even the journey to the main station is super efficient, the people are so friendly and helpful and the bus station is magnificent. Sounds almost plausible to say how great a bus station is...I must stress it is a beauty! The place was amazingly clean, open and contemporary and it ran efficiently and all on time, with a bus departing every 3minutes, I left as a customer highly satisfied. Therefore, my journey through Kuala Lumpur has come to an end, a diverse city that has many people of all backgrounds (Indian,Chinese & Malay population) living and working together. The city boasts so much nature and yet smart, constructive architecture of buildings that swarm through the air, making KL a city that I thoroughly enjoyed. As I jostle along the highway, eagerly awaiting the coastal town of Melaka...</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
</span><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNWeKS-FqQtXKgqZrXayHeMxX9gCcrF7ehYeBE2WrjybrE2-5vkP0FOxcpFtVizMOOwpnCT92g8FWKIJOA1pxZ2705KSCOdZr_o4LRKSRTRU_IKmOVXMIDnLv04GNtuQkyJMiOHa1lf9kJ/s1600/DSC_4267%255B1%255D" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNWeKS-FqQtXKgqZrXayHeMxX9gCcrF7ehYeBE2WrjybrE2-5vkP0FOxcpFtVizMOOwpnCT92g8FWKIJOA1pxZ2705KSCOdZr_o4LRKSRTRU_IKmOVXMIDnLv04GNtuQkyJMiOHa1lf9kJ/s320/DSC_4267%255B1%255D" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Enjoying the humidity of Kuala Lumpur</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3ViMbeqc8xi4MbmrThgdgsGVtSQvWX-TS_Nz6uqF9hXZ2yfTN0oN4PGSx-1ENi8xReJmdMsDxIpKuQCCndvwV7TbnVdPzMaJ9sneP6ffuF0dux7WSZq218N5A_PGbWQpvtVu8h8qLetdi/s1600/DSC_4276%255B1%255D" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3ViMbeqc8xi4MbmrThgdgsGVtSQvWX-TS_Nz6uqF9hXZ2yfTN0oN4PGSx-1ENi8xReJmdMsDxIpKuQCCndvwV7TbnVdPzMaJ9sneP6ffuF0dux7WSZq218N5A_PGbWQpvtVu8h8qLetdi/s320/DSC_4276%255B1%255D" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Needing a cool down after walking all day long</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIzItSpSIfHVny2-GAgvSGATrKI7GjIElGRREjdkYXnz7F2qG_vp2Rr08vm8IXdTcygVWrl-IRW7FUj8I5ftVSxwSxxAvDgGYj6EW19Zi3Vk9CRzAIIBrJMhW69EVUXgSH_QHgVmUK5Jvg/s1600/DSC_4283%255B1%255D" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIzItSpSIfHVny2-GAgvSGATrKI7GjIElGRREjdkYXnz7F2qG_vp2Rr08vm8IXdTcygVWrl-IRW7FUj8I5ftVSxwSxxAvDgGYj6EW19Zi3Vk9CRzAIIBrJMhW69EVUXgSH_QHgVmUK5Jvg/s320/DSC_4283%255B1%255D" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Standing on the old cricket pitch in Kuala Lumpur</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDtDp39ezjWdWObudh0vludX84CiloYbSYRz3Cp9_eJReqdDpvTvresY6JpNxKXOzUCuQaW6fSWMn3EUB9b2emFRp2J-Y-LhUVJDwE-VLAxSBlTlFKpYjcHSWOiMwsLWM-p91dIIFCMeBf/s1600/DSC_4303%255B1%255D" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDtDp39ezjWdWObudh0vludX84CiloYbSYRz3Cp9_eJReqdDpvTvresY6JpNxKXOzUCuQaW6fSWMn3EUB9b2emFRp2J-Y-LhUVJDwE-VLAxSBlTlFKpYjcHSWOiMwsLWM-p91dIIFCMeBf/s320/DSC_4303%255B1%255D" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The inspiring power of the Petronas Towers</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmgiSig4tLE6edbBMD9PDXCfk3NpERZRUj-hRMpVIS1hGzJqrxUQpmBQpYUVyKJKsw3q1ICwvGq00M72P6EYuRWd9VoBlm2dF_K1IVuYRudleSxLSGuoO1QgWCTXtrgDVDO_0i9xATBIG1/s1600/DSC_4339%255B1%255D" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmgiSig4tLE6edbBMD9PDXCfk3NpERZRUj-hRMpVIS1hGzJqrxUQpmBQpYUVyKJKsw3q1ICwvGq00M72P6EYuRWd9VoBlm2dF_K1IVuYRudleSxLSGuoO1QgWCTXtrgDVDO_0i9xATBIG1/s320/DSC_4339%255B1%255D" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Inside one of a 1000 shopping malls in the city</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7hoRfxyMqXglGBio6UQOIA7qxLqrQAmabSSNQGqZ9zcYrDkwSSVNMBZlZpyLHroJfkI_Zg9eIxFUARnP7pfHQrnY7p2ZtyK_NIy-0SpwvE60A9LpVlQp2zWDQrcawCdIXTKzNKb1JtAyL/s1600/DSC_4347%255B1%255D" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7hoRfxyMqXglGBio6UQOIA7qxLqrQAmabSSNQGqZ9zcYrDkwSSVNMBZlZpyLHroJfkI_Zg9eIxFUARnP7pfHQrnY7p2ZtyK_NIy-0SpwvE60A9LpVlQp2zWDQrcawCdIXTKzNKb1JtAyL/s320/DSC_4347%255B1%255D" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Having a rest after exploring the whole of Kuala Lumpur on foot</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div>laura newmanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16515951360170007806noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1969955670379426893.post-39625102964591039662012-01-02T22:19:00.000-08:002012-01-02T22:19:01.719-08:00Khoa Sok, Koh Phi Phi, Railay...then it's hello Malaysia...<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Venturing back on the boat to the mainland from Koh Tao was not as bad as I'd anticipated, I awaited the array of crashing waves, wild winds and swooshing swarms of motion sickness to hit me like a bat. Luckily, it was smooth (ish) and not too bad at all. The journey itself was quite a long trip, leaving Koh Tao at 9am and not reaching Khao Sok National Park until 8.30pm at night. As we arrived in darkness, we settled into a decent enough place called the 'Jungle Hut', it was literally in the jungle, tucked away in a winding tiny track along the jungle. The next day, I was able to take everything in around me, the surroundings, the smells, the sounds...everything. This place was vast in size and enormous in beauty. There was lush green coating that smothered the mountains and around the mountains you had stumps of gigantic karst cliffs that overpowered the small village. Our days in Khao Sok where spent walking through the National Park, visiting lots of small waterfalls, engaging with lots of wildlife, even not intentionally, as they tended to engage directly with you. I shall expand on this point...one morning, I was awoken by a tapping sound on the window and strange noises on the roof, as I looked out, there was a family of monkeys hopping on our bungalow, ravaging anything they could get their hands upon. The monkeys didn't seem too aggressive, however, with jungle or any wild monkey you always have to be cautious and keep your distance. It was brilliant as looking out the window, one monkey popped up and looked back a me through the window, in an almost telepathic way, I was communicating, moving my head up and then the monkey followed and then moving my hand and then the monkey followed, such a brilliant experience. Other wildlife that engaged upon us, as I was going to sleep one night, a mouse was running around the walls inside the bungalow, we had two juicy cockroaches living in the bathroom, a military unit of ants which where each around 2cm in size living all over the place. On the way back to the room one night, a large group of bats swarmed through the tree's, so you had to slowly work your way through the flying creatures in order to reach my room. While I adore nature, this was definitely a trip where I lived with nature side by side up in the jungle huts.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">After chilling and spending some time in the National Park, we headed to Koh Phi Phi, the paradise island and beautiful beaches for Christmas. Around this area is where the famous film 'The Beach' was filmed and the scenic beauty is clear; the luxurious green sea glistening in the bay, the mountains enclosing with lush greenary and the smooth golden sands to spend my days is what this place has to offer. Koh Phi Phi is a tourist resort, so there are plenty of restaurants, guesthouses and most of all a buzzing nightlife. There are many bars in the small town and the night follows as everybody heads to the beach to worship the fireshows and downing the buckets. We enjoyed Christmas Eve doing just this, having lots of fun, laughs, I even ended up doing press-ups with people from Newcastle, something that I am known and moreso prone to do, during night's out with alcohol, you could even describe it as a 'party piece'! I must admit, the fitness had diminished over the past 5months, therefore, I achieved only 10 pressups, back in the day...I could easily do 50, how times change! Christmas Day was spent mostly recovering...then me and John noticed that Santa had paid us a visit all the way over to Koh Phi Phi. Therefore, we managed to open our presents around 3pm and ventured out for dinner around 4pm, we opted for a quiet evening, therefore, indulged in snacks and watched a brilliant film called 'The King's Speech' on good ole HBO. For me, this was a perfect end to my Christmas Day! </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">The next few days where spent taking it easy and relaxing on the island. As it is a resort style place, the island was swarming with tourists. We have found this a bit too touristy for us, therefore, opted to head over to a smaller, more chilled place called Railay to enjoy New Year. Railay is a beautiful place, surrounded my karst cliffs which are a rock climbers dream. We opted to stay on Tonsai, just further North, a lot more chilled and calm vibe happening. We originally planned to stay up West, however, as we arrived late in the day, all the guesthouses on the whole place was full or at an extortionate prices. We evidently hitched a ride by a fisherman in his boat over to Tonsai, where we hiked up the jungle hill and begged each guesthouse to offer us something. Finally, as the night was filled with darkness and plenty of blood sucking mosquito's, we found something. I say 'something' loosely as it was basically a mattress on a floor in a room with holes as windows and a door hanging on for dear life. As I was so tired at this point and fatigue from all the stress of finding somewhere to stay, we thanked the owner and whipped it up straight away. We felt so happy having found a place to sleep for the night. Thankfully, the next day we booked into another accommodation, where we had a real bed and our own toilet, I felt as though I'd checked into a 5* place, having my own toilet and running ice cold shower, marvelous! We spent the days lounging on the beach, paddling in the deep green sea, surrounded by amazing cliffs and climbing routes, I watched many times in awe the climbers wrangle and hitch their way up the mountains. As New Year approached, we opted to have a traditional Thai curry then head to the beach, where the shack bars are an array of reggae/rasta style colours and in each place you can find a Bob Marley song blasting into the darkness. We welcomed the New Year with laughter, smiles and so much fun, looking out into the sea, as many fire lanterns lit the sky and fireworks exploded to display amazing colours and formations. The rest of the night entailed dancing to a brilliant Thai Reggae Band, who played everything from The Beatles to Spice Girls...reggae style, superb! </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;"><br />
</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">As we awoke on New Year's Day, the heaven's welcomed us to 2012 with a huge amount of rainfall. It literally did not stop raining for 12 hours, we now have the news that nobody can head South and cross the border to Malaysia, as the Southern Province is flooded. So, we have decided to come to Krabi Town and wait here chilling for a few days and grow even more excitement for our next adventure to Malaysia. I have enjoyed this roller-coaster of a ride in Thailand, I have embraced so many beautiful places, met some very interesting people and tasted some of the most delicious curries in the world (I highly recommend Thai Green Curry!) However, the time had now arrived where I feel ready to move further on the adventure and explore a new country...the Magestic Malaysia awaits me!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;"><br />
</span><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEge99rROboJVJ5BCEU3zPxzlSqUqoVxTXsRaigiKGZSrnC8tvD9F5Fue2b8OlgfVbmlhAOQwEiMURB3wJGVEFm-ZTL95xhqzHDQVK_cnQBp6_jjCYJJhZwh2Yx592WIBgg5SFAHs90OHdJf/s1600/dsc_4027.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEge99rROboJVJ5BCEU3zPxzlSqUqoVxTXsRaigiKGZSrnC8tvD9F5Fue2b8OlgfVbmlhAOQwEiMURB3wJGVEFm-ZTL95xhqzHDQVK_cnQBp6_jjCYJJhZwh2Yx592WIBgg5SFAHs90OHdJf/s320/dsc_4027.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">On our first walk through Khao Sok National Park</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8SK8j6REFwoXJYOGqOSzkPE9ClcZAVG_gv55Q1NMKUBINSEdZgxijxpLmTgDo660ljzP_N5RNJeb_5BY4kTJ1YvaPb4x97lBhqLXfL1Sah4BUyGZHVm8Y5w7qH_dKVC13OyCX-qGYwIKU/s1600/dsc_4011.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8SK8j6REFwoXJYOGqOSzkPE9ClcZAVG_gv55Q1NMKUBINSEdZgxijxpLmTgDo660ljzP_N5RNJeb_5BY4kTJ1YvaPb4x97lBhqLXfL1Sah4BUyGZHVm8Y5w7qH_dKVC13OyCX-qGYwIKU/s320/dsc_4011.jpg" width="213" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Dressed in my jungle attire...<br />
<br />
</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEip3UvNSqqNo58rEPO3UDEIq6RRCiVmldsuNoJv9LIK2gOl1AiKWsKtBv1nHUVBzJGxPVO2NyPqv6llbPCJsgioYkjra_bkdRhRSaZQTS4DjMTW72xa3mp68NDAP9jCGPwN6Ic0SePAqVFu/s1600/dsc_4091.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEip3UvNSqqNo58rEPO3UDEIq6RRCiVmldsuNoJv9LIK2gOl1AiKWsKtBv1nHUVBzJGxPVO2NyPqv6llbPCJsgioYkjra_bkdRhRSaZQTS4DjMTW72xa3mp68NDAP9jCGPwN6Ic0SePAqVFu/s320/dsc_4091.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">A spider saying hello outside my door</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQRKHK_2DaYZPeCymCiUG3BR_cJFN_rkcyBPmYEhY0RClEPxAM1CiyjuXaQp7FIgzb0r2hzUOwPdMR8on-q1rbsqhmHjsv-oR1JKA_-bKSdsbDaxGE7h0yq4BNgL3bIQU6X2hA2RQA2WTL/s1600/dsc_4084.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQRKHK_2DaYZPeCymCiUG3BR_cJFN_rkcyBPmYEhY0RClEPxAM1CiyjuXaQp7FIgzb0r2hzUOwPdMR8on-q1rbsqhmHjsv-oR1JKA_-bKSdsbDaxGE7h0yq4BNgL3bIQU6X2hA2RQA2WTL/s320/dsc_4084.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Mother and baby monkey heading home after paying me a visit</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJHsfju-iSZY06ojND6GvFIjPp13ahvCH_ZPDXQsNwF4UtmDhj7-6rjW4HUkDXo7UvhKd1b_ELpd_IOpRW1wZWo9zDyZRGwf2MBRuHr5NlMpvPVcZdZLmsbZAHWtNbZh8u7weKYKhOfWwr/s1600/dsc_4078.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJHsfju-iSZY06ojND6GvFIjPp13ahvCH_ZPDXQsNwF4UtmDhj7-6rjW4HUkDXo7UvhKd1b_ELpd_IOpRW1wZWo9zDyZRGwf2MBRuHr5NlMpvPVcZdZLmsbZAHWtNbZh8u7weKYKhOfWwr/s320/dsc_4078.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">A baby gecko in a lamp shade</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table><span style="font-family: Arial;"><br />
</span><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSUEdbv7E3Fzog0800R7Jvf1tmLLYIaBp5-gX3EwuznviEVtsMTcfknqA8ClvoRdshnUszWQLg81Go-OK0H9XGTw3x427zpTuBO1VN8Bxsv9rgBRnff0Gx84tKfRsHcBMNktGPr-GJLs5o/s1600/DSC_4107.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSUEdbv7E3Fzog0800R7Jvf1tmLLYIaBp5-gX3EwuznviEVtsMTcfknqA8ClvoRdshnUszWQLg81Go-OK0H9XGTw3x427zpTuBO1VN8Bxsv9rgBRnff0Gx84tKfRsHcBMNktGPr-GJLs5o/s320/DSC_4107.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The view from my jungle hut over the National Park</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table><span style="font-family: Arial;"><br />
</span><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFwiB_YsGQv_bN40putPcDxrnGFPeXjpaomcW9qM9vzJXX2Qpoiy3p2otzkL71wsZcP2jOzNhUEiIf1bGM2pETfBQe6MZ1vk3YAdJgKDXuyqT5_ab1Hz9iJOuQjNbttnPKDt-8pgaQ1Ufk/s1600/DSC_4183.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFwiB_YsGQv_bN40putPcDxrnGFPeXjpaomcW9qM9vzJXX2Qpoiy3p2otzkL71wsZcP2jOzNhUEiIf1bGM2pETfBQe6MZ1vk3YAdJgKDXuyqT5_ab1Hz9iJOuQjNbttnPKDt-8pgaQ1Ufk/s320/DSC_4183.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Koh Phi Phi, overlooking the whole island</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUwI_L4V9yQzNScSWsBNBpYWk-jFbp5iFJ86PGy6I1ghXaWyJAELhzPVMXQ8ooSSc219mSwsCt5LTLOggDvtdNKVsOCzdtxgTrp2iUWJcovlXBsc2PCFh6XoRw_jl16xq8hyo-h11ImTmk/s1600/DSC_4205.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUwI_L4V9yQzNScSWsBNBpYWk-jFbp5iFJ86PGy6I1ghXaWyJAELhzPVMXQ8ooSSc219mSwsCt5LTLOggDvtdNKVsOCzdtxgTrp2iUWJcovlXBsc2PCFh6XoRw_jl16xq8hyo-h11ImTmk/s320/DSC_4205.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Brisk walk along the beach on Koh Phi Phi</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwzhSRphkBeXEwhqRTs9cj7wwh-cSi7cz8P4CaY6hC0NXkXhbOkS1Bmf_TPnRlCb4b39-llXqaO-rm1QJlOsVqXL11x05Am0GURUV_A1NUv1WK3mU1h5Xq_UmuQSXmSJxremyZzwkW9ByA/s1600/DSC_4216.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwzhSRphkBeXEwhqRTs9cj7wwh-cSi7cz8P4CaY6hC0NXkXhbOkS1Bmf_TPnRlCb4b39-llXqaO-rm1QJlOsVqXL11x05Am0GURUV_A1NUv1WK3mU1h5Xq_UmuQSXmSJxremyZzwkW9ByA/s320/DSC_4216.JPG" width="213" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Enjoying being in the sunshine, adoring the beautiful island...</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table><span style="font-family: Arial;"><br />
</span><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjye4HBFTeZiHtwUvkDXIgYrZTEJU_TxQfqlWc1wQBRAW6tyQT1XfrhjEtRuGzNTOhcjepRl8K5k6PfgGCnxPaSOclWp7hLZLzXX-XOaqTkUMvtD50cav4j0NVjtGXmaL7bwnZlAdrAG1__/s1600/DSC_4122.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjye4HBFTeZiHtwUvkDXIgYrZTEJU_TxQfqlWc1wQBRAW6tyQT1XfrhjEtRuGzNTOhcjepRl8K5k6PfgGCnxPaSOclWp7hLZLzXX-XOaqTkUMvtD50cav4j0NVjtGXmaL7bwnZlAdrAG1__/s320/DSC_4122.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Yey...Santa's been!! </span></td></tr>
</tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOiSZHGOvk9crAnSKOiHdluXFEBTMUgZch8hmynwQHGqbqf-junQSBw47hf0YULzT2Zz-JExja3NDb8J56f-4Lq2hAwlmTGQG4En_YtyawXzFAJBDmEP7b6rEOPDqlIDZv5Mz-PGSlGPci/s1600/DSCF1947.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOiSZHGOvk9crAnSKOiHdluXFEBTMUgZch8hmynwQHGqbqf-junQSBw47hf0YULzT2Zz-JExja3NDb8J56f-4Lq2hAwlmTGQG4En_YtyawXzFAJBDmEP7b6rEOPDqlIDZv5Mz-PGSlGPci/s320/DSCF1947.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Feeling delicate on Christmas Day! Loving my new present 'Beatles Top' </span></td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgN6LtAoBac5SrJRvsrIefZRKGRJsARSAHe2J_9dheRyoarll8oUFzZ7of8GM51MQD9ds115BgLNhpx9nDDDk-a_5SChgTkFMuVixoCY5SJoqbU2tYiidxq3K58eesg2yub9XqveI0e44z4/s1600/DSCF1952.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgN6LtAoBac5SrJRvsrIefZRKGRJsARSAHe2J_9dheRyoarll8oUFzZ7of8GM51MQD9ds115BgLNhpx9nDDDk-a_5SChgTkFMuVixoCY5SJoqbU2tYiidxq3K58eesg2yub9XqveI0e44z4/s320/DSCF1952.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Enjoying some brunch in Koh Phi Phi</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikT_R-uD4Fygl8ekFEs26l6N0-zJ3hIa7Etsso8-4s4SXyyKaVkeNAki1ereIXeMJlpl2Mn9_Ufb2zfdYWVaabQfQqKkhZUGHzHvWNVI2G0f6liYk7UQolHVW9gjaH9ZPYp3gQf9HTHWur/s1600/DSC_4237.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikT_R-uD4Fygl8ekFEs26l6N0-zJ3hIa7Etsso8-4s4SXyyKaVkeNAki1ereIXeMJlpl2Mn9_Ufb2zfdYWVaabQfQqKkhZUGHzHvWNVI2G0f6liYk7UQolHVW9gjaH9ZPYp3gQf9HTHWur/s320/DSC_4237.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The beautiful place of Railay</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table><span style="font-family: Arial;"><br />
</span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2ZgJIPnatoOWKPSjOR66a7qCX5wkGJJy9SuDOTONWxSgxRL_77c76HhH5xQpAoYxLgI3G5SRZeGtholRvVmIAQ-j_x7-zhQQNHvKkZ5zNDqaJlLAXQs-xNA7xT5i_3e2_5iA_ZFyWK58J/s1600/DSC_4227.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2ZgJIPnatoOWKPSjOR66a7qCX5wkGJJy9SuDOTONWxSgxRL_77c76HhH5xQpAoYxLgI3G5SRZeGtholRvVmIAQ-j_x7-zhQQNHvKkZ5zNDqaJlLAXQs-xNA7xT5i_3e2_5iA_ZFyWK58J/s320/DSC_4227.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Our 5* luxury guesthouse! This is the most the door will close, good enough for me.</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuS3u4Fy7JEl2jO9_n-hlJ-3uRiJ4wXSEqYGZQwg-FsL4trj-7dQWvgndDJI2-1bo6uULULpGEGR8c0wA2pg4nwE5GVtpEZw6YVZOAsfw3_eCEAHuS7mmqEqQ68E8LNlGhjYqObXFzoN6D/s1600/DSCF1984.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuS3u4Fy7JEl2jO9_n-hlJ-3uRiJ4wXSEqYGZQwg-FsL4trj-7dQWvgndDJI2-1bo6uULULpGEGR8c0wA2pg4nwE5GVtpEZw6YVZOAsfw3_eCEAHuS7mmqEqQ68E8LNlGhjYqObXFzoN6D/s320/DSCF1984.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">John playing bass with the Reggae Band on New Year's Eve</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-xVphT2FSLmER0SRKqC9Z9Bfxdzg7nyWG92s46HjoBLdbJJQTcTzSpYgdHfxdADSXLODtJF5tN_P6JKRr91nR_mLFo8509HWVkofEVfo1g1SpmnMFJ2DQuMGQLl2IXFetZIrsCMNPuIjs/s1600/DSCF2038.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-xVphT2FSLmER0SRKqC9Z9Bfxdzg7nyWG92s46HjoBLdbJJQTcTzSpYgdHfxdADSXLODtJF5tN_P6JKRr91nR_mLFo8509HWVkofEVfo1g1SpmnMFJ2DQuMGQLl2IXFetZIrsCMNPuIjs/s320/DSCF2038.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Me and Nancy enjoying the party on New Year's Eve</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-lE_XFOIPE_GKzBxwpc10py66xXYsDkXisxvKu4Mv7gykv1nNB2OU0xwk7fb_zAxI5VGi1o8YImoiqmmD1TNCvgqusl-wvgKD-SJRtgLidTNSTp_SmXm8dRWdmv7sEgAyk0uhDk4jyAHu/s1600/DSCF2041.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-lE_XFOIPE_GKzBxwpc10py66xXYsDkXisxvKu4Mv7gykv1nNB2OU0xwk7fb_zAxI5VGi1o8YImoiqmmD1TNCvgqusl-wvgKD-SJRtgLidTNSTp_SmXm8dRWdmv7sEgAyk0uhDk4jyAHu/s320/DSCF2041.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">As the party rolled on, we all danced, laughed and had fun to welcome in the New Year</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table><span style="font-family: Arial;"><br />
</span><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifFKC6tyYZKMKqLD_jRXql-2p11W3KyszcUu_rYiubrSsGNKzqskuI2cOEz8a3-kZuHEYQmBrgc5iXa0HY4Mk3krYuOPmHCrE7tpVYYUyAedehekGgcjHSczNq19FFOOT5MnZXAfvbCZU4/s1600/DSCF1996.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifFKC6tyYZKMKqLD_jRXql-2p11W3KyszcUu_rYiubrSsGNKzqskuI2cOEz8a3-kZuHEYQmBrgc5iXa0HY4Mk3krYuOPmHCrE7tpVYYUyAedehekGgcjHSczNq19FFOOT5MnZXAfvbCZU4/s320/DSCF1996.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Happy New Year, welcome 2012!! My view on Railay Beach</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrReTodKi0CjdSsaspPKVfNq8xnzAeVp7ynJ5u2pFrfvDoCbI-TpFdDQhpPhA_1yMcb3S8mpAxIX6gMpde-c7E2t8EkyycvLrBO-HV6x-aIFnfMEQP5Rxe93QfDuwL1Q8__yYRZ80_HQHL/s1600/DSC_4248.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrReTodKi0CjdSsaspPKVfNq8xnzAeVp7ynJ5u2pFrfvDoCbI-TpFdDQhpPhA_1yMcb3S8mpAxIX6gMpde-c7E2t8EkyycvLrBO-HV6x-aIFnfMEQP5Rxe93QfDuwL1Q8__yYRZ80_HQHL/s320/DSC_4248.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Awaiting my journey to Malaysia, tucking into some insects in Krabi...yum yum!</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table><span style="font-family: Arial;"><br />
</span></div>laura newmanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16515951360170007806noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1969955670379426893.post-56077613306284955912011-12-20T23:16:00.000-08:002011-12-20T23:16:59.389-08:00Koh Samui...Koh Phangan...Koh Tao<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">After spending many days resting on the island of Koh Samui, I actually began to relax more and appreciate the beautiful island. We ventured out around our beach hut and ate some delicious local food. One evening, we ventured into the main town and watched a Thai Reggae Band, who I must say where incredibly talented and sounded amazingly like Bob Marley & The Wailers. This was not even the highlight of the whole evening, the walk across the street was, in order to watch the Muay Thai Boxing. We viewed two men's and two women's fights, each demonstrating great skill and technique. The most exciting thing was how the crowd reacts and the whole atmosphere set when viewing this competition. The sport of Muay Thai is highly respected in Thailand and many people follow, therefore, watching and being apart of this event was an exciting evening indeed. After many days of rest, we opted to catch our boat across to the 'famous island' of Kho Phangan, all I could say is that I was eagerly excited, ready and well and truly deserved to have some fun. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">After a smooth and enjoyable boat journey across the islands, I departed the boat feeling hot, excited and most of all ready to party! We wandered through the small streets and located our hostel easy enough, then was greeted with a huge smile from 'Wan', the manager of the hostel. She checked us in and showed us to our swanky room. Well, when I say swanky, I express now what I was greeted with. The walls on the way upstairs where smeared with an array of neon colours of paints, plenty of yellows, oranges, pinks and greens. Then, as we pushed heavily on the door, the room was filled with around 20 bunk beds. We opted to choose the far corner near the window, as I was on the top bunk, the mattress was actually made of wood. I actually didn't mind, as I knew I would hardly be getting the perfect sleep on this island anyways. We ventured out to the beach and the whole vibe on the island is amazing. The people who venture here are all in search for a good time, wanting to socialise and party. We chilled on the beach for a couple of hours and then randomly bumped into some friends we had met in Bangkok, Trey and Karla. It's crazy as me and Karla after talking for 2 hours, realised we knew the same person from back home, a mutual friend. We ended being joined by a Dutch guy called France and we all sat on the beach in darkness enjoying some Chang Beer. As the night drew closer, we decided to go and eat at Karla's bungalow, this entailed getting a fisherman's wooden boat out to sea, cruising around the bay and hopping off across rocks around the next bay on the island, this is only accessible via boat. It was a little scary zooming through the waves in darkness, especially having consumed one too many beers, but it was fun! We chilled at there place all evening, eating nice food, drinking beer and listening to Trey, who is a great musician and reminds me of Bob Dylan play lots of songs. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The next morning we awoke happily, knowing that we actually arrived home safe and that we could head out to the beach and hopefully bump into some others friends who arrived that day Karlie & Ronnie. Luckily, we bumped into them and we spent the next few days and nights, enjoying the island and partying even more. One night, me and John stayed out late and under our feet in the sand we found a new iPhone, I checked the pictures to see if I could see who it belonged to, but it was no use as the person who seemed to appear on all the pictures was nowhere to be seen. I decided that I would keep hold of it, then in the morning we can call or somehow get in touch with them to return their phone. I always believe in doing something good, in a way helps the karma of my soul, but also just being a 'good' person, as I knew this person would be gutted to have lost their phone. The next day, we ended up drinking beer and having cooked breakfast with Karlie & Ronnie around 3pm, then we mentioned about the phone and showed them the picture, it's crazy but they replied "that's our next door neighbour"!! So, after our food and drinks, we ventured back to their place to return the phone, that's when we met two great people...Kyle and Damon. They are two Americans, who are real characters and really nice people. Damon was so happy to have his phone back that he declared we all drink a bottle of Samsong on his balcony to celebrate, so our evening was filled with great times and lots of fun with four Scousers and two Americans. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The day had finally arrived....The Full Moon Party! The island had become much more busier now and the whole atmosphere was exhilarating, I loved it. I ensured I had my bright coloured top on, mini mouse glow in the dark headband and most of all body paint, this is compulsary for the Full Moon Experience. In order to totally integrate yourself with the party and whole vibe, you have to splash and dash some sort of neon paint on yourself. The night was one of the best partying nights I have ever experienced. We began lightly with beers before moving onto buckets, this is a must in order to last the night. Once we had our body paint in tact, we ventured out into the streets, I enjoyed some street food, a nice piece of crispy chicken. Then, we opted to make our own buckets (cheaper!) going to the 7-eleven and opting to fill it with pineapple juice. This is our own special drink that will become famously known throughout the night as the 'Samsong Colada'! We eventually reached the beach around midnight and was greeted by thousands of people all having a great time. You can be mesmerised by the fire shows that take place on the beach, each bar has lots of entertainment and most of all, there is so much variety in what music you can enjoy. There are bars that have strong drum and base, reggae, dance, cheesy pop, there is literally everything. Me and John ended up partying through at least 10 buckets of 'Samsong Colada's' and adored viewing the sunrise from the beach. It was so enchanting and an amazing experience, the party was still in full swing even at this time. We managed to stay up until 9am, then opted to have some food...breakfast. At this time, still finishing off our last bucket, I opted for sweet and sour chicken for breakfast, well not the normal type of meal I would go for, but I was on Koh Phangan and you can eat anything at anytime. We eventually settled into our bunk-beds for sleep at 10am, I am almost proud of this achievement. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">After two days of recovering from the massive party, I was glad to leave this island and in need of rest and relaxation, especially in the means of no alcohol. We ventured onto the nightmare of a catamaran, that not only made me sick, but myself and another 100 people. The whole hour and half journey, produced two full sick bags from me, I felt as though I was about to faint and there was nothing I could do about it, as I was thrashing around as we bashed through the choppy hurling waves of the sea. Once we reached Koh Tao, I instantly felt happy. Of course for reaching Koh Tao itself and also for being off that catamaran, never again. The next six days, I spent relaxing along the beach and by our wonderful pool. John opted to complete his PADI Open Water Scuba Diving, so he is now a qualified diver, whereas, I spent the days relaxing and taking it easy...I needed it. Koh Tao has a quaint nightlife, lots of beautiful restaurant and bars lined along the beach, each dishing up delicious food and a very uber chilled atmosphere. Therefore, my evenings laying on cushions on the beach, surrounded by live acoustic music and fire shows was well appreciated and most of all enjoyable. I loved my time on Koh Tao and now as I venture into the jungle and visit the Khao Sok National Park, I wonder about how many bears, tigers and monkeys I may see? </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
</span><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXGDgWpmu-xgzbL4KS-kTmftEICiB8xIPJbQjSxG8xD674wWPUhjH6HhOWH4mpHFYaBQyzea59W2TIzT49eFPcGigAZwB0ZePTKzeYvQT3CnB8eqQNqyGi93ME6m0KBJ50lChtOBieCd9a/s320/DSC_3773%255B1%255D.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="320" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Resting and taking it easy on Koh Samui</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXGDgWpmu-xgzbL4KS-kTmftEICiB8xIPJbQjSxG8xD674wWPUhjH6HhOWH4mpHFYaBQyzea59W2TIzT49eFPcGigAZwB0ZePTKzeYvQT3CnB8eqQNqyGi93ME6m0KBJ50lChtOBieCd9a/s1600/DSC_3773%255B1%255D.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"></span></a></div><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhg367U7fOZSQC9YHaL6NZV993DaH1gz7bETUyIWRTyHnQkYBj-HuNGkEu6j3OxeDRnRU0Cqz5wo5QuJ8atcsIOZHE-YHUS-Ntqgmo_gR3Wtdu_DbfonJJ_lLpDLn6t7bWfxtVHFmLmhzF8/s1600/DSC_3766%255B1%255D.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhg367U7fOZSQC9YHaL6NZV993DaH1gz7bETUyIWRTyHnQkYBj-HuNGkEu6j3OxeDRnRU0Cqz5wo5QuJ8atcsIOZHE-YHUS-Ntqgmo_gR3Wtdu_DbfonJJ_lLpDLn6t7bWfxtVHFmLmhzF8/s320/DSC_3766%255B1%255D.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Watching the Muay Thai Boxing in Koh Samui</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAdQyErUErdu0m5flT7iWILz4ADCsaimLspkf0W7aL8veFVd2pufE-h9lGmNat5cvhwmuyt8J65y0Dx_MNN3mWqGqf_t9bAj7gY1m9AEQ0l77piJJO2aHIOLGoXXvIBni3_qEngkpyeRsM/s1600/DSC_3775%255B1%255D.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAdQyErUErdu0m5flT7iWILz4ADCsaimLspkf0W7aL8veFVd2pufE-h9lGmNat5cvhwmuyt8J65y0Dx_MNN3mWqGqf_t9bAj7gY1m9AEQ0l77piJJO2aHIOLGoXXvIBni3_qEngkpyeRsM/s320/DSC_3775%255B1%255D.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Our beach huts on Koh Samui</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuiQcj8SfU676qHbecmrx1XAgIuKlioQhMgwhZlXA4Hf_j0LpkBYQqIoN7VppZoANIFDPPKQDDwepzKCz7ghvgW3ifDSvuQgpFpJI_IkecO5XmZXEroobhKjrH59CLTQCGicBk_7GPXr5N/s1600/DSC_3781%255B1%255D.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuiQcj8SfU676qHbecmrx1XAgIuKlioQhMgwhZlXA4Hf_j0LpkBYQqIoN7VppZoANIFDPPKQDDwepzKCz7ghvgW3ifDSvuQgpFpJI_IkecO5XmZXEroobhKjrH59CLTQCGicBk_7GPXr5N/s320/DSC_3781%255B1%255D.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">DIY Dinner - we ate at a local Thai place, cooking our own food</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMduZxRqhLP3LzTwAeDaE3_6VKZY2kXsorwS9I4ya-DqFn6t6b2rt0N-e59CKfCTeKZ2rNe5qwnc3lumjABlTJz2UwGCCa_rq31-AznAj2LcqUQZd0jB-_yVl_03vt4HUyN9Zhkxgv8D5z/s1600/DSC_3801%255B1%255D.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMduZxRqhLP3LzTwAeDaE3_6VKZY2kXsorwS9I4ya-DqFn6t6b2rt0N-e59CKfCTeKZ2rNe5qwnc3lumjABlTJz2UwGCCa_rq31-AznAj2LcqUQZd0jB-_yVl_03vt4HUyN9Zhkxgv8D5z/s320/DSC_3801%255B1%255D.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Arriving on Koh Phangan...loving the beach</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5_PdHzziC49SRIBOHgLiIEfV8K8rKbytlyShWtwzRp6tkqv9o9oywqDOld8MQ9udHybMakWooiv_IZ5K3TGWpul2D7CC4mYCuu0ddhGNSwKZPMDNXs7UmzWY3QBZaHbACTA-QfyXLH8he/s1600/DSC_3822%255B1%255D.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5_PdHzziC49SRIBOHgLiIEfV8K8rKbytlyShWtwzRp6tkqv9o9oywqDOld8MQ9udHybMakWooiv_IZ5K3TGWpul2D7CC4mYCuu0ddhGNSwKZPMDNXs7UmzWY3QBZaHbACTA-QfyXLH8he/s320/DSC_3822%255B1%255D.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Chilling at sunset, observing local men fishing in the sea</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0FwBqwAUXapixZS80TJFXYp_p_hOvvu5jIAbShOxdSQxseqf4H2b0odZHRYdyGeYoVZWCuc-2nKmAy2OTr12dIgrci1z2mjYLnN-r9Mho7Xu_cJX1nIIsY59DMqZq1IVR-dgs3iVKFwNe/s1600/DSC_3835%255B1%255D.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0FwBqwAUXapixZS80TJFXYp_p_hOvvu5jIAbShOxdSQxseqf4H2b0odZHRYdyGeYoVZWCuc-2nKmAy2OTr12dIgrci1z2mjYLnN-r9Mho7Xu_cJX1nIIsY59DMqZq1IVR-dgs3iVKFwNe/s320/DSC_3835%255B1%255D.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Chilling with Kyle, Karlie, Ronnie & Damon...watching sunset!</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNzRrCUh9ODfNfB0uWDzXknbBVJ3r1Z8QGWzesW6QPJ7148ssWEvdhzwfXPqB_5ZnGc0W2rjceguz-Vj40_-s1KZj0jPVRNEw20Q3nanwQQwJtYDV6vsDpN5uGknFIAkTevm4bGLsfk0Yp/s1600/DSCF1872%255B1%255D.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNzRrCUh9ODfNfB0uWDzXknbBVJ3r1Z8QGWzesW6QPJ7148ssWEvdhzwfXPqB_5ZnGc0W2rjceguz-Vj40_-s1KZj0jPVRNEw20Q3nanwQQwJtYDV6vsDpN5uGknFIAkTevm4bGLsfk0Yp/s320/DSCF1872%255B1%255D.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Enjoying a day at the beach with John & France (Dutch Guy!)</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhowzEbNdHnW8ifMrn7geG1n5-EOn652HC3RXzh_uuw05Z0npq9y5YFtZa0PoelyklkLabXjKY6tbBvNFAc9sFlZ_Oy8WpT-O18sLebPyWvVvm7r4X3Whr19ZO6XkkSL8z6OIKDJRoYwPc6/s1600/DSCF1900%255B1%255D.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhowzEbNdHnW8ifMrn7geG1n5-EOn652HC3RXzh_uuw05Z0npq9y5YFtZa0PoelyklkLabXjKY6tbBvNFAc9sFlZ_Oy8WpT-O18sLebPyWvVvm7r4X3Whr19ZO6XkkSL8z6OIKDJRoYwPc6/s320/DSCF1900%255B1%255D.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">On a night out, bumping into our Israeli friends (Thomas & Adam).<br />
We've seen them in every country we've visited. </span></td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgX6AH5qcozuJ_GXF6QItaX0PTfbW8MJX1_wQh27MxrVPWAxF4eqSApT9S6f41WZ22ZpMrWCUa6N7jKgg2MpIAyq8ymnm1dtxdapoE9_DzMVskevFEs6DWBVmBtnXslZ-BkRHljMe7oMpiM/s1600/DSCF1902%255B1%255D.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgX6AH5qcozuJ_GXF6QItaX0PTfbW8MJX1_wQh27MxrVPWAxF4eqSApT9S6f41WZ22ZpMrWCUa6N7jKgg2MpIAyq8ymnm1dtxdapoE9_DzMVskevFEs6DWBVmBtnXslZ-BkRHljMe7oMpiM/s320/DSCF1902%255B1%255D.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The 'Fire Limbo' on the beach on Koh Phangan</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhklEJUpMJCHh1pwJBTgqlcmAypw0fc5PhCUESGOXYjIyDqMwTllJtqVKSo_8XkpuZ6Syg-VUhvjnkckaW5pR-tMtlzGA-W72064iM8WoQho_3TObfCDXBw2MjwQYriQbNUM5jgn-x3LNMP/s1600/DSCF1913%255B1%255D.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhklEJUpMJCHh1pwJBTgqlcmAypw0fc5PhCUESGOXYjIyDqMwTllJtqVKSo_8XkpuZ6Syg-VUhvjnkckaW5pR-tMtlzGA-W72064iM8WoQho_3TObfCDXBw2MjwQYriQbNUM5jgn-x3LNMP/s320/DSCF1913%255B1%255D.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">This is the vision that me and John had by this time in the night</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6hNOZQO0-SWLA8CDW665m3upj-usyPlQlfCTzdVbazgwRraSxhKRBasYt5sUTKB3_uHd28Vn2IpKHJ_Fgyo2Mu1bGr-TVPD4QEeOMt1cGBNoM7JPAD_Nn__fjRgT0IV4xlWzPcbGTQxml/s1600/DSC_3842%255B1%255D.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6hNOZQO0-SWLA8CDW665m3upj-usyPlQlfCTzdVbazgwRraSxhKRBasYt5sUTKB3_uHd28Vn2IpKHJ_Fgyo2Mu1bGr-TVPD4QEeOMt1cGBNoM7JPAD_Nn__fjRgT0IV4xlWzPcbGTQxml/s320/DSC_3842%255B1%255D.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Chilling on my cushion on the beach at night in Koh Tao</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3M2kkoF8Gt77odG2x_oEp4OQdB1VI31cqe5n08h6DsDS_Od_oRmAGd3kT4jBa2SDISCQMMbyfPy8TlVtsCnKEQYV2kjF4ejxcoiQsAueuE059tQsBWvmqJWsOyc9b0X3xOw0CAsmNLRsf/s1600/DSC_3864%255B1%255D.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3M2kkoF8Gt77odG2x_oEp4OQdB1VI31cqe5n08h6DsDS_Od_oRmAGd3kT4jBa2SDISCQMMbyfPy8TlVtsCnKEQYV2kjF4ejxcoiQsAueuE059tQsBWvmqJWsOyc9b0X3xOw0CAsmNLRsf/s320/DSC_3864%255B1%255D.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Kyle taking a nap on me and John, chilling on the beach</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRhOP47oqnAMm1fsHuj2d8mDYWA6fHS3ftngBppyq3mUYprr56ZnodYCulpBO492pBiJrT6LXUCF0WEe-qRRnA_2nMLH6TbwECt1WMfjvBH809HbhAoW3Hmas6NL7DmDToDK8bmOO_4sDZ/s1600/DSC_3905%255B1%255D.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRhOP47oqnAMm1fsHuj2d8mDYWA6fHS3ftngBppyq3mUYprr56ZnodYCulpBO492pBiJrT6LXUCF0WEe-qRRnA_2nMLH6TbwECt1WMfjvBH809HbhAoW3Hmas6NL7DmDToDK8bmOO_4sDZ/s320/DSC_3905%255B1%255D.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Scuba Stan!! John on one of his diving lessons for his PADI</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBi9RIwa9BE_58ab1VNpr7zYyGou95-tJBiNMJuBHZwpCOn3lCSXXJheaEAespRoq8jV17zB1wQK0KNqGlJhNBA1ovPUGJd1JuRtTMbf0VD5jk13eA7ojEpAya1FrXI77XLAQAcVKzg9yp/s1600/DSC_3932%255B1%255D.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBi9RIwa9BE_58ab1VNpr7zYyGou95-tJBiNMJuBHZwpCOn3lCSXXJheaEAespRoq8jV17zB1wQK0KNqGlJhNBA1ovPUGJd1JuRtTMbf0VD5jk13eA7ojEpAya1FrXI77XLAQAcVKzg9yp/s320/DSC_3932%255B1%255D.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Our last night in Koh Tao, relaxing with some friends</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi57WLG0pL6Y6uzVNkck26CEXP9N2MGAj8RCSKFzYyufarib0tQHufxLo-Hj1BjVawfqHaAXfmgwKN3ooZr9SNrXSTQnpRzAfSNaaQ24CRiEg9KCzNKIexBTMIqYO9C2_x15MZRlvHwGKe6/s1600/DSC_3983%255B1%255D.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi57WLG0pL6Y6uzVNkck26CEXP9N2MGAj8RCSKFzYyufarib0tQHufxLo-Hj1BjVawfqHaAXfmgwKN3ooZr9SNrXSTQnpRzAfSNaaQ24CRiEg9KCzNKIexBTMIqYO9C2_x15MZRlvHwGKe6/s320/DSC_3983%255B1%255D.JPG" width="213" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">My memories of Koh Tao, the laidback nights of fire dancers and live music</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div>laura newmanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16515951360170007806noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1969955670379426893.post-43547081750557066892011-12-02T23:23:00.000-08:002011-12-02T23:33:07.616-08:00Bangkok...<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">So what can I say about Bangkok...well, it is vibrant, exciting, crazy, cultural, busy, populated, alive, noisy, fun and most of a great place to be. As soon as we hopped off our minibus here, I loved the vibe of Khao San Road, this is the main backpacker area of the city. The big neon lights, street vendors, music and food stalls welcome you down a street filled with life. We ended up staying in a cell style room, with a bed and fan and nothing else, but it is was cheap for the area so we opted to stay a good few days. </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">Our first night, we headed out to a bar and took some chilled time to sit back and people watch, this is when we ironically bumped into two friends we had met in Sihanoukville in Cambodia, Emma and Gillon. They where staying with their two friends who live in Bangkok, so within a couple of minutes we where all huddled around a table drinking Chang Beer. As the night went on, we ended up on the main street, sitting on baby sized plastic chairs and drinking 4 rum buckets...this was not a night we could remember finishing! In the morning, John woke up and sort of remembered he'd bumped into the kerb, to which we now know, he broke his big toe, cut a chunk of flesh out the top of it and nearly removed his full nail. I felt sick even looking at it, plus felt bad as he was in so much pain. As we are travelling, the first response is to self-help treat it, so we spent the next few days mending the wound and keeping a close eye on it. </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">The next day we recovered all day long and the day after, as I wandered into a bar to ask for ice for John's toe, I heard a familiar voice call out 'Laura'. As I swooped around, it was Ronnie Smith and Karlie Laffin, two friends from back home in Kirkby. They are in Thailand for a month on holiday, it's crazy as a couple of years ago, I was on holiday alone in Australia and Ronnie had gone on holiday around the same time with his friends over there, strangely I was in a bar in Cairns with some backpacker friends and I heard that familair voice call out 'Laura' all those years ago...madness. So, we spent the next couple of days have a lovely time with Ronnie and Karlie, catching up on conversations, visiting Chinatown and I spent a cultural day out with them. We visited the Grand Palace and temple and explored the city on foot. The architecture and style of the whole city is mixed, you have traditional Thai structures correlated in spaces with new contemporary buildings. What I found so special was that this week is the King's 84th birthday, so the whole city was being illuminated by draped fairy lights on every single street and open space, so the city became a magical aethetically pleasing location. I adored it all. </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">We finally opted to head South, so we shopped around checking out prices and companies to travel with, as we have heard of so many scams and robberies taking place. We opted to book at our guesthouse, as the people seemed genuine and the price was near the expensive end rather than cheaper so we knew by paying more we sort of felt more safe. We headed off on our night bus, I knew my backpack under the bus would probably get looked into, anyways, I felt calm as I knew nothing in there is worth taking, I only have clothes and toiletries really. I kept all my important things, documents, money, camera's and things on me in my mini backpack. It was a seat coach so we settled down and I put my backpack in between my legs and dozed off to sleep. Looking back upon it, this bus was literally pitch black, they'd closed all the curtains too, so the visability was perfect for somebody to sneak around. Through the night, I thought I'd felt my bag move, so when we both looked it was there in between my legs with the rain cover on, just as I'd left it. We arrived to a place, sort of in the middle of nowhere, where they quickly threw off our backpacks and the private bus zoomed away. Luckily, we noticed within 5 minutes that in my mini backpack that had been in between my legs, they had somehow taken my camera and been into my purse and taken all my money. John reacted furiously at first, went over to the manager man of this place and demanded something be done, he was aggressive and upset. The man reacted not too well to this and was quite aggressive back, that's when I walked over and tried to calm things down. I find it strange in this situation; I am usually a person who will cry at anything, if I am upset, angry, happy...anything! Yet, here I was acting rational, calm and not crying. I went into the man's office and spoke to him and said can he get the bus back, get somebody on the phone to sort this out or phone the police. Within minutes, I was talking to this random Thai woman, I explained to her to keep all the money but what I want is my camera back and if not, I am not leaving this place and I will have the police here soon enough. She explained that she would 'chase' the bus and see if my camera was there to return. We waited over two hours, the manager man was also in on the scam, as he was asking me strange questions and I kept friendly with him, as though I knew he was helping me but I really knew he was probably in on it all too. Then, as our minibus arrived to take us the boat, a motorbike man appeared out of nowhere and low and behold in his basket was my camera in it's bag. We where then frantically ushered onto the minibus to reach our boat in time. Once on the boat, we explained to a Thai woman there, she was so angry as she mentioned this so called private bus company does this everyday to people. The previous day she had two young German girls this happened too and the day before a French guy, who had his bag on his lap and they still managed to take his camera and wallet. We mentioned about the police but she informed us that nothing ever happens as they always pay the police. She was really shocked and surpised that we had our camera given back, as she says they never give anything back once it's taken. In a way, I am sort of thankful the money was taken as it was a large amount and I think if that hadn't of been taken, I would never have seen my camera again. Me and John where absolutely devasted, upset, hurt, angry and most of all sad. Through my whole journey, I have never really had one bad experience, all the people I have met and the means in which I have travelled have always been fine, yet this one experience has impacted my whole experience of travelling. I know I must forgive in order to move on, in a way as the days are passing I am more being able to, it is hard but I am trying. Thailand is a lovely country, it's just I am finding it hard to see past this now, so every person we look at suspiciously and I am constantly on alert now. </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">The week hasn't got much better, as John's toe was getting worse yesterday, we visited a clinic to ask for advice and they told us to go the hospital straight away. So, another hour journey in a taxi and we arrived at 'Bangkok Hospital in Ko Samui', this place was more like a swanky hotel than a hospital. It had all contemporary fixtures and fittings and we literally did not sit and wait once. After spending the day there, John had a broken big toe, he received a local anaesthetic in his foot and the toe nail removed, then infection treated and finally foot dressed and anti-biotics prescribed. The two hours of treatment set us back over 200pound, but in a way I keep saying health is so much more important than money. Especially when travelling, you need to take extra care and I would rather him get well sooner and know that we did the best choices by going to a sanitised, clean hospital for treatment. </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">After coming back a little deflated, we have both had long talks and now trying to be positive and move on with our travels. As I am an explorer at heart, I know it is the small minority that have impacted us, it could literally happen anywhere in the world. So, I am holding my head up and trying to enjoy the rest of Thailand as much as I can. We are spending the couple of days resting, as John's mobility is limited, I like the idea of having time to rest, recoup and reflect. Hopefully, as the days pass, we will feel more happy and perhaps even feel excited for our next adventure over to Kho-Phangan...to which the Full Moon Party awaits us!</span><br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLiQwkMcICxJFGRw2l4QYKmkx3vN-oMto5sOBeNT8bmWgadxVXsv651TApUmSOsFONXPJc_IPPj84yV6qELcEBJNdOoZZu4Z9pGzneoU2eIcTG82Q8grNSmEB9tWXuDwKPM_okKRyvJ-lB/s1600/DSC_3666%255B1%255D.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" dda="true" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLiQwkMcICxJFGRw2l4QYKmkx3vN-oMto5sOBeNT8bmWgadxVXsv651TApUmSOsFONXPJc_IPPj84yV6qELcEBJNdOoZZu4Z9pGzneoU2eIcTG82Q8grNSmEB9tWXuDwKPM_okKRyvJ-lB/s320/DSC_3666%255B1%255D.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Wandering around Chinatown in Bangkok</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2Ez5o5ErWmB4CQC4LfEiXmU34-t1eOXUA1YvHTRJXkJCZck1DtEBY4UGT2ZXkBGPJ1Iy_Gv8G5yU9rwvh3WOv2gG1PNDcOxizHzsWQXaL0EiWPSArHx9IXbWITbXUusEQjFYDAgfipVsr/s1600/DSC_3670%255B1%255D.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" dda="true" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2Ez5o5ErWmB4CQC4LfEiXmU34-t1eOXUA1YvHTRJXkJCZck1DtEBY4UGT2ZXkBGPJ1Iy_Gv8G5yU9rwvh3WOv2gG1PNDcOxizHzsWQXaL0EiWPSArHx9IXbWITbXUusEQjFYDAgfipVsr/s320/DSC_3670%255B1%255D.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">View down the street in Chinatown</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVi03GJonsWTJaYCl-aLjd_ONO-vbOudc7UgsgVaICCqR_xo0UME7Eovul6CtNTNpGNhSP19TPZEC-ejM7wSXmhaubigSbcnvXI8hreRKsSHKQ1hxB70sSzVEVIMqt7HNvwvyadh0jCdRO/s1600/DSC_3671%255B1%255D.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" dda="true" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVi03GJonsWTJaYCl-aLjd_ONO-vbOudc7UgsgVaICCqR_xo0UME7Eovul6CtNTNpGNhSP19TPZEC-ejM7wSXmhaubigSbcnvXI8hreRKsSHKQ1hxB70sSzVEVIMqt7HNvwvyadh0jCdRO/s320/DSC_3671%255B1%255D.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Some of the food on the Chinese Market...I dare not eat this!</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgePriI7iLFz3TFjq3RDDFQYb9Rssg1yEILFIxCUaUqyRvjb-46XAtuAf0L-g7ahzdfZOmL-FvtUlQJfD0I7xIjqziqqFyVm9kAXVUpo1zftqcViowclroIeOgkdEXI3RvijSmNF5zetLZn/s1600/DSC_3675%255B1%255D.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" dda="true" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgePriI7iLFz3TFjq3RDDFQYb9Rssg1yEILFIxCUaUqyRvjb-46XAtuAf0L-g7ahzdfZOmL-FvtUlQJfD0I7xIjqziqqFyVm9kAXVUpo1zftqcViowclroIeOgkdEXI3RvijSmNF5zetLZn/s320/DSC_3675%255B1%255D.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">John enjoying his green shu mai</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmurRjlXuweGNXOl16_Vt4GjhKD0CNE8KxknAr4c9YOfOYmDdwkULmLwCuunq8oqAO-v2P1X4_DC-0FPJ2yFy0QNoXKTFF1I3BNCdgMJWp1VUQZlAOoqa2bT3OBpW1hUBugGyxMllCnFcO/s1600/DSC_3680%255B1%255D.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" dda="true" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmurRjlXuweGNXOl16_Vt4GjhKD0CNE8KxknAr4c9YOfOYmDdwkULmLwCuunq8oqAO-v2P1X4_DC-0FPJ2yFy0QNoXKTFF1I3BNCdgMJWp1VUQZlAOoqa2bT3OBpW1hUBugGyxMllCnFcO/s320/DSC_3680%255B1%255D.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">In the middle of Khao San Road, heart of Bangkok</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNYDu0_7sFQIcCQideUMVfObrsIsqiI8OgnIn-etvJ9_Ybb80gTP7YrsMMUbpCf1S1P2sRzC3631nsLCQuYSg7j_jEgh6cHGXwOrFU950CKYcxsS1QcXYUt7vLYsDI3L21tbXG7DkLj8FT/s1600/DSC_3682%255B1%255D.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" dda="true" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNYDu0_7sFQIcCQideUMVfObrsIsqiI8OgnIn-etvJ9_Ybb80gTP7YrsMMUbpCf1S1P2sRzC3631nsLCQuYSg7j_jEgh6cHGXwOrFU950CKYcxsS1QcXYUt7vLYsDI3L21tbXG7DkLj8FT/s320/DSC_3682%255B1%255D.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">On the rooftop pool, overlooking the city</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhegdF_LGLoJU-EeHxD8v9xjSsxSWzuhNzgykfROQzVPd1_0YvP-bHbxbcRjkyB5ruBTVjx4NQP2TLPa8aNSJrF3BMjyxeM12hqFHkJdUIXALMXWVTd1AsecuRK8wyW3Q6vF7Eh8oDXEkAy/s1600/DSC_3686%255B1%255D.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" dda="true" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhegdF_LGLoJU-EeHxD8v9xjSsxSWzuhNzgykfROQzVPd1_0YvP-bHbxbcRjkyB5ruBTVjx4NQP2TLPa8aNSJrF3BMjyxeM12hqFHkJdUIXALMXWVTd1AsecuRK8wyW3Q6vF7Eh8oDXEkAy/s320/DSC_3686%255B1%255D.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Ronnie & Karlie at the palace</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjb94fe7hY7sEQTd-MmxvnzGwfAJddi_iqQu4BkhgA5oM5k-fFJqR7eSSKvk0wc4qjZ0pDPlQu4H4c9wqYh3NQigLh2GoqBCcbP29Pn9ceCKs4IIleo-xmSTexq-xobBDVDLiyZAtBsuErx/s1600/DSC_3687%255B1%255D.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" dda="true" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjb94fe7hY7sEQTd-MmxvnzGwfAJddi_iqQu4BkhgA5oM5k-fFJqR7eSSKvk0wc4qjZ0pDPlQu4H4c9wqYh3NQigLh2GoqBCcbP29Pn9ceCKs4IIleo-xmSTexq-xobBDVDLiyZAtBsuErx/s320/DSC_3687%255B1%255D.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Me at the palace, on our cultural day out</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSpbqVeWnii7ed-oDvPWIgGMg-KwsgrQK7zAwmTc5_GryPvqTAbsH2i9YGfraSGkBrGgKbyETdrbWGlzSJmMO5jW2VSkYUbWLvttZODymJu3EVgD8DQ_7wGOBVn9r9aDpskHTEw19KTjLI/s1600/DSC_3691%255B1%255D.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" dda="true" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSpbqVeWnii7ed-oDvPWIgGMg-KwsgrQK7zAwmTc5_GryPvqTAbsH2i9YGfraSGkBrGgKbyETdrbWGlzSJmMO5jW2VSkYUbWLvttZODymJu3EVgD8DQ_7wGOBVn9r9aDpskHTEw19KTjLI/s320/DSC_3691%255B1%255D.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I love this picture, a fish in a tiny pond in the middle of the palace</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzxTRmaai7pvTf7oCn4OFn7eRTmcMlbKeBXRchPP4Wott8ys9IUlr6hY6C-JsdzZRfUC7JlqQqSyG3MC5cCVhPmGw_G6elrMnHic_Ptb5LlCVrx_qrKin1jcykt4qoHoKTS820pXdxL_Fv/s1600/DSC_3697%255B1%255D.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" dda="true" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzxTRmaai7pvTf7oCn4OFn7eRTmcMlbKeBXRchPP4Wott8ys9IUlr6hY6C-JsdzZRfUC7JlqQqSyG3MC5cCVhPmGw_G6elrMnHic_Ptb5LlCVrx_qrKin1jcykt4qoHoKTS820pXdxL_Fv/s320/DSC_3697%255B1%255D.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The colours and architecture are beautiful to observe</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg86AS48TUMCEzs2ru8-WHRU4f624EhZMoWdU3E40E-oPF96QfEdMxOHYnS9igyWeDAsgRzIXZDA2dbWR48_eqks5GGE6zuBxB8A9Dx7BDpxd0epox8BCUqE_MqdJ2LKDctLV9OLlQesci1/s1600/DSC_3703%255B1%255D.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" dda="true" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg86AS48TUMCEzs2ru8-WHRU4f624EhZMoWdU3E40E-oPF96QfEdMxOHYnS9igyWeDAsgRzIXZDA2dbWR48_eqks5GGE6zuBxB8A9Dx7BDpxd0epox8BCUqE_MqdJ2LKDctLV9OLlQesci1/s320/DSC_3703%255B1%255D.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The exquisite detail and work into the palace is inspiring</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhB-DTNi19SbSr1ACL460UZFCAgqEp03TemcHKwpOwZgzvR5rnEIQpaM6_N9MuiS5yVeuPJe_Rawxk5YA3D9g9D446OYr6TGbt5E8j4G62xG0_hdWCowjBiqu_ZgyMaGd3cHUh0uzLD65kc/s1600/DSC_3724%255B1%255D.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" dda="true" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhB-DTNi19SbSr1ACL460UZFCAgqEp03TemcHKwpOwZgzvR5rnEIQpaM6_N9MuiS5yVeuPJe_Rawxk5YA3D9g9D446OYr6TGbt5E8j4G62xG0_hdWCowjBiqu_ZgyMaGd3cHUh0uzLD65kc/s320/DSC_3724%255B1%255D.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">One of the tapestry painting's within the palace</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8gwzoGFmnFgla1yzrvUx4W6gyvOizSFXmDy7EiVWKP6nldGraxP-leZ3HoGn4E0B2HJpejOEUsUkyh3IL8Y0dwcaBIsfty6itBDwtXJbJfTeFpwnXHlFf4Zn58jta7Rp46zL5D0OxEE4U/s1600/DSC_3738%255B1%255D.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" dda="true" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8gwzoGFmnFgla1yzrvUx4W6gyvOizSFXmDy7EiVWKP6nldGraxP-leZ3HoGn4E0B2HJpejOEUsUkyh3IL8Y0dwcaBIsfty6itBDwtXJbJfTeFpwnXHlFf4Zn58jta7Rp46zL5D0OxEE4U/s320/DSC_3738%255B1%255D.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I chuckled one night, guess which one is my drink...the beer! John's toe in background too!</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhS6_pDJJzk70-zGDTPsdlMuEjjnlv0mAOZw5Q6tpSZBfJtmE40xY1D1DT7NEO-Ph9VfWB0klkwPtXqU87gvuh6SYzz9O10F2ONFZ0nf0Vlzcezc9u7DF9vIbz8VAV37ff6owXtd4Qky4TG/s1600/DSC_3654%255B1%255D.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" dda="true" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhS6_pDJJzk70-zGDTPsdlMuEjjnlv0mAOZw5Q6tpSZBfJtmE40xY1D1DT7NEO-Ph9VfWB0klkwPtXqU87gvuh6SYzz9O10F2ONFZ0nf0Vlzcezc9u7DF9vIbz8VAV37ff6owXtd4Qky4TG/s320/DSC_3654%255B1%255D.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The fateful first night, after 4 buckets, a broken toe...we purchased this hat</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table></div>laura newmanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16515951360170007806noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1969955670379426893.post-39294253873805083282011-11-29T02:48:00.000-08:002011-11-29T02:48:41.574-08:00Battambang and Farewell Cambodia...<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">So arriving into Battambang reminded me of Kampot we had previously visited. The French colonial architecture was dominant in every street building and the ambiance of the whole town was content. The place was not too busy yet it still oozed life, Cambodian style. </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">We ventured out on a tuk-tuk with our guide for the day 'Mr.Philay', we visited the old Bamboo Train first. This is a bamboo raft that is held together with rope and a local man with an engine sits on the bag, we both hopped on board our 'train', then we zoom off at great speed along the dis-used railway lines across the countryside. Arriving into a small rural village, the friendly locals welcome us dearly, providing me with a cold drink and making small jewellery items made of leaves. After wandering around the rice mill and spending time chatting to locals, we jumped aboard our train and headed back to our tuk tuk. Here, we headed to his friends place, where he grows and produces his own rice wine, then after he has produced enough he will turn the rest of the fermented wine into pig food. This was interesting place with plenty of interesting smells. Throughout the afternoon we ventured to a village bridge and a village where fruit bats live within the trees. Mr Philay smoked them out for us and woke them all up, so within 2 minutes we had over 100 huge fruit bats squeaking and flying around above our head in the sky, this was amazing! The day concluded with a hike upto the 'Killing Cave', this was a place where the Khmer Rouge murdered 10,000 local people but hitting them at the top of the cave with a weapon then tossing their bodies down the hole to the bottom of the cave. It was such a saddened place, yet at peace now too. A small monk provides bracelets which symbolise peace here and you can take time to say a small prayer and reflect upon your surroundings. </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">After my action packed day, the next few days we opted to rest and relax. We each became to develop the 'Cambodian Cold' and did not feel too good. So, even when traveling constantly, my body was telling me to slow down and make sure I take it easy. Evidently, we rested up for 6days here in this lovely quaint town and then arranged to head to Bangkok. I was excited and eager to embrace a city that I had longed to see, not exactly sure of what would greet me...the famous Thai Ladyboys, Pad Thai Noodles, Crazy Neon Lights...I was pretty sure I would love it all! </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"> </span><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizOhJy_cOxDZiA0LXUHvYAFp5BadOLVusigsOJSAYwZaAiiJY82J8YDN58yLPsKOrL-goiLDeaaav_HnrvspO0m-rhjSYFfxfLT1rA_tOc5nMNtIM74fmFTb_HANNpNVRvuVYgWyjGes2F/s1600/DSC_3526%255B1%255D.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizOhJy_cOxDZiA0LXUHvYAFp5BadOLVusigsOJSAYwZaAiiJY82J8YDN58yLPsKOrL-goiLDeaaav_HnrvspO0m-rhjSYFfxfLT1rA_tOc5nMNtIM74fmFTb_HANNpNVRvuVYgWyjGes2F/s320/DSC_3526%255B1%255D.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Exploring the abandoned train station in Battambang</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgv4ce482WxlHnrfFNvFO7tAu0Yklfr11DWzbds3KqL49zbBYLzRx1Uf2DmLUuawJVqBpGhh-8cFYkGHy45o2d7IUGYjCKvBA6HjMjiK7SOFUFapX2zbrIaLHLXM7Df-29neOWbrpIvPmMg/s1600/DSC_3548%255B1%255D.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgv4ce482WxlHnrfFNvFO7tAu0Yklfr11DWzbds3KqL49zbBYLzRx1Uf2DmLUuawJVqBpGhh-8cFYkGHy45o2d7IUGYjCKvBA6HjMjiK7SOFUFapX2zbrIaLHLXM7Df-29neOWbrpIvPmMg/s320/DSC_3548%255B1%255D.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">The old train carts and sheds are now some locals homes</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEit3qgGUH4UUA71H1H9mNrpWj6UYvIUNHlYb7rWQqyVUNae7OY59qMtwSfJPFiygjr0Aed9yw2b5dyBPTABOWkmYe2Y1uRXQwlkw5gnFNqfT6Ne0uPqbuy0_bjuCo17IBwTJh3FGTjr7DUN/s1600/DSC_3567%255B1%255D.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEit3qgGUH4UUA71H1H9mNrpWj6UYvIUNHlYb7rWQqyVUNae7OY59qMtwSfJPFiygjr0Aed9yw2b5dyBPTABOWkmYe2Y1uRXQwlkw5gnFNqfT6Ne0uPqbuy0_bjuCo17IBwTJh3FGTjr7DUN/s320/DSC_3567%255B1%255D.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">John and Mr Philay</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfoigDE94fWh26CPpTh8IGik5_3ycQ7HU5VqbBN29Kx8C20Pv3XjAFpzmM28_c4FyuWeEoTEXsmVmBx5rGypyXKl229ABy41BDrQOwPK_7_fdLdKcdOIgcePa3-Nh_lPY9UjG7nJnR2MUX/s1600/DSC_3568%255B1%255D.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfoigDE94fWh26CPpTh8IGik5_3ycQ7HU5VqbBN29Kx8C20Pv3XjAFpzmM28_c4FyuWeEoTEXsmVmBx5rGypyXKl229ABy41BDrQOwPK_7_fdLdKcdOIgcePa3-Nh_lPY9UjG7nJnR2MUX/s320/DSC_3568%255B1%255D.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Hopping on board our 'safe' carriage</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifzgIJhpvbZs0JYKc-yY-5kVNPrpxtXEvr-s-7h0UW3MHGdSQ7VYX_M8MAq4w9UjGfqpAUkhehESqMsC3U_35m-thN34iOyN3lyt8HzpBFHKVOcC19eDnWq0ma4OC1gM1muT8fRG9OjtwP/s1600/DSC_3569%255B1%255D.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifzgIJhpvbZs0JYKc-yY-5kVNPrpxtXEvr-s-7h0UW3MHGdSQ7VYX_M8MAq4w9UjGfqpAUkhehESqMsC3U_35m-thN34iOyN3lyt8HzpBFHKVOcC19eDnWq0ma4OC1gM1muT8fRG9OjtwP/s320/DSC_3569%255B1%255D.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Just about to leave and zoom towards the village</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisu5xrMR5FM0KBgcys1a5A0LEfDVI76SEdCJK-fbdA3LQuV4M6qYL8FYdPy1bPcc-wLyM6UExXbRodhUKdPSUFacs7MatwEC6SRPfKXB0TzKG7-Dc5U5h0HOeFIff9HtfPyQuRBR_L2vYZ/s1600/DSC_3585%255B1%255D.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisu5xrMR5FM0KBgcys1a5A0LEfDVI76SEdCJK-fbdA3LQuV4M6qYL8FYdPy1bPcc-wLyM6UExXbRodhUKdPSUFacs7MatwEC6SRPfKXB0TzKG7-Dc5U5h0HOeFIff9HtfPyQuRBR_L2vYZ/s320/DSC_3585%255B1%255D.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">The friendly local people greeted me with smiles and Coca Cola</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinXYgRTNUJDEcSBey-2GgZAWGprBl7bklB9P4UQbKVp6eapLXXPXiHgd97o04dL29aVqT2KCvAPo399nWcHIKW-K4QNMgvi3Jb5C6rAeT-yCDOOhyCI5hfea1Wq08cqua_Jo_lsuDif7Kl/s1600/DSC_3588%255B1%255D.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinXYgRTNUJDEcSBey-2GgZAWGprBl7bklB9P4UQbKVp6eapLXXPXiHgd97o04dL29aVqT2KCvAPo399nWcHIKW-K4QNMgvi3Jb5C6rAeT-yCDOOhyCI5hfea1Wq08cqua_Jo_lsuDif7Kl/s320/DSC_3588%255B1%255D.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Some local children guiding me through the rice mill</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIIVgil6IZ_DhHyyVJLbLtI3l7R1k6yk4EimFqMQoG6bVhxNjJLnWbavQ2Jhwi3_rFiYotnNh78LkmRVsnfV8fSl-Hxqjv4kKvPkAFkpJNmwKtigrmJPwsaChoSEuJp0Ohxfx4CPBzS2QY/s1600/DSC_3609%255B1%255D.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIIVgil6IZ_DhHyyVJLbLtI3l7R1k6yk4EimFqMQoG6bVhxNjJLnWbavQ2Jhwi3_rFiYotnNh78LkmRVsnfV8fSl-Hxqjv4kKvPkAFkpJNmwKtigrmJPwsaChoSEuJp0Ohxfx4CPBzS2QY/s320/DSC_3609%255B1%255D.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Cambodia's version of the 'Golden Gate' bridge</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwOy3hmJjjvxz80ggNvWiHXQFio-m0cllLOQlxS08YzloxvZ8zuAUgGPBTp6aiqQK3wTbnbjSc4TzihB6F-S2aAzmBOT1MhSg8Fhtz_2tmiSvAt8Ugo_p9OlC3kEnlRlmUolKsWiLbL_wB/s1600/DSC_3622%255B1%255D.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwOy3hmJjjvxz80ggNvWiHXQFio-m0cllLOQlxS08YzloxvZ8zuAUgGPBTp6aiqQK3wTbnbjSc4TzihB6F-S2aAzmBOT1MhSg8Fhtz_2tmiSvAt8Ugo_p9OlC3kEnlRlmUolKsWiLbL_wB/s320/DSC_3622%255B1%255D.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Waking up the squeaky fruit bats</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZ_OB0yie5jl8YmpdqgTsFxzCC19yE6QNORy8FVXHxLhn-tUb3hRvPgAF19rOFlFUaKI-E8KHj5bSnyk7D3xcEiJcLX0m5Du1hb4LcuZEyJlPtZzQpbO4XaNhHF0uRbpFsgaMcGN0ChCCX/s1600/DSC_3634%255B1%255D.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZ_OB0yie5jl8YmpdqgTsFxzCC19yE6QNORy8FVXHxLhn-tUb3hRvPgAF19rOFlFUaKI-E8KHj5bSnyk7D3xcEiJcLX0m5Du1hb4LcuZEyJlPtZzQpbO4XaNhHF0uRbpFsgaMcGN0ChCCX/s320/DSC_3634%255B1%255D.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Climbing up the hill to the 'Killing Cave'</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwTAqQW7cUzD9bQcdjKSsESr6QITwL9mhBVymOQTAPYDPABMRWZLberD4mnsIxqzhjyR_DhPOSSC8_vgtoe7vx4QP0r0nnB0oxa0xIy07M-LU3uk3V6WxhO7IfW2XC-yyyyMbSAI6DBZk7/s1600/DSC_3638%255B1%255D.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwTAqQW7cUzD9bQcdjKSsESr6QITwL9mhBVymOQTAPYDPABMRWZLberD4mnsIxqzhjyR_DhPOSSC8_vgtoe7vx4QP0r0nnB0oxa0xIy07M-LU3uk3V6WxhO7IfW2XC-yyyyMbSAI6DBZk7/s320/DSC_3638%255B1%255D.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Overlooking the Battambang Province</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgupi5bqtLaISrGiS-24dn1xirdDtmHz-ci4Lp3Dp1ow6LL43b7cZRiAs0dnjVHl1E7UHJb30BUXK1nE7j5bHEz4y9N_XcsV1duATtGFn3IW-Vg8UZHcMNJ2UX458SAKpSmaesnAEphsr4q/s1600/DSC_3649%255B1%255D.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgupi5bqtLaISrGiS-24dn1xirdDtmHz-ci4Lp3Dp1ow6LL43b7cZRiAs0dnjVHl1E7UHJb30BUXK1nE7j5bHEz4y9N_XcsV1duATtGFn3IW-Vg8UZHcMNJ2UX458SAKpSmaesnAEphsr4q/s320/DSC_3649%255B1%255D.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">The remains of the murdered Cambodians, many skulls and bones of men, women and children</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"> </span></div>laura newmanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16515951360170007806noreply@blogger.com0