tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-369905202024-03-24T04:45:45.231+11:00This is my JourneyWelcome all to share in my experiences as I journey with a purpose.Alexhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08794782385413715884noreply@blogger.comBlogger36125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36990520.post-51574703147994790042007-10-14T20:29:00.000+10:002008-12-11T17:28:08.156+11:00Northumberland<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/__nW_ExkxNp0/RxHxTR6o9yI/AAAAAAAAAoo/6T7lMlQrAHE/s1600-h/DSC05711.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5121139564826130210" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/__nW_ExkxNp0/RxHxTR6o9yI/AAAAAAAAAoo/6T7lMlQrAHE/s320/DSC05711.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/__nW_ExkxNp0/RxHxTx6o9zI/AAAAAAAAAow/cC38faaiGKg/s1600-h/DSC05712.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5121139573416064818" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/__nW_ExkxNp0/RxHxTx6o9zI/AAAAAAAAAow/cC38faaiGKg/s320/DSC05712.JPG" border="0" /></a> Well at long last I am updating my blog and posting pics of life in Scotland! These were taken in Northumberland in Septemeber when I went to spend the weekend with my cousin James.<br /><div><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/__nW_ExkxNp0/RxHw2B6o9wI/AAAAAAAAAoY/n7ZKy9097NU/s1600-h/DSC05721.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5121139062314956546" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/__nW_ExkxNp0/RxHw2B6o9wI/AAAAAAAAAoY/n7ZKy9097NU/s320/DSC05721.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/__nW_ExkxNp0/RxHw2R6o9xI/AAAAAAAAAog/SthTehCoaCg/s1600-h/DSC05723.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5121139066609923858" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/__nW_ExkxNp0/RxHw2R6o9xI/AAAAAAAAAog/SthTehCoaCg/s320/DSC05723.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><div><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/__nW_ExkxNp0/RxHwKR6o9sI/AAAAAAAAAn4/6bB9BeHpZJ8/s1600-h/DSC05720.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5121138310695679682" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/__nW_ExkxNp0/RxHwKR6o9sI/AAAAAAAAAn4/6bB9BeHpZJ8/s320/DSC05720.JPG" border="0" /></a> <a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/__nW_ExkxNp0/RxHwLh6o9vI/AAAAAAAAAoQ/xgq6cgtJ3wY/s1600-h/DSC05716.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5121138332170516210" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/__nW_ExkxNp0/RxHwLh6o9vI/AAAAAAAAAoQ/xgq6cgtJ3wY/s320/DSC05716.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><br /></div><br /><div></div><br /><div><br /></div><br /><div></div><br /><div><br /></div><br /><div></div><div> </div></div>Alexhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08794782385413715884noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36990520.post-62065786345859142702007-07-06T19:23:00.000+10:002008-12-11T17:28:12.423+11:00The Plain of Jars<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/__nW_ExkxNp0/Ro9wV9py-PI/AAAAAAAAAko/Yf4AFwtPqD8/s1600-h/DSC04863.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5084406026954012914" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/__nW_ExkxNp0/Ro9wV9py-PI/AAAAAAAAAko/Yf4AFwtPqD8/s200/DSC04863.JPG" border="0" /></a><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/__nW_ExkxNp0/Ro9wWtpy-RI/AAAAAAAAAk4/_Ch2b_jlEFc/s1600-h/DSC04875.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5084406039838914834" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/__nW_ExkxNp0/Ro9wWtpy-RI/AAAAAAAAAk4/_Ch2b_jlEFc/s200/DSC04875.JPG" border="0" /></a><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/__nW_ExkxNp0/Ro9wW9py-SI/AAAAAAAAAlA/wnpJiarvAtQ/s1600-h/DSC04880.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5084406044133882146" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/__nW_ExkxNp0/Ro9wW9py-SI/AAAAAAAAAlA/wnpJiarvAtQ/s200/DSC04880.JPG" border="0" /></a><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/__nW_ExkxNp0/Ro9zc9py-dI/AAAAAAAAAmY/IsDJQ-v3LqY/s1600-h/DSC05074.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5084409445747980754" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/__nW_ExkxNp0/Ro9zc9py-dI/AAAAAAAAAmY/IsDJQ-v3LqY/s200/DSC05074.JPG" border="0" /></a>Well, no one took us up on our offer to share a taxi to Phonsavan (the tour agent didn't encourage anyone as he was not going to make enough money, we soon found out...) , so it was back on the bus for us. And actually it was rather pleasant, even with Hmong ladies, with their babies on their backs and lots of live chickens wrapped in shawls, motorbikes strapped to the roof and AK47 wheelding bus guards - apparently the whole of northern Loas is bandit country but there have been no attacks for ages... Every bus journey is an adventure and you just pee on the side of the road if you need to, as there are land mines everywhere and not much between towns - the excellent invention of the sarong, comes in handy as a roadside screen.<br /><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/__nW_ExkxNp0/Ro9zcdpy-bI/AAAAAAAAAmI/qm-Qa9zHRcw/s1600-h/DSC04991.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5084409437158046130" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/__nW_ExkxNp0/Ro9zcdpy-bI/AAAAAAAAAmI/qm-Qa9zHRcw/s200/DSC04991.JPG" border="0" /></a><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/__nW_ExkxNp0/Ro9zctpy-cI/AAAAAAAAAmQ/AgDM7VdoC18/s1600-h/DSC05003.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5084409441453013442" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/__nW_ExkxNp0/Ro9zctpy-cI/AAAAAAAAAmQ/AgDM7VdoC18/s200/DSC05003.JPG" border="0" /></a><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/__nW_ExkxNp0/Ro9x4tpy-UI/AAAAAAAAAlQ/TA_EXoHLanw/s1600-h/DSC04925.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5084407723466094914" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/__nW_ExkxNp0/Ro9x4tpy-UI/AAAAAAAAAlQ/TA_EXoHLanw/s200/DSC04925.JPG" border="0" /></a>Phonsavan is a realatively new town (after the Americans decimated the old capital city with their bombs in the secret war....the American senate and public were not told about the bombing of Laos until 5 years after the Vietnam war ended as they "scilenced" journalists), which consists on nothing much more than a main road, the market and bus station. We ended up staying at Kong's based on the old airstrip, formally built for drug running in the days of opium and now the local travelling fair ground and area used by the local driving school. Yes, I actually saw a tuk-tuk driver learning to drive, but clearly the lessons are not based on obaying the law...<br /><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/__nW_ExkxNp0/Ro91Rdpy-hI/AAAAAAAAAm4/eu-MjJ-ixgE/s1600-h/DSC04866.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5084411447202740754" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/__nW_ExkxNp0/Ro91Rdpy-hI/AAAAAAAAAm4/eu-MjJ-ixgE/s200/DSC04866.JPG" border="0" /></a><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/__nW_ExkxNp0/Ro9zbtpy-ZI/AAAAAAAAAl4/uwxmOmPV1ZY/s1600-h/DSC04938.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5084409424273144210" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/__nW_ExkxNp0/Ro9zbtpy-ZI/AAAAAAAAAl4/uwxmOmPV1ZY/s200/DSC04938.JPG" border="0" /></a><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/__nW_ExkxNp0/Ro9x6tpy-WI/AAAAAAAAAlg/a-7wTb89zSk/s1600-h/DSC04944.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5084407757825833314" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/__nW_ExkxNp0/Ro9x6tpy-WI/AAAAAAAAAlg/a-7wTb89zSk/s200/DSC04944.JPG" border="0" /></a><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/__nW_ExkxNp0/Ro9zb9py-aI/AAAAAAAAAmA/aLkLx24P9TU/s1600-h/DSC04989.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5084409428568111522" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/__nW_ExkxNp0/Ro9zb9py-aI/AAAAAAAAAmA/aLkLx24P9TU/s200/DSC04989.JPG" border="0" /></a>The main reason though for us heading to Phonsavan was to visit the ancient Jar sites. The jars are amazing and are huge - each weighing at least 1 or 2 tons and the biggest weighing 13 tons carved out of huge chunks of stone which were carried to the sites. It is believed that they were used as funerary urns or water vessels for caravans of travellers in Eurasia, others beleive that they were put there by a tribe of giants and many myths and legends surround the stone jars and the sites. We visied all three of the sites, all really different as they are situated in very different areas with our guide, Locum who was fantastic. When visiting the sites, you become painfully aware of the devestation wreched by the bloody Americas during the Vietnam war, and their war on communism, in total contravention of the Geneva convention. They dropped over 900 000 tons of bombs on Laos, a ton of bombs, every 8 minutes for nine years solidly, more than all the bombs dropped over Germany and Japan in WWII. American pilots also dumped bombs, and were encouraged to do so, on Loas if they couldn't find their Vienamese targets or if weather conditions were bad, so that they wouldn't have to go through safety checks (only carried out if you were landing with unexploded ordinance on board) when landing their planes back in Thailand... A third of these bombs did not detonate and as a result there are millions of unexploded ordanace all over the country, trapping the Loatians in povery as they can't grow enough food, build roads, go into the forest as they are constantly killed by land mines and bombs. MAG (Mines Advisory Group) is doing a great job clearing things up and we went to vivist their offices in town, but the clean up will take decades and the USA is doing nothing, just continuing to drop the same types of bombs (designed specifically to kill civilians) in Afganistan, Iraq, Kawait, Cosavo etc...<br /><div><br /><div><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/__nW_ExkxNp0/Ro90hNpy-fI/AAAAAAAAAmo/3VXX4IbNMKg/s1600-h/DSC05068.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5084410618274052594" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/__nW_ExkxNp0/Ro90hNpy-fI/AAAAAAAAAmo/3VXX4IbNMKg/s200/DSC05068.JPG" border="0" /></a>After visiting the first two jar sites, Locum took us to meet his family as we drove through his village which gave us a real taste of Loatian life. We met his Dad, with his three wives, 13 children as well as his 110 year old great-great grandmother. She is now looked after by her grand children as she has out lived all her children. It was then off to the last jar site before seeing the most brilliant sunset.</div><br /><div></div><br /><br /><div><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/__nW_ExkxNp0/Ro90hdpy-gI/AAAAAAAAAmw/hs4pXQb6quY/s1600-h/DSC04977.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5084410622569019906" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/__nW_ExkxNp0/Ro90hdpy-gI/AAAAAAAAAmw/hs4pXQb6quY/s200/DSC04977.JPG" border="0" /></a><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5084410613979085282" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/__nW_ExkxNp0/Ro90g9py-eI/AAAAAAAAAmg/0xyOTDbF43E/s200/DSC04957.JPG" border="0" /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/__nW_ExkxNp0/Ro9wXdpy-TI/AAAAAAAAAlI/A1fZPumDf-o/s1600-h/DSC04893.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5084406052723816754" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/__nW_ExkxNp0/Ro9wXdpy-TI/AAAAAAAAAlI/A1fZPumDf-o/s200/DSC04893.JPG" border="0" /></a>As the following day was Lindsay's birthday, we decided that we needed a bit of a chilled one, and it was raining, but a bit of loa-loa (locally made rice whiskey) kept our spirits up and got the party strated in the booming metropolis of Phonsavan. Then it was back on the bus for us yesterday, off to Vang Veing reknowned for its adventure sports. Today we rode 12km on dirt roads, with granny bikes to go caving and climbed one of the limestone outcrops and tomorrow we are kayaking from Vang Veing to Vientianne. We have turned into adventure women. On the local front, if you are in the UK and wanting weed then just head to Lindsay's house. Her ex-boyfriend recently went round to her house to check that it hadn't been damaged in the floods only to find that the new tenant "a divorced travelling salesman" is actually a horticultralist and has turned her whole house into a three storey hyrophonic nursery for dope in Doncaster! </div></div>Alexhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08794782385413715884noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36990520.post-20226114902705677872007-06-29T19:40:00.000+10:002008-12-11T17:28:15.785+11:00Living it up in Laos<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/__nW_ExkxNp0/RoiLKtpy98I/AAAAAAAAAiQ/yPELlsPd95E/s1600-h/DSC04768.JPG"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/__nW_ExkxNp0/RoiLKtpy98I/AAAAAAAAAiQ/yPELlsPd95E/s200/DSC04768.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5082465195657459650" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/__nW_ExkxNp0/RojZB9py-AI/AAAAAAAAAiw/9z_e38xP7ys/s1600-h/DSC04639.JPG"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/__nW_ExkxNp0/RojZB9py-AI/AAAAAAAAAiw/9z_e38xP7ys/s200/DSC04639.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5082550807240570882" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/__nW_ExkxNp0/RoiLJtpy95I/AAAAAAAAAh4/7uRy3c0nt3I/s1600-h/DSC04591.JPG"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/__nW_ExkxNp0/RoiLJtpy95I/AAAAAAAAAh4/7uRy3c0nt3I/s200/DSC04591.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5082465178477590418" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/__nW_ExkxNp0/RoiLKNpy96I/AAAAAAAAAiA/-DXFmvySnVk/s1600-h/DSC04633.JPG"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/__nW_ExkxNp0/RoiLKNpy96I/AAAAAAAAAiA/-DXFmvySnVk/s200/DSC04633.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5082465187067525026" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />I must admit that it is hard not to have a good time in Laos, whether it is messing around in the mud and rain while cycling on granny bikes, or having a delicious dinner on the banks of the Mekong or just chilling out drinking a cuppa tea and finishing your book. We arrived in <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">Laung</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">Prabang</span>, on another "VIP" bus. Ha ha ha, as we were rounding a mountain a whole row of seats just collapsed on the floor! Luckily there was no one hurt and it was funny at the time.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/__nW_ExkxNp0/RojZBdpy9-I/AAAAAAAAAig/OJMDUDWa-kM/s1600-h/DSC04592.JPG"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/__nW_ExkxNp0/RojZBdpy9-I/AAAAAAAAAig/OJMDUDWa-kM/s200/DSC04592.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5082550798650636258" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/__nW_ExkxNp0/RojZCNpy-BI/AAAAAAAAAi4/kWiLPKzB9qE/s1600-h/DSC04641.JPG"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/__nW_ExkxNp0/RojZCNpy-BI/AAAAAAAAAi4/kWiLPKzB9qE/s200/DSC04641.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5082550811535538194" border="0" /></a><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">Laung</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">Prabang</span> is really pretty and a beautiful small town in northern Laos. Lindsay and I have really gotten into the swing of things and it's no wonder that we have already spent 5 days here exploring the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">Wats</span>, the tiny streets and markets and the sites around the city by bicycle. Yesterday we went off to the Buddha caves, which are on the banks of the Mekong, in cliffs of limestone and contain old Buddhas which have been damages, it's like Buddha's eternal resting place. Up the stairs to the caves, small children were trying to sell us everything from a tarantula on a piece of string to stones. We were a bit puzzled about the religious significance of these objects but none the less they were trying their best "You buy? Lucky-lucky, good for Buddha, good for you". When you are not at a religious site this chant changes to "You buy? Lucky-lucky, good for you, good for me".....<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/__nW_ExkxNp0/RojZBtpy9_I/AAAAAAAAAio/KELgWWa82K8/s1600-h/DSC04590.JPG"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/__nW_ExkxNp0/RojZBtpy9_I/AAAAAAAAAio/KELgWWa82K8/s200/DSC04590.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5082550802945603570" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/__nW_ExkxNp0/Rojeftpy-GI/AAAAAAAAAjg/KAjwy7eSOeA/s1600-h/DSC04838.JPG"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/__nW_ExkxNp0/Rojeftpy-GI/AAAAAAAAAjg/KAjwy7eSOeA/s200/DSC04838.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5082556815899818082" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/__nW_ExkxNp0/RojefNpy-FI/AAAAAAAAAjY/4tsk3NNtC8I/s1600-h/DSC04821.JPG"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/__nW_ExkxNp0/RojefNpy-FI/AAAAAAAAAjY/4tsk3NNtC8I/s200/DSC04821.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5082556807309883474" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/__nW_ExkxNp0/Rojfwtpy-HI/AAAAAAAAAjo/w2AS1Ez3OPs/s1600-h/DSC04694.JPG"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/__nW_ExkxNp0/Rojfwtpy-HI/AAAAAAAAAjo/w2AS1Ez3OPs/s200/DSC04694.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5082558207469222002" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />On other hand we have been living according to the advice of the official Laos Guide Book....<br />Coffee: "After 11am you will only find <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">Nescafe</span> red cup which is to be avoided"<br />Health: Fear not. You are not in the back woods of south America where you are never sure which Gomez or Sanchez pharmacy will be open for <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_6">business</span>...."Tiger Bites? Very bad, especially in the rainy season. You will be comforted to know that your family will read about <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_7">you in</span> their daily newspapers." and "Mosquito bites. Beware of the females. <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_8">Paludism</span> and dengue fever is waiting to pounce." and "<span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_9">Hepatitis</span>, Japanese <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_10">encephalitis</span>: if you have not been vaccinated, it is too late for you."<br />Internet: "No bug. For 1000 kip you can even keep in touch with your mother in Europe! Isn't that nice?"<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/__nW_ExkxNp0/Rojee9py-EI/AAAAAAAAAjQ/uk1qZo0cKx8/s1600-h/DSC04814.JPG"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/__nW_ExkxNp0/Rojee9py-EI/AAAAAAAAAjQ/uk1qZo0cKx8/s200/DSC04814.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5082556803014916162" border="0" /></a>This morning we did some more <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_11">watting</span>, as we had saved the best <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_12">wat</span> til last - an amazing temple, covered in gold leaf, stencil designs and with <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_13">mosaics</span> covering the outside walls. Extremely beautiful. After another hot day, we set off up the mountain to a waterfall with a series of blue, blue pools to swim in. Ahhh! It was so nice to be cold again and to feel refreshed. while we were in the forest we also visited the Asiatic black bear and tiger rescue centre where the animals have been rescued during illigal animal trading and poaching. it was really good to see the animals being kept wild, in huge enclosures and being reabilitated back into the wild.<br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/__nW_ExkxNp0/Rojeedpy-CI/AAAAAAAAAjA/GnVOgnhk9Lk/s1600-h/DSC04666.JPG"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/__nW_ExkxNp0/Rojeedpy-CI/AAAAAAAAAjA/GnVOgnhk9Lk/s200/DSC04666.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5082556794424981538" border="0" /></a>At the moment we have been prowling the streets of the town, approaching strangers to enquire whether anyone wants to join us on our intrepid adventure to Phonsavan and the Plain of Jars. We are trying to avoid a 9 hour bus journey by going by minibus, but I suspect that most people think we are mad to go, as most people's first question is "Where?" - not a good start.... But we will find some fellow travelers. Buddha we look out for us and we have put up a sign in the travel agent's window. Otherwise it is going to be one long bus journey tomorrow and a very sore bum.Alexhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08794782385413715884noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36990520.post-68723365831705295842007-06-26T16:52:00.000+10:002008-12-11T17:28:18.505+11:00Scammed again! Will I ever learn....<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/__nW_ExkxNp0/RoJtDNpy92I/AAAAAAAAAhg/kaVtrE4PdVM/s1600-h/DSC04537.JPG"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/__nW_ExkxNp0/RoJtDNpy92I/AAAAAAAAAhg/kaVtrE4PdVM/s200/DSC04537.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5080743231599343458" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/__nW_ExkxNp0/RoJr09py90I/AAAAAAAAAhQ/28u51to_XAY/s1600-h/DSC04516.JPG"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/__nW_ExkxNp0/RoJr09py90I/AAAAAAAAAhQ/28u51to_XAY/s200/DSC04516.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5080741887274579778" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />Yes, scammed again and I though I was becoming a street smart Asian traveler. Clearly I was mistaken... So we bought our bus tickets from Hanoi to Vientiane from a reputable travel agent, paying $15 dollars for a better, air conditioned, VIP bus that went all the way to Laos. Off Lindsay and I set, determined to be optimistic with me quoting my little book of wisdom by the Dali Lama (I have used it to fix the air conditioner at 3am and adopted it as my Buddhist philosophy for any situation in Asia, as when in Rome...), knowing that it is a long (24-30 hour estimated) and bumpy bus journey. Well, the first bus left much to be desired and was fully of Vietnamese travelers. After being pushed into my seat by a lady who had taken it upon herself to organize the bus, I swiftly got out my pack of antibacterial wipes to clean the window next to me and the arm rests etc.... And then we set off.... For the next 6 hours, we were jerked about in our seats as the bus driver (on a mixture of speed and red bull) alternatively drove in first gear or decided to overtake five trucks on blind corners and spent 80% of the journey driving on the wrong side of the road. As this was a VIP bus, it had a toilet the size of a shoe box on board so not only were we accosted by diesel fumes but of naphthalene and urine as well. By this stage I had been wedged into my seat by the person fully reclined in front of me (naturally my seat didn't recline) and my life flashing before my eyes every 30 seconds, every time the lights of oncoming trucks blinded us and the blast of horns kept us awake.<br /><br />At 1:30pm we were dumped at the most revolting cafe on the side of the road and told that another bus would pick us up in an hour and would take us to Laos. This was OK, as hopefully the next bus would be better and we could rest, use the loo and get something to drink.... that was until I saw the toilets. After wading through waste water from the kitchen into what was the "WC" and seeing the stacks of morning glory (water spinage) resting on the floor near a puddle of urine which were about to be cooked, and other things too unmentionable I run out and Lindsay and I sat in miniature plastic chairs on the side of the road for the next 2 hours. At 3:30am a Laotian bus arrived and stopped when they saw us. Thank God we had been stranded with an English couple who have been working in Vientiane for the last 2 years and they were able to chat to the bus driver to find out when our bus was expected. We soon found out that our bus was non existent and we had been scammed. But within seconds of finding out that we had been scammed the Laotian bus offered us a ride to the border and onto Vientiane. It was full and every conceivable bit of spare space was crammed with boxes, bags of litchis and suitcases, but they made space in the isle and there we perched for the next 8 hours hunched over our backpacks. Though the bus was full, the attitude of the Laotians towards us was amazingly friendly and they were so kind to us. I can't say that the remainder of the bus journey was pleasant of luxurious and you had to jump from arm rest to arm rest and hold onto the ceiling when you wanted to get out of your seat and out of the bus. There are photos of our escapade but they are on Lindsay's camera and I will post them soon.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/__nW_ExkxNp0/RoJr1tpy91I/AAAAAAAAAhY/wF1_odamiSE/s1600-h/DSC04571.JPG"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/__nW_ExkxNp0/RoJr1tpy91I/AAAAAAAAAhY/wF1_odamiSE/s200/DSC04571.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5080741900159481682" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/__nW_ExkxNp0/RoJq6dpy9yI/AAAAAAAAAhA/BXrk7LlQZpI/s1600-h/DSC04560.JPG"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/__nW_ExkxNp0/RoJq6dpy9yI/AAAAAAAAAhA/BXrk7LlQZpI/s200/DSC04560.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5080740882252232482" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/__nW_ExkxNp0/RoJq5dpy9wI/AAAAAAAAAgw/GXruazYRBxE/s1600-h/DSC04542.JPG"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/__nW_ExkxNp0/RoJq5dpy9wI/AAAAAAAAAgw/GXruazYRBxE/s200/DSC04542.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5080740865072363266" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/__nW_ExkxNp0/RoJq59py9xI/AAAAAAAAAg4/_8o8-IM666w/s1600-h/DSC04559.JPG"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/__nW_ExkxNp0/RoJq59py9xI/AAAAAAAAAg4/_8o8-IM666w/s200/DSC04559.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5080740873662297874" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/__nW_ExkxNp0/RoJr0dpy9zI/AAAAAAAAAhI/VtiR3PzLkVk/s1600-h/DSC04522.JPG"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/__nW_ExkxNp0/RoJr0dpy9zI/AAAAAAAAAhI/VtiR3PzLkVk/s200/DSC04522.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5080741878684645170" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />Otherwise being in Laos is fantastic, it is so quiet, there is no traffic, no-one is trying to scam you to your face and it is so laid back. After a fantastic back massage, a delicious $1 meal and a good nights sleep we were almost as good as new! Yesterday, while drinking coffee and chatting (it's been raining quiet a bit) I met my first fellow South African traveler, Matt originally from Natal who now lives in Oxford. Soon we were all swapping travel guides, tips and recommendations and later met up for dinner etc. Today Lindsay and I decided to be slightly more active and we rented bikes and rode around the town in the rain, viewing Wats and temples (and often stopping to play with the kittens in the temples, taking shelter from the rain) and shopping of course in the morning market. Thank Buddha! As I left my camera in the market and it was still there when I got back and was being looked after by the sweet Laotians who ran the store. The signs and local advice they give you are halarious and I will have to devote an entire entry to them. Off to Luang Probang on a "proper VIP" bus tomorrow morning so fingers crossed and hopefully the Dali Lama and Buddha will look after us again.Alexhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08794782385413715884noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36990520.post-6740331952676033122007-06-21T15:51:00.000+10:002008-12-11T17:28:20.749+11:00From Hue to Hanoi<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/__nW_ExkxNp0/RntUoyR9NxI/AAAAAAAAAf4/tVCtwSmf0Uo/s1600-h/DSC04348.JPG"></a><br /> <div><div> <a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/__nW_ExkxNp0/RntPACR9NpI/AAAAAAAAAe4/jS0WmduFLWE/s1600-h/DSC04187.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5078739866821146258" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/__nW_ExkxNp0/RntPACR9NpI/AAAAAAAAAe4/jS0WmduFLWE/s200/DSC04187.JPG" border="0" /></a> <a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/__nW_ExkxNp0/RntPAyR9NqI/AAAAAAAAAfA/myidWkKCwDo/s1600-h/DSC04300.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5078739879706048162" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/__nW_ExkxNp0/RntPAyR9NqI/AAAAAAAAAfA/myidWkKCwDo/s200/DSC04300.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/__nW_ExkxNp0/RntO_yR9NoI/AAAAAAAAAew/BOOSK-wJXbo/s1600-h/DSC04150.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5078739862526178946" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/__nW_ExkxNp0/RntO_yR9NoI/AAAAAAAAAew/BOOSK-wJXbo/s200/DSC04150.JPG" border="0" /></a> <a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/__nW_ExkxNp0/RntPByR9NsI/AAAAAAAAAfQ/BwTDEft2xFY/s1600-h/DSC04305.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5078739896885917378" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/__nW_ExkxNp0/RntPByR9NsI/AAAAAAAAAfQ/BwTDEft2xFY/s200/DSC04305.JPG" border="0" /></a> <div><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/__nW_ExkxNp0/RntPBSR9NrI/AAAAAAAAAfI/UkmOoTbo5YY/s1600-h/DSC04315.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5078739888295982770" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/__nW_ExkxNp0/RntPBSR9NrI/AAAAAAAAAfI/UkmOoTbo5YY/s200/DSC04315.JPG" border="0" /></a>On our first evening in Hue we bumped into Abi and Hannah, (a crazy pair of sisters from Holland) who roared past us on their motorbike, and convinced us to join them on a trip to Bach Ma National Park the next day. After picking up a few more travellers who we met later that evening in the bar across from our hotel, we set off early the next morning up the mountains where it was at least 5 degrees cooler and great to be out of the city. The day was spent trekking though the jungle surrounded by butterflies as big as your hand, to an amazing waterfall and fresh water pools to swim in. The next day we explored the historical side of the city and wondered round the mosoleums of the emporers and the citadel which is incredibly beautiful. Coming back along the river I met an old lady who came up to meon her boat, who had a pet roaster on board! Her chicken was clearly the love of her life and she kept hugging him. Along the way we sampled some of Hues specialities which included a crispy rice pancake filled with srimps and beansprouts and served with herbs and a peanut sauce - delicious!</div><br /><div></div><br /><div><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/__nW_ExkxNp0/RntRniR9NvI/AAAAAAAAAfo/7xK3nHO59go/s1600-h/DSC04461.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5078742744449234674" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/__nW_ExkxNp0/RntRniR9NvI/AAAAAAAAAfo/7xK3nHO59go/s200/DSC04461.JPG" border="0" /></a><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/__nW_ExkxNp0/RntRnSR9NuI/AAAAAAAAAfg/idmIeEa1L90/s1600-h/DSC04408.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5078742740154267362" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/__nW_ExkxNp0/RntRnSR9NuI/AAAAAAAAAfg/idmIeEa1L90/s200/DSC04408.JPG" border="0" /></a><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/__nW_ExkxNp0/RntRnCR9NtI/AAAAAAAAAfY/24-iE8CyPJ0/s1600-h/DSC04370.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5078742735859300050" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/__nW_ExkxNp0/RntRnCR9NtI/AAAAAAAAAfY/24-iE8CyPJ0/s200/DSC04370.JPG" border="0" /></a><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/__nW_ExkxNp0/RntRoCR9NwI/AAAAAAAAAfw/tRtAU0tQlZE/s1600-h/DSC04432.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5078742753039169282" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/__nW_ExkxNp0/RntRoCR9NwI/AAAAAAAAAfw/tRtAU0tQlZE/s200/DSC04432.JPG" border="0" /></a>After a traumatic overnight bus journey - people kept singing, whisteling, playing Vietnamese music on cellphones and the lady behind me kept on hitting me on my head? - we arrived in Hoian. While trying to find our bearings we bumped into the usual crowd who have been travelling on the same route up the coast and decided to go to Ha Long Bay the next morning. The bay is very beautiful although unfortunately quiet poluted and there are hundreds of limestone islands as far as the eye can see. The highlight of the trip was kiyaking around some of the remote islands one evening as the sun was setting, and then drinking wine and eating lichees on the deck of our chinese junk, with everyone as the stars were coming out. We also had a great group of people on board and 5 minutes into the journey we were all chatting away and swapping stories. </div><br /><div></div><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/__nW_ExkxNp0/RntUoyR9NxI/AAAAAAAAAf4/tVCtwSmf0Uo/s1600-h/DSC04348.JPG"></a><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/__nW_ExkxNp0/RntUpSR9NyI/AAAAAAAAAgA/LYj-oHeuVfo/s1600-h/DSC04490.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5078746073048889122" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/__nW_ExkxNp0/RntUpSR9NyI/AAAAAAAAAgA/LYj-oHeuVfo/s200/DSC04490.JPG" border="0" /></a> <div>The last few days in Hanoi have been very lazy, with us passing the time shopping, drinking iced tea, taking in the sites and sleeping in. Cris, Alice and I are loving the fact that we are in one place for more than a few days and are enjoying justhanging out as we will part ways on Sunday. I am off to Loas on a mamoth bus journey with Lindsay who was on our Ha Long bay trip - at least we will have moral support and can laugh about things together and Cris and Alice are off to China. It is going to be strange leaving them after we have spent the last 3 weeks together while they have taught me how to master chopsticks - I am now a pro, bargain like an Asian and learn a few esentail Portuguese fraises - very useful while shopping! </div></div></div><p> </p>Alexhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08794782385413715884noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36990520.post-59123780382758800762007-06-11T22:27:00.000+10:002008-12-11T17:28:23.641+11:00Finding faith in Vietnam<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/__nW_ExkxNp0/Rm_zESR9NlI/AAAAAAAAAeY/kZhK4lscZjs/s1600-h/DSC04104.JPG"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/__nW_ExkxNp0/Rm_zESR9NlI/AAAAAAAAAeY/kZhK4lscZjs/s200/DSC04104.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5075542560022017618" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/__nW_ExkxNp0/Rm_vUCR9NbI/AAAAAAAAAdI/IqrCo7L0nUc/s1600-h/DSC03924.JPG"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/__nW_ExkxNp0/Rm_vUCR9NbI/AAAAAAAAAdI/IqrCo7L0nUc/s200/DSC03924.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5075538432558446002" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/__nW_ExkxNp0/Rm_vUSR9NcI/AAAAAAAAAdQ/ue3cWHM5lB8/s1600-h/DSC03968.JPG"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/__nW_ExkxNp0/Rm_vUSR9NcI/AAAAAAAAAdQ/ue3cWHM5lB8/s200/DSC03968.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5075538436853413314" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/__nW_ExkxNp0/Rm_vUyR9NeI/AAAAAAAAAdg/wUSC8F_DO44/s1600-h/DSC03983.JPG"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/__nW_ExkxNp0/Rm_vUyR9NeI/AAAAAAAAAdg/wUSC8F_DO44/s200/DSC03983.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5075538445443347938" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />The last two and a half weeks in Vietnam have been interesting and filled with ups and downs. After arriving in Ho Chi Min and catching flu and a chest infection in the delta, things went from bad to worse after my antibiotics were not touching sides with my stomach bug and I landed up in hospital for the night. The next week was spent in my hotel room and thank goodness I was staying somewhere nice and I had a sweet Vietnamese lady who ran the hotel looking after me. After debating whether I should catch the next flight home I decided to just take things easy and have been traveling slowly up the coast with my case of the black lung!<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/__nW_ExkxNp0/Rm_xKyR9NfI/AAAAAAAAAdo/VftYOndv48k/s1600-h/DSC03960.JPG"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/__nW_ExkxNp0/Rm_xKyR9NfI/AAAAAAAAAdo/VftYOndv48k/s200/DSC03960.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5075540472667911666" border="0" /></a>My first stop after Ho Chi Min was the beautiful mountainous town of De Lat, where it was cold enough to sleep without aircon and a fan and I even wore a jersey one evening. When the average temperature is between 35 - 40 degrees this is something you get excited about. In De Lat I met up with Alice and Christina, who are Japanese, but grew up in Brazil and we have been traveling together for the last 10 days after we bonded riding in a tiny cable car high about the hills of town. After riding an elephant with 2 very sweet little Vietnamese girls, exploring the surrounding temples and the orchid gardens we left De Lat and headed over the mountains to Nha Trang on the coast were the order of the day was some sun, sea and sand and it we ended up going on a crazy snorkeling trip with a floating bar in the sea, and after the boat crew cooked us a delicious lunch they formed a boy band and sang us songs in the middle of the sea from the 60's!<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/__nW_ExkxNp0/Rm_xMCR9NjI/AAAAAAAAAeI/Ef0_luNnFlQ/s1600-h/DSC04081.JPG"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/__nW_ExkxNp0/Rm_xMCR9NjI/AAAAAAAAAeI/Ef0_luNnFlQ/s200/DSC04081.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5075540494142748210" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/__nW_ExkxNp0/Rm_xLiR9NhI/AAAAAAAAAd4/03s6I3pi3xQ/s1600-h/DSC04043.JPG"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/__nW_ExkxNp0/Rm_xLiR9NhI/AAAAAAAAAd4/03s6I3pi3xQ/s200/DSC04043.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5075540485552813586" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/__nW_ExkxNp0/Rm_xLyR9NiI/AAAAAAAAAeA/f9eNmQN2bNo/s1600-h/DSC04070.JPG"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/__nW_ExkxNp0/Rm_xLyR9NiI/AAAAAAAAAeA/f9eNmQN2bNo/s200/DSC04070.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5075540489847780898" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/__nW_ExkxNp0/Rm_xLSR9NgI/AAAAAAAAAdw/dY558h4hS-0/s1600-h/DSC04030.JPG"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/__nW_ExkxNp0/Rm_xLSR9NgI/AAAAAAAAAdw/dY558h4hS-0/s200/DSC04030.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5075540481257846274" border="0" /></a>The next stop along the way, after a grueling 14 hour bus trip where a strange Vietnamese lady decided to sleep on top of me at 3am and a numb bum, found us in the really quaint town of Hoi An. The small streets are lines with amazing Chinese and French colonial buildings which house cafes, art galleries and tailors who can whip you up anything from a pair of shoes to a suit in a few hours! To explore Hoi An we hoped on the most decrepit bicycles you have ever seen and after mastering driving on the wrong side of the road we set off hoping that it was safer than the millions of motorbikes that drive around Vietnam. Red lights are ignored, pedestrian crossings, even when they are green are invisible and to cross the road you have to have blind faith in a higher power and step into the traffic - hopefully behind someone larger than you.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/__nW_ExkxNp0/Rm_zEyR9NnI/AAAAAAAAAeo/bBYdxiDx46E/s1600-h/DSC04124.JPG"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/__nW_ExkxNp0/Rm_zEyR9NnI/AAAAAAAAAeo/bBYdxiDx46E/s200/DSC04124.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5075542568611952242" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/__nW_ExkxNp0/Rm_vTyR9NaI/AAAAAAAAAdA/OW2FZfQbt8g/s1600-h/DSC03920.JPG"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/__nW_ExkxNp0/Rm_vTyR9NaI/AAAAAAAAAdA/OW2FZfQbt8g/s200/DSC03920.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5075538428263478690" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/__nW_ExkxNp0/Rm_zECR9NkI/AAAAAAAAAeQ/XfmEZq-OuiQ/s1600-h/DSC04096.JPG"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/__nW_ExkxNp0/Rm_zECR9NkI/AAAAAAAAAeQ/XfmEZq-OuiQ/s200/DSC04096.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5075542555727050306" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/__nW_ExkxNp0/Rm_zEiR9NmI/AAAAAAAAAeg/OFgmTvFmMbM/s1600-h/DSC04108.JPG"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/__nW_ExkxNp0/Rm_zEiR9NmI/AAAAAAAAAeg/OFgmTvFmMbM/s200/DSC04108.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5075542564316984930" border="0" /></a>Some more Cham temples later (unfortunately very badly damaged by bombing in the Vietnam war) and after picking up our silk tops we hopped on the bus again to Hue were we will spend the next few days before the final stretch north to Hoian. As much as I am loving traveling and meeting new people along the way, I can't wait to be home in 6 weeks time and to having a good home cooked meal!Alexhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08794782385413715884noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36990520.post-62429816428469043062007-05-27T20:17:00.000+10:002008-12-11T17:28:24.502+11:00Mekong Delta<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/__nW_ExkxNp0/RlleRSp3IyI/AAAAAAAAAbA/BVVK2iHJ0Xo/s1600-h/DSC03833.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5069186506740409122" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/__nW_ExkxNp0/RlleRSp3IyI/AAAAAAAAAbA/BVVK2iHJ0Xo/s200/DSC03833.JPG" border="0" /></a><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/__nW_ExkxNp0/RlleRyp3IzI/AAAAAAAAAbI/rrr8lnBa3WU/s1600-h/DSC03836.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5069186515330343730" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/__nW_ExkxNp0/RlleRyp3IzI/AAAAAAAAAbI/rrr8lnBa3WU/s200/DSC03836.JPG" border="0" /></a> <a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/__nW_ExkxNp0/Rllc1Cp3IvI/AAAAAAAAAao/g8TDqbnFwfI/s1600-h/DSC03839.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5069184921897476850" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/__nW_ExkxNp0/Rllc1Cp3IvI/AAAAAAAAAao/g8TDqbnFwfI/s200/DSC03839.JPG" border="0" /></a><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5069184913307542242" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/__nW_ExkxNp0/Rllc0ip3IuI/AAAAAAAAAag/q99bet5rsRE/s200/DSC03800.JPG" border="0" /><br /><div><div>I set off from <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">Phnom</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">Penh</span> yesterday, down the Mekong River to cross the Cambodian boarder into Vietnam and the Mekong Delta. Although the rainy season has just started there are just emerald green rice paddies as far as the eye can see and you cannot believe how busy everything is here and how dependant life is on the river. There are hardly any Westerners here at the moment which means that <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">everything is r</span>eally quiet and you keep on bumping into the same people, which is great as you compare notes and know that you will see each other later on the journey, as you follow <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">similar</span> routes up the coast.</div><div></div><br /><div>As I was the only one on the boat from the border my guide Jade decided that I should learn some Vietnamese and so far so good as at least they use the same alphabet as us even though the <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">pronunciation</span> is tricky. I am officially from Nam Phi (South Africa) and without fail the very next question is "Why are you not black?" They seem to be very <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">puzzled</span> and I travelled around with two Americans today, one of whom has Asian parents which confused everyone even more. After spending the night in Chau Doc we went up the Sam mountain this morning to visit the cave pagoda and look out over the delta towards the Cambodian-Vietnamese boarder, then we took a row boat through the floating city where everything from the petrol station to post office is only accesible by boat and the local supermarket comes to you and moars outside your houseboat's door. Here we visited one of the Cham minority villiages were they tried to teach me how to weave but it is complicated and I am not coordinated enough! And last but not least the food in Vietnam so far has been fantastic! Rice pancakes, delicious noodle soups (R3.50) and more once I am feeling more adventurous (still recovering from a Cambodian bug... but thanks to Dr Carkeek and Dr Butler I am prepared for anything, but maybe not bird flu from the ducklings - one for 2000 dong - only R1!). I have another day exploring the delta and then on to bright lights of Ho Chi Min City (aka Siagon). Gotta respect Uncle Ho and not the Frenchies even though they introduced cheese, bagettes and some pretty buildings to the area. </div></div>Alexhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08794782385413715884noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36990520.post-81936026864083679672007-05-24T19:12:00.000+10:002008-12-11T17:28:26.911+11:00Playing Survivor on Rabbit Island....<div><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/__nW_ExkxNp0/Rllp_Cp3I5I/AAAAAAAAAb4/L4rGJLHTQpA/s1600-h/DSC_0166.JPG"></a><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/__nW_ExkxNp0/Rllp_yp3I6I/AAAAAAAAAcA/T6rNRjInUHA/s1600-h/ingvilds+bilder+cambodia+036.jpg"></a><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/__nW_ExkxNp0/RllqAyp3I7I/AAAAAAAAAcI/cHqrrqeO6wA/s1600-h/DSC03700.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5069199417412101042" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/__nW_ExkxNp0/RllqAyp3I7I/AAAAAAAAAcI/cHqrrqeO6wA/s200/DSC03700.JPG" border="0" /></a> <a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/__nW_ExkxNp0/RllzIip3JAI/AAAAAAAAAcw/iDjGbBibFCo/s1600-h/ingvilds+bilder+cambodia+036.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5069209446160737282" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/__nW_ExkxNp0/RllzIip3JAI/AAAAAAAAAcw/iDjGbBibFCo/s200/ingvilds+bilder+cambodia+036.jpg" border="0" /></a><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/__nW_ExkxNp0/RllzHCp3I_I/AAAAAAAAAco/Xz21LAEIIlE/s1600-h/ingvilds+bilder+cambodia+096.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5069209420390933490" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/__nW_ExkxNp0/RllzHCp3I_I/AAAAAAAAAco/Xz21LAEIIlE/s200/ingvilds+bilder+cambodia+096.jpg" border="0" /></a><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/__nW_ExkxNp0/RllqCSp3I9I/AAAAAAAAAcY/TQt-IbxvxvU/s1600-h/DSC03720.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5069199443181904850" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/__nW_ExkxNp0/RllqCSp3I9I/AAAAAAAAAcY/TQt-IbxvxvU/s200/DSC03720.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><div>While <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">ralaxing</span> on the beach at <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">Sianouk</span> Ville was nice, it started to feel like Cos <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">da</span> la Cambodia and it was time to head off down the coast to <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">Kampot</span> where there is not much but a pretty provincial capital, a few pepper plantations and lots of fresh crab. I met up with a great Norwegian couple, Inge and <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">Vaski</span> and we became firm friend when we instantaneously agreed to pay double for our share taxi - the norm in Cambodia is 6 passengers and 1 driver in a sedan and the driving is scary enough. You are also fined by the police for this (you as the passengers are expected to pay these fines...) but we were shortly joined by Trevor from Manchester who is a travelling anomaly and deserves a mention.... </div><div><br /></div><div><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/__nW_ExkxNp0/Rllm_Cp3I1I/AAAAAAAAAbY/_qoLg_YH76M/s1600-h/DSC_0183.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5069196088812446546" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/__nW_ExkxNp0/Rllm_Cp3I1I/AAAAAAAAAbY/_qoLg_YH76M/s200/DSC_0183.JPG" border="0" /></a>Trevor is a 39 year old, wiry, chain-smoking Mancunian who has been travelling for 7 months and is a <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">connoisseur</span> of beer, prostitutes and massages, as he will soon tell you. He has been to India, <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_6">Sri</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_7">Lanka</span> etc and recently came from Thailand where he saw the country - 3 weeks in Bangkok with his new girlfriend, eating some "good Western food" - Mac <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_8">Donalds</span> (for the first 8 days), Pizza Hut and Burger King. He then went to Siam <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_9">Reip</span> (<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_10">Ankor</span>) didn't see any temples. Why travel you ask? Because it is cheap, the beer is even cheaper and he is looking for love and might try yoga.... Trev invited himself out to dinner on our first night with the words "I could murder some sweet and sour chicken!" when Inge, <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_11">Vaski</span> and I mentioned that we should try a Chinese-Khmer restaurant that specialised in crab and then complained that he didn't know how we could eat such things. He is only in <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_12">Kampot</span> as his credit card was lost/stolen and was waiting for a new one. Oi <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_13">va</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_14">voi</span>! </div><br /><div><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/__nW_ExkxNp0/RllnBCp3I3I/AAAAAAAAAbo/Z4pTGYxzBpo/s1600-h/ingvilds+bilder+cambodia+027.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5069196123172184946" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/__nW_ExkxNp0/RllnBCp3I3I/AAAAAAAAAbo/Z4pTGYxzBpo/s200/ingvilds+bilder+cambodia+027.jpg" border="0" /></a><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/__nW_ExkxNp0/Rllm-ip3I0I/AAAAAAAAAbQ/WKU4eQWO8mg/s1600-h/DSC03645.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5069196080222511938" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/__nW_ExkxNp0/Rllm-ip3I0I/AAAAAAAAAbQ/WKU4eQWO8mg/s200/DSC03645.JPG" border="0" /></a><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/__nW_ExkxNp0/RllqBip3I8I/AAAAAAAAAcQ/LwtOAgYGeYE/s1600-h/DSC03707.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5069199430297002946" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/__nW_ExkxNp0/RllqBip3I8I/AAAAAAAAAcQ/LwtOAgYGeYE/s200/DSC03707.JPG" border="0" /></a><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/__nW_ExkxNp0/Rll1ACp3JBI/AAAAAAAAAc4/a1ej5qXGw6I/s1600-h/ingvilds+bilder+cambodia+005.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5069211499155104786" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/__nW_ExkxNp0/Rll1ACp3JBI/AAAAAAAAAc4/a1ej5qXGw6I/s200/ingvilds+bilder+cambodia+005.jpg" border="0" /></a></div><div>The next day we set off to <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_15">Bokor</span> National Park which <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_16">includes</span> the Elephant Mountains and is the site of a French Hill Station built in the 1920's as a retreat for the rich of <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_17">Phnom</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_18">Penh</span>. The small town consisted of a hotel and casino perched on a cliff above the jungle, a bank and post office and church. Apparently people used to gamble away all their money at the casino and if the bank couldn't help (or your preys weren't being answered) they used to throw themselves off the hotel terrace over the cliff into the jungle! The hill station then fell into ruin in the early 70's and was the battle site between the <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_19">Khmer</span> Rough and the Vietnamese. The buildings are now covered in moss and lichen, are <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_20">incredibly</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_21">eary</span> and mist flows round the mountain top adding to the effect.</div><br /><div><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/__nW_ExkxNp0/Rllp_yp3I6I/AAAAAAAAAcA/T6rNRjInUHA/s1600-h/ingvilds+bilder+cambodia+036.jpg"></a><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/__nW_ExkxNp0/Rllp_yp3I6I/AAAAAAAAAcA/T6rNRjInUHA/s1600-h/ingvilds+bilder+cambodia+036.jpg"></a><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/__nW_ExkxNp0/RllnBSp3I4I/AAAAAAAAAbw/wl2DA3Hod6E/s1600-h/ingvilds+bilder+cambodia+106.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5069196127467152258" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/__nW_ExkxNp0/RllnBSp3I4I/AAAAAAAAAbw/wl2DA3Hod6E/s200/ingvilds+bilder+cambodia+106.jpg" border="0" /></a>Bumping along in the back of the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_22">bukkie</span> (with 14 people in total - and you thought mini bus <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_23">taxis</span> were bad!) - we soon became friends with Zoe from Newcastle and Mark a drama teacher who is helping <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_24">disabled</span> Cambodians, and decided to set off to Rabbit Island the next day. It is an extremely <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_25">beautiful</span> island with no water, electricity or Westerners just you, the beach, a grass hut and friendly cow roaming the beach - <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_26">Survivor</span> Cambodia! After 2 nights Zoe and I decided to vote ourselves off the island and headed to <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_27">Kep</span> for a night of luxury, as we had hot showers! It was then on to <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_28">Phnom</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_29">Penh</span> accompanied by Roland <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_30">Keeting</span> in the bus - his number one group of fans is the entire Cambodian nation - were I explored more of the city, including the Genocide Museum and the Killing Fields but lay low waiting for my visa to Vietnam as I had picked up a bug as a <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_31">souvenir</span> from the island, but such are the joys of travelling!</div><div> </div></div>Alexhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08794782385413715884noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36990520.post-47208298679237825072007-05-24T01:47:00.000+10:002007-05-24T02:14:11.509+10:00PicsShalom!<br /><br />This is not Alex, its Greg, but i have taken a break from my intensive regimen of Facebooking, eating, and sleeping to post Alex's photos... i will post them on Joumaseblog if you like as well, you need only ask!<br /><br />Keep it real,<br /><br />Greg<br /><br /><table style="width:194px;"><tr><td align="center" style="height:194px;background:url(http://picasaweb.google.com/f/img/transparent_album_background.gif) no-repeat left"><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/gregory.abramowitz/AlSPicsIslands"><img src="http://lh6.google.com/image/gregory.abramowitz/RlRZRjK4AlE/AAAAAAAAAcc/RxTrllTkyww/s160-c/AlSPicsIslands.jpg" width="160" height="160" style="margin:1px 0 0 4px;"></a></td></tr><tr><td style="text-align:center;font-family:arial,sans-serif;font-size:11px"><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/gregory.abramowitz/AlSPicsIslands" style="color:#4D4D4D;font-weight:bold;text-decoration:none;">Al's pics - Islands</a></td></tr></table><br /><br /><table style="width:194px;"><tr><td align="center" style="height:194px;background:url(http://picasaweb.google.com/f/img/transparent_album_background.gif) no-repeat left"><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/gregory.abramowitz/AlSPicsKanchanaburiAyuthayaSukothai"><img src="http://lh3.google.com/image/gregory.abramowitz/RlRbOzK4A1E/AAAAAAAAAf4/Yo6mu5zpt9U/s160-c/AlSPicsKanchanaburiAyuthayaSukothai.jpg" width="160" height="160" style="margin:1px 0 0 4px;"></a></td></tr><tr><td style="text-align:center;font-family:arial,sans-serif;font-size:11px"><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/gregory.abramowitz/AlSPicsKanchanaburiAyuthayaSukothai" style="color:#4D4D4D;font-weight:bold;text-decoration:none;">Al's pics - Kanchanabu<wbr></wbr>ri, Ayuthaya, Sukothai</a></td></tr></table><br /><br /><table style="width:194px;"><tr><td align="center" style="height:194px;background:url(http://picasaweb.google.com/f/img/transparent_album_background.gif) no-repeat left"><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/gregory.abramowitz/AlSPicsChiangMai"><img src="http://lh5.google.com/image/gregory.abramowitz/RlRe9TK4BRE/AAAAAAAAAik/SWgCwQD76wI/s160-c/AlSPicsChiangMai.jpg" width="160" height="160" style="margin:1px 0 0 4px;"></a></td></tr><tr><td style="text-align:center;font-family:arial,sans-serif;font-size:11px"><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/gregory.abramowitz/AlSPicsChiangMai" style="color:#4D4D4D;font-weight:bold;text-decoration:none;">Al's pics - Chiang Mai</a></td></tr></table><br /><br /><table style="width:194px;"><tr><td align="center" style="height:194px;background:url(http://picasaweb.google.com/f/img/transparent_album_background.gif) no-repeat left"><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/gregory.abramowitz/AlSPicsCambodia"><img src="http://lh4.google.com/image/gregory.abramowitz/RlRh9DK4BnE/AAAAAAAAAnQ/v86RJfAePpQ/s160-c/AlSPicsCambodia.jpg" width="160" height="160" style="margin:1px 0 0 4px;"></a></td></tr><tr><td style="text-align:center;font-family:arial,sans-serif;font-size:11px"><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/gregory.abramowitz/AlSPicsCambodia" style="color:#4D4D4D;font-weight:bold;text-decoration:none;">Al's pics - Cambodia</a></td></tr></table>Greghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04416887954832120203noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36990520.post-77780020821154739752007-05-15T21:56:00.000+10:002008-12-11T17:28:32.562+11:00Into Cambodia<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/__nW_ExkxNp0/Rk8A6ip3IqI/AAAAAAAAAaA/Vm7wqn6sbPs/s1600-h/DSC03450.JPG"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/__nW_ExkxNp0/Rk8A6ip3IqI/AAAAAAAAAaA/Vm7wqn6sbPs/s200/DSC03450.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5066269111549895330" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/__nW_ExkxNp0/Rk8A7Cp3IrI/AAAAAAAAAaI/cyTRnJAPfY8/s1600-h/DSC03463.JPG"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/__nW_ExkxNp0/Rk8A7Cp3IrI/AAAAAAAAAaI/cyTRnJAPfY8/s200/DSC03463.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5066269120139829938" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/__nW_ExkxNp0/Rk8A7yp3ItI/AAAAAAAAAaY/CvxiK2lYcno/s1600-h/DSC03484.JPG"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/__nW_ExkxNp0/Rk8A7yp3ItI/AAAAAAAAAaY/CvxiK2lYcno/s200/DSC03484.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5066269133024731858" border="0" /></a><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div>I have been trying to update the blog for days but Cambodian technology has been against me and I finally found a <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">pc</span> with a CD drive and <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">UBS</span> port! Well, I can't believe that a little over 2 weeks ago we packed our backpacks and took the sleeper train south from <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">Chaing</span></span> Mai back to Bangkok. <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">Chaing</span></span> Mai is an amazing city and after spending 5 days there, cooking (<a href="http://www.theglobalsoupkithchen.blogspot.com/">www.theglobalsoupkitchen.blogspot.com</a>), exploring on foot as our nerves needed a break,<br />more <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">watting</span></span>, and visiting the most amazing street market we had ever been too, as well as visiting the Royal gardens and a temple which is perched on a hill over looking the city, we were reluctant to leave.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/__nW_ExkxNp0/Rk7iuCp3IdI/AAAAAAAAAYY/iNkL6Ox0n-8/s1600-h/DSC02979.JPG"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/__nW_ExkxNp0/Rk7iuCp3IdI/AAAAAAAAAYY/iNkL6Ox0n-8/s200/DSC02979.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5066235911452697042" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/__nW_ExkxNp0/Rk7iuip3IeI/AAAAAAAAAYg/DrKwjSZwyzY/s1600-h/DSC03148.JPG"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/__nW_ExkxNp0/Rk7iuip3IeI/AAAAAAAAAYg/DrKwjSZwyzY/s200/DSC03148.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5066235920042631650" border="0" /></a> <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/__nW_ExkxNp0/Rk7itip3IcI/AAAAAAAAAYQ/a4eGSHv-xVA/s1600-h/DSC03086.JPG"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/__nW_ExkxNp0/Rk7itip3IcI/AAAAAAAAAYQ/a4eGSHv-xVA/s200/DSC03086.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5066235902862762434" border="0" /></a> </div>We spent a <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">brief</span> day in Bangkok visiting the Royal Palace and the surrounding <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">Wats</span></span> before exploring China town were we were staying before heading East to the Cambodian boarder. The Palace was amazing as you have never seen so much gold leaf and paint and the attention to detail is <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">truly</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_6">impressive</span>. Even the flower pots are <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_7">ancient</span> and must be worth a fortune (trust me to notice the plants...).<br /><br />The first half of the trip to Cambodia started off well, we were in a bus with functioning <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_8">air conditioning</span> etc but things slowly when downhill as we approached the boarder post... After fighting with the boarder police (as we refused to pay him his bribe as he was ripping us off) we eventually got out visa's without the threatened wait of 3 hours for 100 <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_9">extra</span> Baht and were <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_10">mobbed</span> at the boarder by 5 special "government <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_11">tour guides</span>" and confronted by a sea of mud. We got on the free van which was <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_12">supposed</span> to take us to the bus station and <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_13">instead</span> dropped us off at the worst bus company in Cambodia. We were harassed into buying tickets after wading though sludge to <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_14">escape</span> the totes only to wait 4 hours for the bus which was always coming in the next half an hour. Eventually we were loaded into a minibus and driven out of town. <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_15"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_6">Yay</span></span>, we were on the road. The worst <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_16">road</span> in the world but we were moving. And moving to a special remote place were our bus lay in pieces and was being reassembled for us.... Another hour later and the bus from a century ago was "ready" despite the fact that the floor was still littered with bus parts. The the fun really began as 6 hours of spine crunching, bump numbing <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_17">torture</span> started. At the end of the trip the bus driver was lying to us, wouldn't let us out of the bus in the town we were going to until 20 <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_18"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_7">farang</span></span> were screaming at him to stop an <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_19"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_8">tuk</span></span>-<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_20"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_9">tuks</span></span> were chasing us to see where it would all end. <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_21"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_10">Oui</span></span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_22"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_11">va</span></span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_23"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_12">voi</span></span>! Not a good start to Siam <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_24"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_13">Riep</span></span> and Cambodia but we were all united in our <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_25">ordeal</span> and became friends.<br /><br />After a days break, we set off with our <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_14">Ried</span> (a.k.a the cowboy), our <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_15">tuk</span>-<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_16">tuk</span> driver to explore the temples of <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_17">Ankor</span> Wat which were <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_18">truely</span> spectacular. We were in awe most of the time and the cravings and statues were amazing. On the first day we concentrated on the main temples close to the town, with the second day spent driving through the countryside to some carvings in the stone of a river bed so that the waters of <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_19">Ankor</span> were blessed before they entered the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_20">anchient</span> city. On the last day we explored the remaining temples and went to <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_21">Rolous</span> on a ride that was so scary that we had to close our eyes! Cowboy was on good form....<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/__nW_ExkxNp0/Rk7ivip3IgI/AAAAAAAAAYw/fHtESRao91o/s1600-h/DSC03245.JPG"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/__nW_ExkxNp0/Rk7ivip3IgI/AAAAAAAAAYw/fHtESRao91o/s200/DSC03245.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5066235937222500866" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/__nW_ExkxNp0/Rk7jsCp3IhI/AAAAAAAAAY4/XZEF9A2iSxE/s1600-h/DSC03231.JPG"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/__nW_ExkxNp0/Rk7jsCp3IhI/AAAAAAAAAY4/XZEF9A2iSxE/s200/DSC03231.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5066236976604586514" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/__nW_ExkxNp0/Rk7-Myp3IoI/AAAAAAAAAZw/hGk3vGKqfUo/s1600-h/DSC03374.JPG"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/__nW_ExkxNp0/Rk7-Myp3IoI/AAAAAAAAAZw/hGk3vGKqfUo/s200/DSC03374.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5066266126547624578" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/__nW_ExkxNp0/Rk7-Nip3IpI/AAAAAAAAAZ4/whKeEUluLco/s1600-h/DSC03368.JPG"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/__nW_ExkxNp0/Rk7-Nip3IpI/AAAAAAAAAZ4/whKeEUluLco/s200/DSC03368.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5066266139432526482" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/__nW_ExkxNp0/Rk7-MCp3InI/AAAAAAAAAZo/6STOGEQirKk/s1600-h/DSC03275.JPG"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/__nW_ExkxNp0/Rk7-MCp3InI/AAAAAAAAAZo/6STOGEQirKk/s200/DSC03275.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5066266113662722674" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/__nW_ExkxNp0/Rk7ivCp3IfI/AAAAAAAAAYo/M6d73qY-Ysc/s1600-h/DSC03176.JPG"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/__nW_ExkxNp0/Rk7ivCp3IfI/AAAAAAAAAYo/M6d73qY-Ysc/s200/DSC03176.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5066235928632566258" border="0" /></a>Our last night in Siam <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_22">Reip</span> we spent like true tourists with a buffet while watching some <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_23">Apsara</span> dancers which we very beautiful and controlled. Then it was a last drink at the funky <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_24">munky</span>, a bar run by an English couple who raise money for the local charities through quiz nights etc. On Monday morning Greg and I parted ways though the puddles of water and rain, with him setting out on the road through hell again, this time in a taxi back to Thailand and SA, while I headed south solo, to <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_25">Phnom</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_26">Penh</span>.<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/__nW_ExkxNp0/RkmuHUkMw7I/AAAAAAAAAXo/BrLRGL2ccSE/s1600-h/DSC03394.JPG"> <img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5064770696757691314" style="margin: 0px 10px 10px 0px; float: left;" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/__nW_ExkxNp0/RkmuHUkMw7I/AAAAAAAAAXo/BrLRGL2ccSE/s200/DSC03394.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/__nW_ExkxNp0/RkmuH0kMw8I/AAAAAAAAAXw/BaWBbO5h4kY/s1600-h/DSC03413.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5064770705347625922" style="margin: 0px 10px 10px 0px; float: left;" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/__nW_ExkxNp0/RkmuH0kMw8I/AAAAAAAAAXw/BaWBbO5h4kY/s200/DSC03413.JPG" border="0" /></a><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/__nW_ExkxNp0/RkmuJUkMw-I/AAAAAAAAAYA/WdJjLxxZBBE/s1600-h/DSC03435.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5064770731117429730" style="margin: 0px 10px 10px 0px; float: left;" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/__nW_ExkxNp0/RkmuJUkMw-I/AAAAAAAAAYA/WdJjLxxZBBE/s200/DSC03435.JPG" border="0" /></a><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_27">Phnom</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_28">Penh</span> is a crazy city with beautiful deserted french colonial buildings standing abandoned next too modern complexes and official offices. But these buildings are not totally empty as they are home to the cities monkeys! And when they want to head to the near by parks to steal food they just walk along the telephone wires! <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/__nW_ExkxNp0/Rk75zCp3IkI/AAAAAAAAAZQ/JXhWTJnF5B0/s1600-h/DSC03433.JPG"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/__nW_ExkxNp0/Rk75zCp3IkI/AAAAAAAAAZQ/JXhWTJnF5B0/s200/DSC03433.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5066261286119481922" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/__nW_ExkxNp0/Rk75yip3IjI/AAAAAAAAAZI/XZVWt3OAc6s/s1600-h/DSC03432.JPG"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/__nW_ExkxNp0/Rk75yip3IjI/AAAAAAAAAZI/XZVWt3OAc6s/s200/DSC03432.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5066261277529547314" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/__nW_ExkxNp0/Rk75yCp3IiI/AAAAAAAAAZA/UEux-5du5z0/s1600-h/DSC03421.JPG"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/__nW_ExkxNp0/Rk75yCp3IiI/AAAAAAAAAZA/UEux-5du5z0/s200/DSC03421.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5066261268939612706" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/__nW_ExkxNp0/Rk750Cp3IlI/AAAAAAAAAZY/wzLXXFq54Ik/s1600-h/DSC03439.JPG"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/__nW_ExkxNp0/Rk750Cp3IlI/AAAAAAAAAZY/wzLXXFq54Ik/s200/DSC03439.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5066261303299351122" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/__nW_ExkxNp0/Rk750ip3ImI/AAAAAAAAAZg/qE3GAcbjdA8/s1600-h/DSC03453.JPG"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/__nW_ExkxNp0/Rk750ip3ImI/AAAAAAAAAZg/qE3GAcbjdA8/s200/DSC03453.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5066261311889285730" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/__nW_ExkxNp0/Rk8A7ip3IsI/AAAAAAAAAaQ/fpXfQOLPLcA/s1600-h/DSC03471.JPG"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/__nW_ExkxNp0/Rk8A7ip3IsI/AAAAAAAAAaQ/fpXfQOLPLcA/s200/DSC03471.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5066269128729764546" border="0" /></a>After one day spent sightseeing and walking along the Mekong river I headed further South out of the hot city to <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_29">Sounak</span> Ville on the coast. Here I have spent the last few days lying on the beach on a deck chair which has been great as I have been trying to read about Cambodia's history. There are millions of totes on the beach though and one lady took it <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_30">apon</span> herself to give me a makeover - I must have been looking scruffy, but before I knew it my toenails were bright pink. Today we took a trip down a mangrove lined river in the bordering National Park and after getting stuck in the mud eventually arrived at a deserted beach where we swam and then trekked through the jungle to enjoy a barracuda <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_31">bbq</span> surrounded by sea hawks and loads of birds. Loving the cheap fresh seafood and it has been good to explore but heading on tomorrow to <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_32">Kampot</span> and <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_33">Kep</span> for a few more days <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_34">beforegoing</span> back to <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_35">Phnom</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_36">Penh</span>.Alexhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08794782385413715884noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36990520.post-41310060111102423652007-05-04T19:25:00.000+10:002008-12-11T17:28:34.528+11:00Watting in Northern ThailandWell cycling in Auytthaya was as experience were life flashed before your eyes as we tried to navigate our way through the streets of the city, with motorbikes driving on the wrong side of the road towards us, tuk-tuks, buses, stray dogs, trucks - basically anything goes on the streets of Thailand. In amongst the din of the traffic all I heard was Greg shouting "Oh, my Jesus!", (well I 'spose the Jews do stick together), as we weaved our way through the 6 lane roads on our way to the temples situated in the middle of the road. Greg insisted that he drove in front, even though I was the one who knew which way we were going (?), but apparently his nerves couldn't take my super speedy skillful traffic negotiations. If you don't assert yourself you will get run over! And considering we were riding bikes from the 60's with no gears, helmets etc (I would have liked a bell to go with my basket) we didn't do to badly.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/__nW_ExkxNp0/RjsCF0kMwzI/AAAAAAAAAWo/0ki9X1wwI2k/s1600-h/DSC02860.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/__nW_ExkxNp0/RjsCF0kMwzI/AAAAAAAAAWo/0ki9X1wwI2k/s200/DSC02860.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5060640905313960754" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/__nW_ExkxNp0/RjsCGEkMw0I/AAAAAAAAAWw/3LP9R-j2VTk/s1600-h/DSC02866.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/__nW_ExkxNp0/RjsCGEkMw0I/AAAAAAAAAWw/3LP9R-j2VTk/s200/DSC02866.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5060640909608928066" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/__nW_ExkxNp0/RjsCGkkMw1I/AAAAAAAAAW4/WgkBuQrZ_Lo/s1600-h/DSC02887.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/__nW_ExkxNp0/RjsCGkkMw1I/AAAAAAAAAW4/WgkBuQrZ_Lo/s200/DSC02887.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5060640918198862674" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/__nW_ExkxNp0/RjsCG0kMw2I/AAAAAAAAAXA/YKIuZb2mkfo/s1600-h/DSC02906.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/__nW_ExkxNp0/RjsCG0kMw2I/AAAAAAAAAXA/YKIuZb2mkfo/s200/DSC02906.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5060640922493829986" /></a>The temples were amazing and are all set in parkland which we could cycle through with relative ease and little chance of being killed - huge ornate chedis, buddahs, lots of relief work and only a few farang which was great. Next we headed off to Sukhothai a 6 hour journey to the North, on the VIP bus for only R60, lunch included were we stayed in the best guest house in Thailand so far, Baan Thai. The next day we headed out to Sukhothai Historical park foe more cycling - this time my bright pink Fairy bike did have a bell and a basket! It was just missing the streamers and it would have been used in My Girl. The temples here were also incredible but more spread out and out of the city center. After cycling over 20km in the heat we headed back to town only to get caught in a torrential downpour but managed to swim through the streets which had become rivers back to our bungalow.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/__nW_ExkxNp0/RjsF6UkMw3I/AAAAAAAAAXI/2SunBMJGukI/s1600-h/DSC02863.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/__nW_ExkxNp0/RjsF6UkMw3I/AAAAAAAAAXI/2SunBMJGukI/s200/DSC02863.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5060645105791976306" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/__nW_ExkxNp0/RjsF6kkMw4I/AAAAAAAAAXQ/PwqQvg05LYM/s1600-h/DSC02891.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/__nW_ExkxNp0/RjsF6kkMw4I/AAAAAAAAAXQ/PwqQvg05LYM/s200/DSC02891.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5060645110086943618" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/__nW_ExkxNp0/RjsF7EkMw5I/AAAAAAAAAXY/DnBCXb9367w/s1600-h/DSC02932.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/__nW_ExkxNp0/RjsF7EkMw5I/AAAAAAAAAXY/DnBCXb9367w/s200/DSC02932.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5060645118676878226" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/__nW_ExkxNp0/RjsF7UkMw6I/AAAAAAAAAXg/hR8BILypQW0/s1600-h/DSC02941.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/__nW_ExkxNp0/RjsF7UkMw6I/AAAAAAAAAXg/hR8BILypQW0/s200/DSC02941.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5060645122971845538" /></a>We arrived in Chaing Mai yesterday, were we have splashed out and gotten a room with aircon and a TV (Greg has to watch some of the rugby this weekend....) and spent the afternoon exploring the old city and the night market last night. This morning was rather lazy as we wandered around and when the rain started what were we to do but duck into a temple for an hour massage before the most delicious lunch. We went to a workers cafe were they only serve 4 dishes, chicken with rice, dipping sauces and soup, fried chicken or pork and rice, or pork stay with cucumber salad and rice. Outstanding and all for R24 with drinks. We might have to go back again... We are doing a thai cookery course tomorrow on a farm outside of Chiang Mai, tales of which I'm sure will definitely make it on to the blog.Alexhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08794782385413715884noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36990520.post-35423365550902884662007-04-29T20:46:00.000+10:002008-12-11T17:28:38.185+11:00<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/__nW_ExkxNp0/RjR5EEkMwnI/AAAAAAAAAVI/MPl0DcZQx3s/s1600-h/DSC02592.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/__nW_ExkxNp0/RjR5EEkMwnI/AAAAAAAAAVI/MPl0DcZQx3s/s200/DSC02592.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5058801392295920242" /></a><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/__nW_ExkxNp0/RjR5EUkMwoI/AAAAAAAAAVQ/y2p0rKQ-HK8/s1600-h/DSC02630.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/__nW_ExkxNp0/RjR5EUkMwoI/AAAAAAAAAVQ/y2p0rKQ-HK8/s200/DSC02630.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5058801396590887554" /></a><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/__nW_ExkxNp0/RjR5EkkMwpI/AAAAAAAAAVY/OTVNjLwdJfQ/s1600-h/DSC02645.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/__nW_ExkxNp0/RjR5EkkMwpI/AAAAAAAAAVY/OTVNjLwdJfQ/s200/DSC02645.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5058801400885854866" /></a><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/__nW_ExkxNp0/RjR5E0kMwqI/AAAAAAAAAVg/rBnQMqdm54w/s1600-h/DSC02735.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/__nW_ExkxNp0/RjR5E0kMwqI/AAAAAAAAAVg/rBnQMqdm54w/s200/DSC02735.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5058801405180822178" /></a>After Bangkok, Greg and I headed down South to the island and after a very bumpy and load bus, ferry and long boat taxi ride we arrived in Koh Tao where we spent the next five days. Koh Tao was amazingly beautiful, great snorkeling, peace and quiet and although hot very relaxing. Greg did a diving course and got his open water while I must admit that I did not very much except lie on the beach, swim and explored the town. <br /><br />After Koh Tao we moved on to Koh Pangang which after Koh Tao was a great disappointment - too many Israelis, farang food (though to be fair we did have very good falafel for shabas...), bad music and too many tattoo parlours. Oi va voi! Time to head south again and after another long journey via Krabi we crossed the mainland and headed to Koh Lanta. Here we trekked though the jungle ( while being eaten my mozzies) and went exploring some underground caves with a local guide. While the cave is totally unspoilt and unlit, you still get a rush when you are balancing over a bamboo pole on the edge of a cliff in the darkness, clambering down ladders into the unknown and crawling out in the mud. After lunch we explored the old town, situated on a mangrove swamp and ate amazing prawn fritters and lunch on the water.<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/__nW_ExkxNp0/RjR690kMwrI/AAAAAAAAAVo/mlsHYUkcalY/s1600-h/DSC02619.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/__nW_ExkxNp0/RjR690kMwrI/AAAAAAAAAVo/mlsHYUkcalY/s200/DSC02619.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5058803483944993458" /></a><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/__nW_ExkxNp0/RjR6-EkMwsI/AAAAAAAAAVw/LZ8AN787dRM/s1600-h/DSC02707.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/__nW_ExkxNp0/RjR6-EkMwsI/AAAAAAAAAVw/LZ8AN787dRM/s200/DSC02707.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5058803488239960770" /></a><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/__nW_ExkxNp0/RjR6-UkMwtI/AAAAAAAAAV4/32LK7tgB9a8/s1600-h/DSC02732.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/__nW_ExkxNp0/RjR6-UkMwtI/AAAAAAAAAV4/32LK7tgB9a8/s200/DSC02732.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5058803492534928082" /></a><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/__nW_ExkxNp0/RjR6-kkMwuI/AAAAAAAAAWA/R3aSjfd4AaQ/s1600-h/DSC02741.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/__nW_ExkxNp0/RjR6-kkMwuI/AAAAAAAAAWA/R3aSjfd4AaQ/s200/DSC02741.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5058803496829895394" /></a><br /><br />Then it was back to Bangkok for two days of viewing temples, Jim Thompson's house and making plans to head North. We honestly were very please to leave as the constant totes, scammers, noise and being constantly ripped off were starting to get to us and when Greg's sunglasses were stolen is was the final straw. We have spent the last two days in Kanchanaburi exploring the town which is situated on the River Kwai with the famous bridge just north of the town. Yesterday we took the train to Hell Fire Pass and explored the museums which detailed the use of Allied POWs as slave labour in building the railway in WW2 - unfortunately little mention is made of the thousands of Thais and Burmese who also died building it. <br /><br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/__nW_ExkxNp0/RjR_VUkMwvI/AAAAAAAAAWI/gXRKXpnUs-0/s1600-h/DSC02768.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/__nW_ExkxNp0/RjR_VUkMwvI/AAAAAAAAAWI/gXRKXpnUs-0/s200/DSC02768.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5058808285718430450" /></a><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/__nW_ExkxNp0/RjR_V0kMwwI/AAAAAAAAAWQ/bcUIURtHH_0/s1600-h/DSC02822.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/__nW_ExkxNp0/RjR_V0kMwwI/AAAAAAAAAWQ/bcUIURtHH_0/s200/DSC02822.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5058808294308365058" /></a><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/__nW_ExkxNp0/RjR_WEkMwxI/AAAAAAAAAWY/vBd05P0JCd8/s1600-h/DSC02790.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/__nW_ExkxNp0/RjR_WEkMwxI/AAAAAAAAAWY/vBd05P0JCd8/s200/DSC02790.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5058808298603332370" /></a><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/__nW_ExkxNp0/RjR_WUkMwyI/AAAAAAAAAWg/XfgnoJDT9AA/s1600-h/DSC02807.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/__nW_ExkxNp0/RjR_WUkMwyI/AAAAAAAAAWg/XfgnoJDT9AA/s200/DSC02807.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5058808302898299682" /></a>We arrived in Auytayya this afternoon, which is the ancient capital of Thailand and will rent bikes tomorrow to explore the temples around the old city. After that we are heading further North to Sukothai and Chaing Mai.Alexhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08794782385413715884noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36990520.post-47797166411812392382007-04-21T23:16:00.000+10:002008-12-11T17:28:39.315+11:00From Tasmania to Thailand...Well it has been a hectic two weeks in some sense as I have done a lot of travelling, but I can't honestly say that life is very stressful when your main priorities are choosing which bikini to wear and which beach to lie on! I did write a long blog post this week detailing my journey over the last two weeks, but then the Internet connection died and i lost it all, so now that i am older and wiser I shall attempt to fill you in via smaller posts! Also Greg is posting on Jou Ma Se Blog and being more successful so most of you know whats up anyway.<br /><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/__nW_ExkxNp0/RioW452JgSI/AAAAAAAAATw/WBiecHmPTdM/s1600-h/DSC02442v02.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/__nW_ExkxNp0/RioW452JgSI/AAAAAAAAATw/WBiecHmPTdM/s320/DSC02442v02.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5055878698533224738" /></a><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/__nW_ExkxNp0/RioW5J2JgTI/AAAAAAAAAT4/e5YfKJgl9BU/s1600-h/DSC02438v02.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/__nW_ExkxNp0/RioW5J2JgTI/AAAAAAAAAT4/e5YfKJgl9BU/s320/DSC02438v02.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5055878702828192050" /></a><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/__nW_ExkxNp0/RioW5p2JgUI/AAAAAAAAAUA/iL_AFnsD-m4/s1600-h/DSC02446v02.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/__nW_ExkxNp0/RioW5p2JgUI/AAAAAAAAAUA/iL_AFnsD-m4/s320/DSC02446v02.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5055878711418126658" /></a><br /><br />Tamsmania was amazingly beautiful, cold and autumnal. I rented a car in Hobart and drove around for five days, singing alone to lots of music, (thanks to Ram!) mostly floks etc, going on scenic walks, breathing fresh air and exploring the wild western side of the island and its National Parks - Russel Falls, Lake St Claire, theFranklin River, Cradle Mountain - stopping in small towns, eating great food and drinking the local wine to stay warm and met some great fellow travellers. A bit f peace and quiet over Easter to sit back, relax, eat and Easter egg and get my head into holiday mode.<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/__nW_ExkxNp0/RioYlJ2JgWI/AAAAAAAAAUQ/C67aiJTJvig/s1600-h/DSC02510.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/__nW_ExkxNp0/RioYlJ2JgWI/AAAAAAAAAUQ/C67aiJTJvig/s320/DSC02510.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5055880558254063970" /></a><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/__nW_ExkxNp0/RioYlZ2JgXI/AAAAAAAAAUY/dqACOn9YuEs/s1600-h/DSC02570.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/__nW_ExkxNp0/RioYlZ2JgXI/AAAAAAAAAUY/dqACOn9YuEs/s320/DSC02570.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5055880562549031282" /></a>Before I knew it is was over and I flew back to Melbourne for less than 18 hours, were I replaced my winter woolies with my bikini and filled my backpack ready to hit South East Asia and arrived in Bangkok in the middle of Songkran. Songkran is a festival celebrating the Buddist New Year - an intergral part of the festival is to clense yourself with water and the whole city turns into a water fight for four days, and while it is good fun, we decided to head down to the islands after 2 days as not much else was accessable in the city.Alexhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08794782385413715884noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36990520.post-52846025712258907872007-04-05T19:48:00.000+10:002008-12-11T17:28:40.333+11:00Happily Unemployed Again...<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/__nW_ExkxNp0/RhTVKGVz8-I/AAAAAAAAATI/pXzB7xWXmKs/s1600-h/DSC02254v02.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/__nW_ExkxNp0/RhTVKGVz8-I/AAAAAAAAATI/pXzB7xWXmKs/s320/DSC02254v02.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5049895451666674658" /></a><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/__nW_ExkxNp0/RhTVKWVz8_I/AAAAAAAAATQ/J-rl9uTGLyw/s1600-h/DSC02261v02.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/__nW_ExkxNp0/RhTVKWVz8_I/AAAAAAAAATQ/J-rl9uTGLyw/s320/DSC02261v02.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5049895455961641970" /></a><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/__nW_ExkxNp0/RhTVK2Vz9AI/AAAAAAAAATY/lemBzMn1GyY/s1600-h/DSC02297v02.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/__nW_ExkxNp0/RhTVK2Vz9AI/AAAAAAAAATY/lemBzMn1GyY/s320/DSC02297v02.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5049895464551576578" /></a><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/__nW_ExkxNp0/RhTVLGVz9BI/AAAAAAAAATg/o0TW0JBGOG4/s1600-h/DSC02323v02.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/__nW_ExkxNp0/RhTVLGVz9BI/AAAAAAAAATg/o0TW0JBGOG4/s320/DSC02323v02.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5049895468846543890" /></a><br />Well, I have just completed my last day of work, and paid employment, for potentially the next 18 months which is exciting but very daunting financially! I must say that I will miss Peter Mac, my little grannies, all the staff at the Foundation, my morning latte and my new Aussie friends but it is time for the next adventure.<br /><br />A quick catch up is that I moved back to Bennett Street last weekend and it is great to be back here, despite missing Ram and Tal as they are off on their travels, but Lieu, Marta, Adam and I have been cooking up a storm. The Melbourne International Garden Show was on last weekend and the gardening fanatic in me came out (it has been hidden in awhile) to play. Some amazing flower exhibits, rumoured to be judged by Prince Charles, though he would have been accosted by a million old ladies and gay flower arrangers, and lots of garden displays. Needless to say I couldn't resist and I am breaking the Biodiversity Act posting some exotic bulbs home to my mum, but they will be kept in pots and out of the forest....<br /><br />But the most exciting thing that I have done this week is going to the Best of the V Festival last night where I saw the Pixies live!!! They were fantastic and Gina (who also spent some of her formative years jumping around to the them at the Fringe) and I jumped up and down like mad things with some crazy Irish people (Fek, be-jesus!). Wish you guys had been there. Phoenix was also great, but Jarvis Cocker not so much... Lots of Jagermeister, vodka and a fantastic concert over looking the city from the Myer music bowl. I did take three video clips of the concern but I still am figuring out You Tube.<br /><br />I'm off to Tassie tomorrow for 6 days and I'm looking forward to eating oysters and sea food, driving round in my car and exploring the wild west coast. Happy Easter to all of you and I hope the bunny finds you where ever you may be.Alexhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08794782385413715884noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36990520.post-81692986963381938292007-03-24T18:02:00.000+11:002008-12-11T17:28:42.912+11:00The FINA Openning Extravaganza!!!<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/__nW_ExkxNp0/RgYfdK1PLhI/AAAAAAAAARU/Qhz-Z1tZ6E8/s1600-h/DSC02133v02.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/__nW_ExkxNp0/RgYfdK1PLhI/AAAAAAAAARU/Qhz-Z1tZ6E8/s200/DSC02133v02.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5045755018499534354" /></a><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/__nW_ExkxNp0/RgYfda1PLiI/AAAAAAAAARc/8rIZWWL1Kr0/s1600-h/DSC02141v02.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/__nW_ExkxNp0/RgYfda1PLiI/AAAAAAAAARc/8rIZWWL1Kr0/s200/DSC02141v02.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5045755022794501666" /></a><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/__nW_ExkxNp0/RgYfd61PLjI/AAAAAAAAARk/vlDI4OQ330w/s1600-h/DSC02135v2.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/__nW_ExkxNp0/RgYfd61PLjI/AAAAAAAAARk/vlDI4OQ330w/s200/DSC02135v2.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5045755031384436274" /></a><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/__nW_ExkxNp0/RgYfeK1PLkI/AAAAAAAAARs/7fMrsrU59Jo/s1600-h/DSC02170v02.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/__nW_ExkxNp0/RgYfeK1PLkI/AAAAAAAAARs/7fMrsrU59Jo/s200/DSC02170v02.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5045755035679403586" /></a><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/__nW_ExkxNp0/RgYgWK1PLlI/AAAAAAAAAR0/XQtlA0KdS7A/s1600-h/DSC02180v02.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/__nW_ExkxNp0/RgYgWK1PLlI/AAAAAAAAAR0/XQtlA0KdS7A/s200/DSC02180v02.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5045755997752077906" /></a><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/__nW_ExkxNp0/RgYgWa1PLmI/AAAAAAAAAR8/OvW63bocOHA/s1600-h/DSC02202v02.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/__nW_ExkxNp0/RgYgWa1PLmI/AAAAAAAAAR8/OvW63bocOHA/s200/DSC02202v02.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5045756002047045218" /></a><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/__nW_ExkxNp0/RgYgWq1PLnI/AAAAAAAAASE/Wlv_Zv08LMc/s1600-h/DSC02216v2.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/__nW_ExkxNp0/RgYgWq1PLnI/AAAAAAAAASE/Wlv_Zv08LMc/s200/DSC02216v2.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5045756006342012530" /></a><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/__nW_ExkxNp0/RgYgW61PLoI/AAAAAAAAASM/-HEv33CNjbQ/s1600-h/DSC02219v2.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/__nW_ExkxNp0/RgYgW61PLoI/AAAAAAAAASM/-HEv33CNjbQ/s200/DSC02219v2.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5045756010636979842" /></a><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/__nW_ExkxNp0/RgYg8K1PLpI/AAAAAAAAASU/clGE6SI_GZw/s1600-h/DSC02223v2.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/__nW_ExkxNp0/RgYg8K1PLpI/AAAAAAAAASU/clGE6SI_GZw/s200/DSC02223v2.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5045756650587106962" /></a><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/__nW_ExkxNp0/RgYg8q1PLqI/AAAAAAAAASc/jRyn59cOk90/s1600-h/DSC02225v02.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/__nW_ExkxNp0/RgYg8q1PLqI/AAAAAAAAASc/jRyn59cOk90/s200/DSC02225v02.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5045756659177041570" /></a>Oh my God! As Tal and I raced up the stairs of the Rod Laver Arena - usually centre court for the Australian Open, but converted into an Olympic sized pool- we were handed goodie bags and just made it to our seats after dodging hundreds of children dressed from head to toe in cerise for the opening ceremony of the FINA world swimming championships. The lights dimmed and a volenteer who must have been a prefect in her past life, turned around and told us to get out our lights and start waving them around. What? And the we looked around - everyone had a star light which changed colours and was waving them around welcoming in the Diva to sing us a song and the Aboriginies to give us some spiritual meaning to the whole performance. This was only the beginning of the cheesiness - soon we were treated to a reinactment of the pool being built, had acrobats twirling from the ceiling before a hundreds of pengiun dressed from head to toe in licra tap danced for us to River dance. Then came Shannon Knowl the Aussie idol who was then joined by some chicky who is an ex Neighbours star, we had a Ian Thorp basically coming out of the closet and a parade of nations!! How Aussie could you get???<br /><br />Afterwards Tal and I walked back towards the city and Fed square through Batman park which has some crazy art instalations which I think can only be truley appreciated if you have taken a large amount of drugs - weird light intalations and songs about fish, a feild of mushroom like sculptures with the city scape in the background, massive tiled and painted sculptures... But fun - we were like kids in a playground!Alexhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08794782385413715884noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36990520.post-55323457699388555982007-03-24T17:35:00.000+11:002008-12-11T17:28:43.650+11:00Peter Mac Ocean Swim<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/__nW_ExkxNp0/RgTMn61PLdI/AAAAAAAAAQ0/ftcKGOfKUT8/s1600-h/DSC02117v02.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/__nW_ExkxNp0/RgTMn61PLdI/AAAAAAAAAQ0/ftcKGOfKUT8/s200/DSC02117v02.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5045382468741311954" /></a><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/__nW_ExkxNp0/RgTMoK1PLeI/AAAAAAAAAQ8/j4Av4whCPPE/s1600-h/DSC02114v02.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/__nW_ExkxNp0/RgTMoK1PLeI/AAAAAAAAAQ8/j4Av4whCPPE/s200/DSC02114v02.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5045382473036279266" /></a><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/__nW_ExkxNp0/RgTMoa1PLfI/AAAAAAAAARE/8En9X4I-Cjg/s1600-h/DSC02118v02.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/__nW_ExkxNp0/RgTMoa1PLfI/AAAAAAAAARE/8En9X4I-Cjg/s200/DSC02118v02.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5045382477331246578" /></a><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/__nW_ExkxNp0/RgTMoq1PLgI/AAAAAAAAARM/zkrhUyF1Ox4/s1600-h/DSC02112v02.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/__nW_ExkxNp0/RgTMoq1PLgI/AAAAAAAAARM/zkrhUyF1Ox4/s200/DSC02112v02.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5045382481626213890" /></a>Well as part of the FINA world championships Peter Mac, being the goodwill partner held an ocean swim at St Kilda and I am very pleased that I decided to volenteer rather than swim as it was freezng cold, raining, blowing a gale and felt like the middle of winter. Needless to say there were a few hundred mad Aussies that decided to brave the waves and some celebraty footballers who swam to save us all from cancer. I survived unscathed apart from being extremely grumpy after slamming my fingers in a fold up sign and not having coffee for the first hour (I have become a caffie addict as the coffee is too good to resist) and despite a brief embarrassing episode where I had to jump off the stage and commado crawl under it after someone's prize which had blown out of my hands, it was fun and we raised lots of money. This unfortunately was only the start of the FINA madness!Alexhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08794782385413715884noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36990520.post-55254760284569650792007-03-24T16:44:00.003+11:002008-12-11T17:28:45.031+11:00Yo La Tengo<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/__nW_ExkxNp0/RgTGIa1PLcI/AAAAAAAAAQs/SHM0Kqq_FKs/s1600-h/DSC02054v02.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/__nW_ExkxNp0/RgTGIa1PLcI/AAAAAAAAAQs/SHM0Kqq_FKs/s320/DSC02054v02.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5045375330505665986" /></a><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/__nW_ExkxNp0/RgTGH61PLaI/AAAAAAAAAQc/g8sHnhr1PBk/s1600-h/DSC02062v2.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/__nW_ExkxNp0/RgTGH61PLaI/AAAAAAAAAQc/g8sHnhr1PBk/s320/DSC02062v2.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5045375321915731362" /></a><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/__nW_ExkxNp0/RgTGHq1PLZI/AAAAAAAAAQU/vrRdpiJgT-g/s1600-h/DSC02059v2.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/__nW_ExkxNp0/RgTGHq1PLZI/AAAAAAAAAQU/vrRdpiJgT-g/s320/DSC02059v2.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5045375317620764050" /></a><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/__nW_ExkxNp0/RgTGIK1PLbI/AAAAAAAAAQk/oCquITybkCg/s1600-h/DSC02081v2.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/__nW_ExkxNp0/RgTGIK1PLbI/AAAAAAAAAQk/oCquITybkCg/s320/DSC02081v2.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5045375326210698674" /></a><br />Tal, Holly and I went to watch Yo La Tengo at the Corner Hotel in Richmond earlier this month which was fantastic but load as we were right next to the speakers! But then again maybe I am turning into Granny Al...Alexhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08794782385413715884noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36990520.post-72734539777345314172007-03-05T11:03:00.000+11:002008-12-11T17:28:48.139+11:00A perfect day in Melbourne<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/__nW_ExkxNp0/ReuHZDmFy8I/AAAAAAAAAO4/-SwvE1-yuZ8/s1600-h/DSC02034.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/__nW_ExkxNp0/ReuHZDmFy8I/AAAAAAAAAO4/-SwvE1-yuZ8/s200/DSC02034.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5038269472675580866" /></a><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/__nW_ExkxNp0/ReuHZTmFy9I/AAAAAAAAAPA/nUFtpAXJ-nQ/s1600-h/DSC01966.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/__nW_ExkxNp0/ReuHZTmFy9I/AAAAAAAAAPA/nUFtpAXJ-nQ/s200/DSC01966.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5038269476970548178" /></a><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/__nW_ExkxNp0/ReuHcDmFy-I/AAAAAAAAAPI/OpjA9_OgEO4/s1600-h/DSC01956.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/__nW_ExkxNp0/ReuHcDmFy-I/AAAAAAAAAPI/OpjA9_OgEO4/s200/DSC01956.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5038269524215188450" /></a><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/__nW_ExkxNp0/ReuHcjmFy_I/AAAAAAAAAPQ/k9N-FRDBHUM/s1600-h/DSC01976.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/__nW_ExkxNp0/ReuHcjmFy_I/AAAAAAAAAPQ/k9N-FRDBHUM/s200/DSC01976.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5038269532805123058" /></a><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/__nW_ExkxNp0/ReuGfjmFy3I/AAAAAAAAAOQ/1aWU60gqz7A/s1600-h/DSC01947.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/__nW_ExkxNp0/ReuGfjmFy3I/AAAAAAAAAOQ/1aWU60gqz7A/s200/DSC01947.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5038268484833102706" /></a><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/__nW_ExkxNp0/ReuGfzmFy4I/AAAAAAAAAOY/bkquNb15XWw/s1600-h/DSC01955.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/__nW_ExkxNp0/ReuGfzmFy4I/AAAAAAAAAOY/bkquNb15XWw/s200/DSC01955.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5038268489128070018" /></a><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/__nW_ExkxNp0/ReuGgDmFy5I/AAAAAAAAAOg/W5n0Ew2TyTo/s1600-h/DSC01967.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/__nW_ExkxNp0/ReuGgDmFy5I/AAAAAAAAAOg/W5n0Ew2TyTo/s200/DSC01967.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5038268493423037330" /></a><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/__nW_ExkxNp0/ReuGgjmFy6I/AAAAAAAAAOo/Yn0Rk5sXHdQ/s1600-h/DSC02013.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/__nW_ExkxNp0/ReuGgjmFy6I/AAAAAAAAAOo/Yn0Rk5sXHdQ/s200/DSC02013.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5038268502012971938" /></a><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/__nW_ExkxNp0/ReuGgzmFy7I/AAAAAAAAAOw/1vy5NkE44uo/s1600-h/DSC01979.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/__nW_ExkxNp0/ReuGgzmFy7I/AAAAAAAAAOw/1vy5NkE44uo/s200/DSC01979.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5038268506307939250" /></a>Yesterday, for a change the weather in Melbourne was perfect, no blazing heat, no humidity, rain or howling wind… Tal and I met on the corner of Johnson Street (after my customary coffee from Dench) and headed down to the Abbotsford Convent – the site of Tal new production “In other words”. But, on Saturday night, after going to a cult themed party in Carlton, while walking past Dench, we spied the bakers at 1am making bread and dancing to music in the kitchen – so there are secret gnomes making pastries in the middle of the night! <br /><br />The Abbotsford convent is on the banks of the Yarra River and even though it is a 10 min bus ride down Johnson Street, it feels like you are in the middle of the country – I got a real shock seeing the city skyline, after being there for three hours. The site consists of a number of beautiful red brick and stone buildings, with huge wooden staircases, stained glass windows, Victorian tiled floors and huge rooms. The convent is slowly being restored after being saved by the local community from being turned into a housing development, but there are still a number of abandoned buildings which I happily wandered around while Tal sat at the old bakery and worked. The main building has been converted into a site for artists and musicians and feels very much like Frank Jobert, but on a larger scale. Lot happens on a Sunday – farmers markets, art exhibitions, which included some rather strange and wacky stuff as my mother would say… families, dogs, hippies (but not the smelly kind) etc. Tals performance will be held in the basement in the old laundry of the main building and the site is surrounded by beautiful (a bit dry in the drought) gardens. <br /><br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/__nW_ExkxNp0/ReuIOTmFzAI/AAAAAAAAAPY/kUddOFP3QKs/s1600-h/DSC01972.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/__nW_ExkxNp0/ReuIOTmFzAI/AAAAAAAAAPY/kUddOFP3QKs/s200/DSC01972.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5038270387503614978" /></a><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/__nW_ExkxNp0/ReuIOzmFzBI/AAAAAAAAAPg/0MOLfr3_574/s1600-h/DSC01987.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/__nW_ExkxNp0/ReuIOzmFzBI/AAAAAAAAAPg/0MOLfr3_574/s200/DSC01987.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5038270396093549586" /></a><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/__nW_ExkxNp0/ReuIPDmFzCI/AAAAAAAAAPo/Up39cc3rV1o/s1600-h/DSC02000.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/__nW_ExkxNp0/ReuIPDmFzCI/AAAAAAAAAPo/Up39cc3rV1o/s200/DSC02000.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5038270400388516898" /></a><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/__nW_ExkxNp0/ReuIPjmFzDI/AAAAAAAAAPw/jsV-xhdKWwU/s1600-h/DSC01970.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/__nW_ExkxNp0/ReuIPjmFzDI/AAAAAAAAAPw/jsV-xhdKWwU/s200/DSC01970.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5038270408978451506" /></a><br />Next door is the Collingwood Children’s Farm, complete with organic veggie patches, orchards, horses, hordes of geese, a pair of peacocks and Brahma chickens – sorry Paula, there were no Chinese Silkies, though I did look, and a tiger snake that lives near the green house – I did not stick around too investigate. After the farm I headed back to the convent for lunch with Tal at Lentil is everything and spent the rest of the afternoon drinking coffee and eating g-free chocolate cake. <br /><br />Lastly, I must report that Melbourne does have its share of nutters – namely Phil, the dodgy Frenchman, who followed Matt into our house on Saturday evening after seeing him in his skin tight leather pants (he is a rock star after all) and wanting to get some of his own Mardi Gras action – he was rapidly chased down the stairs with much shouting and followed by wails of laughter.Alexhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08794782385413715884noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36990520.post-80641563154096605112007-02-25T13:03:00.000+11:002008-12-11T17:28:48.419+11:00A lazy Sunday - the day when 66 percent of Jews get married<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/__nW_ExkxNp0/ReD6XrGjPjI/AAAAAAAAAMc/AsKCBqNS9ug/s1600-h/IMG_1885.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/__nW_ExkxNp0/ReD6XrGjPjI/AAAAAAAAAMc/AsKCBqNS9ug/s320/IMG_1885.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5035299668014349874" /></a>Yes, this is true - 66 percent of jews get married on Sundays, most other faiths on Saturdays while Friday afternoons are becoming more popular. Mondays have the highest suicide rate and never go for a job interview on Mondays (be the last person interviewed - 56 percent of last people interviewed get the job versus 17 percent of first interviewees), Tuesdays are the most productive, but the worst days if you are in IT (all the super productive people fuck up there computers in there quest to get something done..) and Wednesday is the best day to go on a first date (Saturday for the second date) and to end a sale on eBay - you make the most cash. Thursday is the worst day to get admitted into hospital - you end up staying longer and the best day to launch a book (people don't mind getting trashed at launch parties as it is Friday the next day) and Friday is the worst day to be on the road, the best day to fire someone and statistically the 13th falls on a Friday more than any other day... And Sunday is the best day to do supermarket shopping with the shelves being the most full! Sorry, a bit of rambling but thought you all should know when to launch your autobiographies when you are rich and famous!<br /><br />This bit of Sunday reading was followed by a delicious brunch at Dench and supreme coffee. I really love this store, even though it is a bakery and I am gluten free-bee (still everythig looks really pretty and yummy) and Mr "Dench" as I have christened him reminds me of Mr Frank at the Savoy, except that he wears braces instead of a bowtie. Ram and I have become weekend regulars and the day doesn't start without a latte from Dench.<br /><br />Yesterday I met a really nice tram driver - most of them are rather strange, which is to be expected considering the fact that they drive the same route continuously for hours on end, are couped up in a small space and have to listen to the constant inate chattering of commuters. There is one particularily strange driver who is a short Asian man, who mutters to himself, has phyiscal fights with the tram doors, yet often tries to trap people in them, drives erratically and occasionally stops the tram to run up and down the isle in his sandles and socks up to his knees. Anyway, the nice tram driver showed me how to drive a tram (I felt like a kid again) and gave me instructions on how to get to Elizabeth St - after I had missed my stop and didn't know where I was going. Needless to say I made it to Elizabeth Street where I found the store I was looking for Australian Outdoors Adventures or something like that, and bought my travel pack, a jacket etc and prepared myself for my trip. I can't believe that I have less than six weeks left before the next part of my adventure begins, but getting very excited about Asia!<br /><br />Yesterday evening we had a picnic in the park for Marta's birthday and despite being a lovely evening we actually felt chilly - Wow! - something of a miracle for Melbourne as I haven't seen a jumper for weeks (people look at me strangely when I say jersey)! Well I am ashamed to say that I have lost all ability to hold my alcohol (not that I was ever an expert) but after two glasses of wine I was plastered... A lovely evening, despite being rather hazy towards the end but some life coaching got me through. <br /><br />Lastly Happy Birthday Schiebe! - I will try to get hold of you while you are in Jozi this weekend and happy Sunday shopping all of you - except Craigasorous who hates shopping....And "Oh Brother!" Spell check on Tally's computer is not happening.Alexhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08794782385413715884noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36990520.post-74854880926616471252007-02-16T16:50:00.000+11:002008-12-11T17:28:49.658+11:00Pictures of Camberwell Market<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/__nW_ExkxNp0/RdVICG7ZGKI/AAAAAAAAALo/X5FNCVYovP4/s1600-h/DSC01918v2.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/__nW_ExkxNp0/RdVICG7ZGKI/AAAAAAAAALo/X5FNCVYovP4/s320/DSC01918v2.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5032007359713056930" /></a><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/__nW_ExkxNp0/RdVICG7ZGLI/AAAAAAAAALw/kxt0JZRCGHw/s1600-h/DSC01919v2.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/__nW_ExkxNp0/RdVICG7ZGLI/AAAAAAAAALw/kxt0JZRCGHw/s320/DSC01919v2.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5032007359713056946" /></a><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/__nW_ExkxNp0/RdVICW7ZGMI/AAAAAAAAAL4/Pgy4ywQkrYY/s1600-h/DSC01922v2.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/__nW_ExkxNp0/RdVICW7ZGMI/AAAAAAAAAL4/Pgy4ywQkrYY/s320/DSC01922v2.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5032007364008024258" /></a><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/__nW_ExkxNp0/RdVHz27ZGJI/AAAAAAAAALg/TAK58ZFSSTk/s1600-h/DSC01917v2.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/__nW_ExkxNp0/RdVHz27ZGJI/AAAAAAAAALg/TAK58ZFSSTk/s320/DSC01917v2.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5032007114899921042" /></a>Alexhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08794782385413715884noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36990520.post-5788947856548313052007-02-08T16:45:00.000+11:002008-12-11T17:28:50.159+11:00South East Asia here I come…<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/__nW_ExkxNp0/Rcq5KTOW0oI/AAAAAAAAAKk/pOjRTAUnw1A/s1600-h/72796844.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/__nW_ExkxNp0/Rcq5KTOW0oI/AAAAAAAAAKk/pOjRTAUnw1A/s320/72796844.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5029035520522900098" /></a>Well I booked my ticket to Thailand this morning and head off after Easter with Greg! The rough plan at the moment is to spend three weeks exploring the islands and beaches after a few days in Bangkok, and then head up to Chang Mai to see the temples, do a cooking course and explore the jungle. Afterwards I will continue on to Cambodia, seeing Ankor as I continue towards the coast and then to South Vietnam. From the Mekong Delta I will travel up the coast to the North and then across to Laos and the mountains. Finally I will leave Vientiane and head back through north Thailand to fly out of Bangkok in mid July. <br /><br />I have bought the guide books and some maps and read a new chapter each day on the tram to work. As a result I am spending more and more time planning my holiday and adventures. Greg came to Melbourne this weekend and on Sunday after exploring the sculpture garden and seeing a few exhibitions at the National Gallery we headed off to Richmond for the Lunar Festival and street market. Despite it being incredibly hot, we survived and ate rice pancakes with shrimps, soft shelled crab and delicious beef with star anise grilled in beetle leaves. <br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/__nW_ExkxNp0/Rcq5TTOW0pI/AAAAAAAAAKs/yB3yTNrfJ3w/s1600-h/200405887-001.jpg"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/__nW_ExkxNp0/Rcq5TTOW0pI/AAAAAAAAAKs/yB3yTNrfJ3w/s320/200405887-001.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5029035675141722770" /></a>I have also booked flights to Tasmania and will spend the Easter weekend driving round the island exploring one of the most beautiful places in Australia (so I have been told) before I head off to AsiaAlexhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08794782385413715884noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36990520.post-22986598818391016402007-02-05T19:11:00.000+11:002008-12-11T17:28:50.997+11:00Just another Tuesday evening...with Hot Chip!<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/__nW_ExkxNp0/RcbpojOW0lI/AAAAAAAAAKA/-YaWEyueIOg/s1600-h/DSC01865.JPG"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/__nW_ExkxNp0/RcbpojOW0lI/AAAAAAAAAKA/-YaWEyueIOg/s200/DSC01865.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5027962916865233490" /></a><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/__nW_ExkxNp0/RcbpozOW0mI/AAAAAAAAAKI/MN-zimF2U5Y/s1600-h/DSC01879.JPG"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/__nW_ExkxNp0/RcbpozOW0mI/AAAAAAAAAKI/MN-zimF2U5Y/s200/DSC01879.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5027962921160200802" /></a><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/__nW_ExkxNp0/RcbppDOW0nI/AAAAAAAAAKQ/7Q2FsjbiMg8/s1600-h/DSC01877.JPG"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/__nW_ExkxNp0/RcbppDOW0nI/AAAAAAAAAKQ/7Q2FsjbiMg8/s200/DSC01877.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5027962925455168114" /></a>Well after an impromtu barbi - my first ever with no fellow South Africans - at Matt and my flat, we headed off to Richmond last Tuesday for a night of crazyness! Hot Chip was amazing and much jumping around and shrieking followed. I even took a video of them but still need to sort out picasa - I need the manager to help me! Only one mad crackhead who jumped on the stage and tried to play with them but he was soon reprimanded. Otherwise busy planning for South East Asia and glad to say the Greg will be joining me for the first leg of the trip.Alexhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08794782385413715884noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36990520.post-67215337928736240332007-01-28T14:27:00.000+11:002007-01-28T14:51:53.227+11:00Once more a nomad...I have once more become a nomad and moved out of 41 Bennett Street yesterday, although not far, as I am literally around the corner from the North Fitzroy crew. Last week after more house hunting, Marta decided to become my estate agent and phoned her friend Matt, who lives round the corner and we went round for tea. Yay! A decent flat, close to the tram, one lovely cat called Molly, and Matt who is a lawyer / musician. My room is small but rent is super cheap so I am saving loads of cash for travelling.<br /><br />Australia day dawned brightly and Ram and I set off for Ikea in Richmond - I did not know what I was getting myself into and if it wasn't for Ram's moral support I would have run out screaming and would have happily slept of the floor for the next two months. They have designed the store as a maze so you are literally trapped in there for hours. I almost killed some brats in the kitchen department when they decided to set off all the egg timers, forcing the 20 babies in the near vacinity to start screaming and their parents were totally oblivious. Other brats blocked the isles screaming at their parents because ther were no toys to play with. We eventually made it to the self service warehouse, were you collect your furniture which you have chosen from one of the desplay areas, when someone stoll my trolly with my coded piece of paper! Sob! I couldn't face it, but it was propably because Ram and I had taken a break and were racing down desserted warehouse isles on our other trolly! Oh well, I eventually found some one to help me and then just gave up and grabbed a futon. Much easier and lighter. After finally paying for everything and escaping 3 hours later, I was ready to take up smoking, hypoglucimic and dazed by sunshine after all the flourencent lighting. Needless to say we had to go out for a drink that evening and unsuccessfully attempted to celebrate Australia day by finding some berry palvova icecream.<br /><br />Yesterday was moving day, which consisted of three of us carrying my things round to St Georges St, Tally carrying my bed base in her shopping trolly and me with my matress on my sholder. We were accosted by an Aussie shelia, in a sweat pants suit, with paroxided hair, swigging brandy and cola from a tin and walking a maltese poodle. She shouted at us from across the road, demanding to know where the blokes were to carry my stuff. Well the blokes were not needed as Tal and I assembled my bed and sorted everything out and I have blisters on my hands to prove it!Alexhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08794782385413715884noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36990520.post-35341765241650112332007-01-23T21:14:00.000+11:002008-12-11T17:28:52.502+11:00Too much tequila...<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/__nW_ExkxNp0/RbXweXFPECI/AAAAAAAAAJE/1RHHwZrfz0w/s1600-h/DSC01777.jpg"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/__nW_ExkxNp0/RbXweXFPECI/AAAAAAAAAJE/1RHHwZrfz0w/s200/DSC01777.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5023185363784372258" /></a><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/__nW_ExkxNp0/RbXwenFPEDI/AAAAAAAAAJM/r3AWeHuaJdo/s1600-h/DSC01789.jpg"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/__nW_ExkxNp0/RbXwenFPEDI/AAAAAAAAAJM/r3AWeHuaJdo/s200/DSC01789.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5023185368079339570" /></a><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/__nW_ExkxNp0/RbXwenFPEEI/AAAAAAAAAJU/aTcYm4yXY2c/s1600-h/DSC01823.jpg"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/__nW_ExkxNp0/RbXwenFPEEI/AAAAAAAAAJU/aTcYm4yXY2c/s200/DSC01823.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5023185368079339586" /></a><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/__nW_ExkxNp0/RbXwenFPEFI/AAAAAAAAAJc/VWOtiS0YVHk/s1600-h/DSC01841.jpg"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/__nW_ExkxNp0/RbXwenFPEFI/AAAAAAAAAJc/VWOtiS0YVHk/s200/DSC01841.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5023185368079339602" /></a><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/__nW_ExkxNp0/RbXwe3FPEGI/AAAAAAAAAJk/d8WE36anAZ0/s1600-h/DSC01855.jpg"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/__nW_ExkxNp0/RbXwe3FPEGI/AAAAAAAAAJk/d8WE36anAZ0/s200/DSC01855.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5023185372374306914" /></a>Preparations for Bollywood at Bennett St began rather late on Saturday after a lazy lie in - we were all still recovering from the lack of sleep from Thursday evening and Tal's impromptu production on Friday night... After running around in th rain sorcing posters, alcohol etc we wrapped our selves in curtains, decorated the house in candles and rose petals and put on the soundtrack of Monsoon Wedding, praying that no-one caught alight in their 100% rayon outfits.<br /><br />Well Tally's punch was fantastic (a bit too strong...) and got the party going. Soon there were 100 people in out house all wearing bindis freshly flown in from Syndey, thanks to Greg, our personal shopper and the party had began. Oi va voi it all gets a bit blurry from there but there were people still dancing at 6am in our lounge to Bon Jovi leaping around like maniacs. <br /><br />Thank God for tomatoe soup, tea and Grey's anatomy to get you over the pain of tequilla and Tal's punch. Ram and I even made rusks!Alexhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08794782385413715884noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36990520.post-26214070957812855562007-01-20T16:41:00.000+11:002008-12-11T17:28:53.044+11:00Bollywood at Bennett Street<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/__nW_ExkxNp0/RbGudf2WNHI/AAAAAAAAAI4/LNdQJgBawUI/s1600-h/party-2.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/__nW_ExkxNp0/RbGudf2WNHI/AAAAAAAAAI4/LNdQJgBawUI/s320/party-2.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5021986881283699826" /></a>Get out your saris and your dancing moves for the party of the year! We are preparing ourselves for a Bollywood party this evening in honour of Ram's return to Aus, Lieu and Marta moving in and my bithday. Thursday was the warm up party and we have been busy all morning buying bangles, movie soundtracks, booze etc. I will be wrapping myself up in a curtain and the outfits are planned. Photos will follow and no doubt a few crazy stories. We are expecting about 150 people and have two djs lined up for the festivities....Alexhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08794782385413715884noreply@blogger.com2