So much for emailing from Hervey Bay! My hostel turned out to be in the middle of nowhere with not an Internet connection in sight. Not only that but when i arrived, the reception was closed. Thankfully it was a family run business so i sat outside and eventually said family returned from a kiddies birthday do with balloons in tow.
Finally got to my room to discover I was on a top bunk with no easy access. I discovered on my 2am trek to the loo that my flexible days are all but gone as i propelled myself from top bunk to floor. Mattress was terrible too - it sank in the middle making for a very uncomfortable night's kip.
Anyhoo - no real worries because the trip to Fraser Island turned out to be awesome. Was picked up by a monster truck cross mini bus and headed across on the barge with about 20 other backpackers.
On the barge i got chatting to a guy called Phil from Banbury(sp?) who just happened to be the only other singleton on the trip. He was a sound guy with a slight cockney accent and an astutely non-existant backpacking history. There is one thing worse than over-travelled know-hows who insist on disecting their every journey with anyone in earshot, and that's someone who has never travelled and who finds absolutely everything 'amazing' or 'brilliant'. Phil had an amazing and brilliant time that's for sure. Admittedly he was good company throughout the trip but the 'amazings' and 'brilliants' did get somewhat tiresome. (He even found the horizon between sea and sky 'amazing' - coming from an island this was all but lost on me)
Anyway, I digress. Landed on Fraser Island and Alex (one of the tour guides alongside Kyle and Franz) grabbed the wheel and took us on a bone shattering, cross country, 4wd blast through mangrove forest, into rainforest then finally along the beach. It was a fab experience - or should i say 'amazing'!
After a walk through the rainforest where we came across a carpet python, we had lunch near the beach then headed down to Lake Wabby where we had a 1.8km trek across sand dunes to get to the lake for a swim. The walk was stunning. The closest i can get to describe Lake Wabby is an oasis in the Sahara - sand dunes to the waters edge on one side; forest to the waters edge the other. We spent the best part of two hours walking to and from the lake and swimming in it.
After that we headed along the beach to the campsite at Cathedral beach. It can't really be called a campsite because we had plush beds in each tent. We had great evening with delicious food (including kangaroo meat) and drink and spent the evening chatting before heading down to the beach to check out the stars. The stars were stunning although it was a bit creepy switching off the torches and knowing there were probably dingos about.
The following day we headed out to Indian Head - the only volcanic rock on the island which made a great look out point across the beaches. We managed to spot a couple of rays and a shark from the top of the point. We then headed to the Champagne Pools for a swim and sunbathe. They were more whirlpool than champagne and there were some strong waves - although thankfully no sharks or jellies!
We had a great picnic of wraps before continuing our rough 'n' ready journey to Lake Allam. We had a swim in Lake Allam and then one of the Dutch girls on the trip had the great idea of offering to teach two Korean girls on the trip, how to swim. They were fab! The poor girls hadn't been able to join in in all the swimming and were really enthusiastic about learning. Myself, another girl and the Dutch girl's boyfriend (names elude me) helped her out as potential life savers. Within one hour and after a bit of shrieking, the girls were swimming and got a round of applause from onlookers. They were absolutely thrilled. It was really great to see. They were so thankful.
After all the excitement of the two days it was actually quite sad to say goodbye to everyone. All in all it WAS an 'amazing' trip :)
Unfortunately, I couldn't hang around and had to jump on a 13 hour bus trip to Airlie Beach - i've just sat down to type and 28 lightly-clad drunken Norweigen 'Father Christmases' have just walked passed singing 'We wish you a merry Christmas'. Looks like it's going to be a fun Crimbo!
Saturday, 23 December 2006
Wednesday, 20 December 2006
A quickie from Maroochydore
Well i'm a little typsy here at Maroochydore with my uncle. Thankfully he hasn't changed in 14 years so i managed to recognise him and Julie when i arrived here. Unfortunately he hasn't quite evolved to broadband so going to have to cut this message short or else his internet connection won't cope.
Had a wicked day with Kerrie at Australia Zoo - saw wombats and echidnas on the run, hungry crocs and a couple of energetic tasmanian devils. Full update tomo when i get to Hervey Bay!
tata
Had a wicked day with Kerrie at Australia Zoo - saw wombats and echidnas on the run, hungry crocs and a couple of energetic tasmanian devils. Full update tomo when i get to Hervey Bay!
tata
Tuesday, 19 December 2006
Mozzie meat!
After a thirty hour trip door-to-door, I finally made it to Brisbane feeling remarkably fresh-faced. My trip from Bangkok ran the risk of being a disaster having been sat next to an 8-month old potential screamer. Thankfully the child was well trained and fell asleep with only a minor whimper.
Met up with Colin at the airport and his first words to me was a complaint about the Parking Nazis there – he and my father are so alike!
Dropped my kit off at the Scobbie household and met Steph's other half Paul who was dead friendly. Headed down to the art college where Colin works and had a wonder around southbank. I then had the chance to grab a couple of bikinis whilst Colin went to a meeting - i am now almost prepared for Christmas by the sea.
Last night Steph and Paul prepared dinner. We had a typical aussie bbq on the balcony with home made chips thanks to Paul. Watched the sun set across the stunning backdrop of the Brisbane skyline.
Today Colin and I took the citycat boat upriver to the city and had a wander round. Had coffee in the main shopping district and came across some amazing gymnasts/clowns in mid performance. They were hugely entertaining. I'm amazed just how clean Brisbane is. Compared to the grey smoggy and aged look of London, Brisbane is refreshingly clean, tidy and modern looking.
Met Alison for lunch and a few aussie bears at the Regatta bar up river then headed back down river to the house.
Tonight I think Alison and I are having a girlie night in with a vid then tomorrow Kerrie and I are heading north to Australia zoo then on to Maroochydore. Kerrie very kindly offered to drive me up there as she was heading north anyway. I'll be catching up with my uncle tomorrow afternoon but I haven't seen him since I was 12 so fingers crossed I'll recognise him!
I'm pretty gutted that within 12 hours I have been anialated by mozzies. I have at least six massive bites. I must have good blood!
Met up with Colin at the airport and his first words to me was a complaint about the Parking Nazis there – he and my father are so alike!
Dropped my kit off at the Scobbie household and met Steph's other half Paul who was dead friendly. Headed down to the art college where Colin works and had a wonder around southbank. I then had the chance to grab a couple of bikinis whilst Colin went to a meeting - i am now almost prepared for Christmas by the sea.
Last night Steph and Paul prepared dinner. We had a typical aussie bbq on the balcony with home made chips thanks to Paul. Watched the sun set across the stunning backdrop of the Brisbane skyline.
Today Colin and I took the citycat boat upriver to the city and had a wander round. Had coffee in the main shopping district and came across some amazing gymnasts/clowns in mid performance. They were hugely entertaining. I'm amazed just how clean Brisbane is. Compared to the grey smoggy and aged look of London, Brisbane is refreshingly clean, tidy and modern looking.
Met Alison for lunch and a few aussie bears at the Regatta bar up river then headed back down river to the house.
Tonight I think Alison and I are having a girlie night in with a vid then tomorrow Kerrie and I are heading north to Australia zoo then on to Maroochydore. Kerrie very kindly offered to drive me up there as she was heading north anyway. I'll be catching up with my uncle tomorrow afternoon but I haven't seen him since I was 12 so fingers crossed I'll recognise him!
I'm pretty gutted that within 12 hours I have been anialated by mozzies. I have at least six massive bites. I must have good blood!
Sunday, 17 December 2006
My Mecca - Boots!
Hi all. It's 4pm and i'm in the sparkly new Bangkok airport.
Journey went well - I was very impressed with the leg room on Thai airways...and the food. I was sat next to a couple called Liz and Rob - they were about my parents' age and were travelling to Bangkok to grab a cruise around the coast to China and Hong Kong. Dead friendly and well travelled peeps!
I've blanked out the two hour wait to check in and go through security at Heathrow and the bitter disappointment at discovering that Terminal Two departures lounge only caters for the rich and famous, which scuppered my plans to purchase a much needed bikini. Managed to bore a woman in the sunglasses shop for about an hour though, whilst she tried to find me a pair that didn't make me look like a wonky android (my ears are definitly wonky Vix!!)Found a pair in the end!
Managed a short amount of Nitol-induced sleep on the plane and arrived in Bangkok 11 hours later feeling rather like the back end of a mangey dog. I'm here until midnight for the second 11 hour leg of my journey (is the world really that big??).Had a wander around the shops - they're as useful as those in terminal two - and was getting desperate at the prospect of not finding toothpaste when, out of nowhere, I see the glorious sign of Boots. I've never been so happy to see Boots! After brushing my teeth and changing clothes I now feel like the better half of said mangey dog!
Going to finish this blog and find somewhere to fester with my new found Bible - The God Delusion by Richard Dawkins. Saw an interview with Dawkins about his book and it sounded like just my cup of tea - i know my brother has read it too. It is the Bible for atheists and it is the first book i've read about religion that actually makes sense. As Dawkins quite rightly says we should be proud to be atheists. It is the first time i have read something that fits my beliefs and it's quite comforting to know that I am not alone in my view of the world!
Anyhoo, going to have to head off to find food and coffee. More news when I get to Brisbane.
Journey went well - I was very impressed with the leg room on Thai airways...and the food. I was sat next to a couple called Liz and Rob - they were about my parents' age and were travelling to Bangkok to grab a cruise around the coast to China and Hong Kong. Dead friendly and well travelled peeps!
I've blanked out the two hour wait to check in and go through security at Heathrow and the bitter disappointment at discovering that Terminal Two departures lounge only caters for the rich and famous, which scuppered my plans to purchase a much needed bikini. Managed to bore a woman in the sunglasses shop for about an hour though, whilst she tried to find me a pair that didn't make me look like a wonky android (my ears are definitly wonky Vix!!)Found a pair in the end!
Managed a short amount of Nitol-induced sleep on the plane and arrived in Bangkok 11 hours later feeling rather like the back end of a mangey dog. I'm here until midnight for the second 11 hour leg of my journey (is the world really that big??).Had a wander around the shops - they're as useful as those in terminal two - and was getting desperate at the prospect of not finding toothpaste when, out of nowhere, I see the glorious sign of Boots. I've never been so happy to see Boots! After brushing my teeth and changing clothes I now feel like the better half of said mangey dog!
Going to finish this blog and find somewhere to fester with my new found Bible - The God Delusion by Richard Dawkins. Saw an interview with Dawkins about his book and it sounded like just my cup of tea - i know my brother has read it too. It is the Bible for atheists and it is the first book i've read about religion that actually makes sense. As Dawkins quite rightly says we should be proud to be atheists. It is the first time i have read something that fits my beliefs and it's quite comforting to know that I am not alone in my view of the world!
Anyhoo, going to have to head off to find food and coffee. More news when I get to Brisbane.
Monday, 6 November 2006
The marathon
Well what a day! Had to be at the bus for 5.15am to catch a lift to the start. 37,000 bleary eyed runners were sheperded military style onto buses for the 30min bus ride. I arrived at the start at 6am. Everything was outdoors so it was a long four hour wait in the cold. Thankfully it wasn't as bitterly cold as the day before but still nippy. I had two pairs of trackies on three tops, a thermal coat, hat scarf and gloves and still had to keep moving to stay warm.
Met Raf at the start so I at least had someone to chat to whilst standing in portaloo queues. We also had laugh at some of the sporting attire about; masses of lycra, shellsuits and the odd person in fancy dress. I had to divert my eyes on numerous occasions as men lunged in tight lycra in front of me and I had an unfortunate full frontal experience with a portaloo as I opened the door on an unsuspecting young man!
There was masses of lycra as far as the eye could see, the overwhelming stench of Deep Heat (and portaloos as the hours went on) and various stretching implements. The atmosphere was buzzing though and there were bands for entertainment, free breakfast and tents to huddle in.
I started on the blue start which is for mid speed. Raf started in green for the speedy ones and Kate (who I met the day before) was starting in orange so unfortunately I didn't have anyone to run with. When the race kicked off there was a military fly over and we hit the longest suspension bridge in the world with a steep incline. The first seven miles were fine but at mile 7 i started having problems with my knee. It kept locking up and getting more and more painful so i had to stop and stretch it out.
The race took us through Brooklyn, Queens, The Bronx and Manhatten. Hills were everywhere and were extremely unforgiving. I hit the wall at mile 17 just after coming across a bridge famed for being the wall zone. It was a mile of uphill in pitch black and it was seriously tough. After mile 17 I struggled. My knee was giving me more and more gip and the hills were unrelenting. Even the last 200 yards were uphill! The crowds were fabulous which really helped. There were thousands of people supporting over the last few miles in Central Park. I finished in a time of 04:45:53. Much slower than my time of 04:31 in the London Marathon but this one was much harder! Anyhoo my comp is about to die so better go!
lunges, the scent
Met Raf at the start so I at least had someone to chat to whilst standing in portaloo queues. We also had laugh at some of the sporting attire about; masses of lycra, shellsuits and the odd person in fancy dress. I had to divert my eyes on numerous occasions as men lunged in tight lycra in front of me and I had an unfortunate full frontal experience with a portaloo as I opened the door on an unsuspecting young man!
There was masses of lycra as far as the eye could see, the overwhelming stench of Deep Heat (and portaloos as the hours went on) and various stretching implements. The atmosphere was buzzing though and there were bands for entertainment, free breakfast and tents to huddle in.
I started on the blue start which is for mid speed. Raf started in green for the speedy ones and Kate (who I met the day before) was starting in orange so unfortunately I didn't have anyone to run with. When the race kicked off there was a military fly over and we hit the longest suspension bridge in the world with a steep incline. The first seven miles were fine but at mile 7 i started having problems with my knee. It kept locking up and getting more and more painful so i had to stop and stretch it out.
The race took us through Brooklyn, Queens, The Bronx and Manhatten. Hills were everywhere and were extremely unforgiving. I hit the wall at mile 17 just after coming across a bridge famed for being the wall zone. It was a mile of uphill in pitch black and it was seriously tough. After mile 17 I struggled. My knee was giving me more and more gip and the hills were unrelenting. Even the last 200 yards were uphill! The crowds were fabulous which really helped. There were thousands of people supporting over the last few miles in Central Park. I finished in a time of 04:45:53. Much slower than my time of 04:31 in the London Marathon but this one was much harder! Anyhoo my comp is about to die so better go!
lunges, the scent
Saturday, 4 November 2006
New York, men and me!
After a great night's kip and brekkie of bagal, smoked salmon and cream cheese in a 'typical' New Yorkan deli, I decided to face my fear of heights and head to the Empire State building. Everything - as you would expect in America - was extremely well organised,the queues moved and for $53 I bought a City Pass which gives you access to all the main tourist attractions for 9 days.
The views from the top were amazing. I could just about see the longest suspension bridge in the world on the horizon - the distance was slightly disturbing as the bridge is the start point for the marathon eeeek! What I didn't realise is that the Empire State Building is only a measly 80m taller than the Eiffel Tower - for some reason it felt much higher!
Whilst taking photos of the vista, I was asked by an Italian if I would take a photos of him at the top. He returned the favour, and that's how I met Mauro - a slightly short, Italian captain in the Italian paras. We got chatting and it turned out he was pretty friendly so we ended up spending the rest of the day sightseeing together. First up, we headed down to the famous Flatiron building seen in practically every film or TV show featuring NY. We then walked almost the entire length of 5th Ave taking in the Rockerfeller Centre, St Patrick's Cathedral and ending up at the Museum of Modern Art. St Patrick's Cathedral is gothic in style and resembles Notre Dame but looks rather lost tucked in amongst the skyscrapers that surround it. The museum was fab with the likes of Picasso, Matisse, Cezanne, Dali and Van Gogh on show.
Some of the more unusual sights I saw were a skyscraper with trees growing on it and THE most bizarre shop I've ever come across. It was a grotto filled with fairies, clowns and all sorts of other magical creations in every shape and size - we got chased out by an extremely gay 'artiste'when we took a photo of it!
In the avo we trekked to eastside Manhatten through some of the seedier districts of NY to the marathon expo where I had to register and collect my number and timing chip. Something that does differ from the movies is the ease of getting a taxi - unlike Sex in the City no amount of elegant waving and shouting of 'taxi' will get one to stop. Hence we ended up trekking all the way back to Times Square.
I said my goodbyes to Mauro (although I may catch up with him today) then contacted Raf and went out for a dinner of - guess what? - pasta. Considering i'm travelling on my own, I haven't actually spent any real time on my own. Has been great!
Today, I'm going for a 2 hour boat cruise to see the Statue of Liberty, heading to Ground Zero, meeting up with my fiend Rob's friends for lunch, meeting Mauro to go to the Guggenheim Museum and probably meeting Raf for dinner.
Tomorrow, I've got an early morning awakening at 5am to get ready for the marathon. Tis all very nerve wracking! I've realised that with the time difference I'll actually be running between 3pm and 8pm UK time. I will have my phone on me so any texts of support during that time would be absolutely fab. My biggest worry is not having people watching to keep me running - If I stop even once it's all over!
Watch this space for my results! Fingers crossed!
The views from the top were amazing. I could just about see the longest suspension bridge in the world on the horizon - the distance was slightly disturbing as the bridge is the start point for the marathon eeeek! What I didn't realise is that the Empire State Building is only a measly 80m taller than the Eiffel Tower - for some reason it felt much higher!
Whilst taking photos of the vista, I was asked by an Italian if I would take a photos of him at the top. He returned the favour, and that's how I met Mauro - a slightly short, Italian captain in the Italian paras. We got chatting and it turned out he was pretty friendly so we ended up spending the rest of the day sightseeing together. First up, we headed down to the famous Flatiron building seen in practically every film or TV show featuring NY. We then walked almost the entire length of 5th Ave taking in the Rockerfeller Centre, St Patrick's Cathedral and ending up at the Museum of Modern Art. St Patrick's Cathedral is gothic in style and resembles Notre Dame but looks rather lost tucked in amongst the skyscrapers that surround it. The museum was fab with the likes of Picasso, Matisse, Cezanne, Dali and Van Gogh on show.
Some of the more unusual sights I saw were a skyscraper with trees growing on it and THE most bizarre shop I've ever come across. It was a grotto filled with fairies, clowns and all sorts of other magical creations in every shape and size - we got chased out by an extremely gay 'artiste'when we took a photo of it!
In the avo we trekked to eastside Manhatten through some of the seedier districts of NY to the marathon expo where I had to register and collect my number and timing chip. Something that does differ from the movies is the ease of getting a taxi - unlike Sex in the City no amount of elegant waving and shouting of 'taxi' will get one to stop. Hence we ended up trekking all the way back to Times Square.
I said my goodbyes to Mauro (although I may catch up with him today) then contacted Raf and went out for a dinner of - guess what? - pasta. Considering i'm travelling on my own, I haven't actually spent any real time on my own. Has been great!
Today, I'm going for a 2 hour boat cruise to see the Statue of Liberty, heading to Ground Zero, meeting up with my fiend Rob's friends for lunch, meeting Mauro to go to the Guggenheim Museum and probably meeting Raf for dinner.
Tomorrow, I've got an early morning awakening at 5am to get ready for the marathon. Tis all very nerve wracking! I've realised that with the time difference I'll actually be running between 3pm and 8pm UK time. I will have my phone on me so any texts of support during that time would be absolutely fab. My biggest worry is not having people watching to keep me running - If I stop even once it's all over!
Watch this space for my results! Fingers crossed!
Friday, 3 November 2006
New York New York!
I'm addicted to Virgin Atlantic! Their entertainment system is second to none. Everyone has their own handset and can choose the films they want to watch from a choice of 50. Watched more films yesterday than I have in years! Had a pretty uneventful trip although the plane was filled to the brim with marathon runners and their supporters so there was a pretty good 'camaraderie' atmos going on.
It took me three hours to get from JFK airport to my hostel though. After navigating customs which took about an hour, I then spent an hour in New York traffic. I met a guy called Raf who's also running on Sunday and we shared a taxi which made the laborious journey, less so! Our taxi got stopped by a miniature policewoman with attitude who gave our taxi driver a fine for turning badly - I didn't even notice that he'd done anything wrong!
Next up, I somehow managed to walk 6 blocks in the wrong direction from where I got out of the taxi. I didn't realised that there was a West and East 45th Street ooops! Anyhoo I made it to the hostel and it's fab. Bit tatty as hostels tend to be but immaculately clean.
Last night I met Raf at Times Square and we went for dinner in a small Japanese place. It's always great to find someone to hook up with when you're travelling on your own.
First impressions of New York are that people are super-friendly - even the customs officer had a laugh and a joke with me. And there are yellow cabs and steaming sewers everywhere just like in the movies!
Today I'm off to wait in more queues to go to the Empire State Building / cruise - I haven't decided which yet - will decide over brekkie!
Best dash.
It took me three hours to get from JFK airport to my hostel though. After navigating customs which took about an hour, I then spent an hour in New York traffic. I met a guy called Raf who's also running on Sunday and we shared a taxi which made the laborious journey, less so! Our taxi got stopped by a miniature policewoman with attitude who gave our taxi driver a fine for turning badly - I didn't even notice that he'd done anything wrong!
Next up, I somehow managed to walk 6 blocks in the wrong direction from where I got out of the taxi. I didn't realised that there was a West and East 45th Street ooops! Anyhoo I made it to the hostel and it's fab. Bit tatty as hostels tend to be but immaculately clean.
Last night I met Raf at Times Square and we went for dinner in a small Japanese place. It's always great to find someone to hook up with when you're travelling on your own.
First impressions of New York are that people are super-friendly - even the customs officer had a laugh and a joke with me. And there are yellow cabs and steaming sewers everywhere just like in the movies!
Today I'm off to wait in more queues to go to the Empire State Building / cruise - I haven't decided which yet - will decide over brekkie!
Best dash.
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