Holiday Inn Hotel & Suites Winnipeg-Downtown, Mb

... of Kristina. <br><br>We decided that this would be an end to expensive accommodation for us and that camping would have to be taken as first option every day until the weather forced us to rethink this. Also we would have to explore the website www.couchsurfing.com that was recommended to us before we went away. For those of you that are not familiar with this initiative, the basic idea is that if you can spare a sofa or even just a ...

... to do" we decided to head in a see what's up. So glad we did! While Managua does have a bit of a crime problem, as long as you stay out of the rougher areas (unfortunately where a lot of the hostels are) and keep your wits about you, it's fine. We left Granada early and bused to Managua Backpackers Inn (in a safe neighbourhood, recommended by locals). We checked in and had breakfast just in time for our awesome tour to begin. <br><br>We went with Gray Line tours with a guide named ...

... way from a side building to the main temple, all to the sound of a large ringing bell. The inside of the temple was very ornate, but no Buddha present. The monks were in the main praying area of the temple, and many people were at the back observing. I was standing outside the glass, when the Japanese gentleman beside me gestured that I could go in and watch. After taking our shoes off, and putting them in the blue plastic bags provided, we ...

... s I was soaked and tired. And it was only a 15 minutes drive on the highway. The riding gear I bought for my European trip is suppose to be waterproof. The high winds had pushed the rain through every crevice in the clothing. It looked like I had run a marathon when I took my **********. My t-shirt was soaked in just those spots where you would sweat a lot. Saturday, for supper, Elaine (my sister) had everyone over. I get gas for the truck before heading into Winnipeg after ...

Our time in China had come to an end. We all shuffled out of our hotel, rather reluctantly, and loaded into the bus for the last time. People seemed happy enough, but there also was a sense of wanting to say for just a few more days. It had been such a great trip, many good times had been had, and many good friends had been made. Our tour guide, Vera, was even nice enough to say that she would remember a bit longer than she normally remembered groups. Haha.<br><br ...

... for now. Because honestly, the point at which I finally figure out where I am going, is probably going to be the time I actually physically get there. I have no idea where I will end up? I'm pretty much open for anything and everything. It's all gravy after a long long year of working too much. It's going to be great to get back out there with my pack. Castles, fortresses, new languages, churches ...

I quote Elinore Lynch 22/09/07: "This is the weirdest place I have ever been!" She wasn't wrong. We got in at night, and when leaving the train station we had to find our hostel. It was a bit of an effort because the directions we had were **** and the layout of the city is a bit odd. Like streets that stop randomly and begin again behind buildings and other streets. Confusing. Also, quite stressful when your constantly being approached and ...

... potatoes.  Oh, and also a stein of good German beer.  For Rea it had sort of been like returning to a slice of home.  So many memories were tweaked by being back in Germany.  Tim enjoyed his first real taste of Europe.  He found himself feeling overwhelmed when people talked at him.  "I need an adult" he'd whisper to me.  It was the first time we were in a country where we looked the same as everyone around us but English ...

... exploits and his plans to start a Masters program in Performance Organ - congratulations, Colin! Despite our already bulging waistlines, how could we not totally indulge in the scrumptious Sunday brunch at Winnipeg's revolving restaurant. Gwenna (Master's research supervisor in Ghana) and Charlotte pointed out the highlights of Winnipeg from the air as we revolved not once, not even twice, but three times in as many hours. As for the number of times we ...