amerikiwi's TravelStream™ — Recent TravelPod.com entries TravelStream™ news feed for member amerikiwi on TravelPod's free travel blogs service http://www.travelpod.com/syndication/rss/amerikiwi en-us Copyright ©2009 TravelPod.com Fri, 16 May 2008 17:01:09 -0400 http://www.travelpod.com Vancouver - Trip 1 — Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/amerikiwi/11/1210971240/tpod.html http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/amerikiwi/11/1210971240/tpod.html#comments Travel Blogs http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/amerikiwi/11/1210971240/tpod.html Fri, 16 May 2008 17:01:09 -0400 An American getting to know British Columbia 08
Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada

Beautiful skyscape strewn city, but the mountains and water surrounding it are where its at.....
]]> Whistler — Whistler, Victoria, Canada http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/amerikiwi/11/1208566500/tpod.html http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/amerikiwi/11/1208566500/tpod.html#comments Travel Blogs http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/amerikiwi/11/1208566500/tpod.html Fri, 16 May 2008 16:57:27 -0400 An American getting to know British Columbia 08
Whistler, Victoria, Canada

Last skiing day of the year, excellent powder in the back glacier, Paul learning to ski on a 5 km green run from the top (2.5 hours!) and De La Soul playing Saturday night..... excellent.
]]> A week in the Cooks — Rarotonga, Cook Islands http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/amerikiwi/cook_islands_07/1197431760/tpod.html http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/amerikiwi/cook_islands_07/1197431760/tpod.html#comments Travel Blogs http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/amerikiwi/cook_islands_07/1197431760/tpod.html Tue, 11 Dec 2007 22:57:50 -0500 Cook Islands - a great stop on way to US from NZ!
Rarotonga, Cook Islands

A week in the Cooks.... why not? A free stop I couldn't say no to. I will update this travelouge soon!
]]> Round the World 2006-07 — Wellington, New Zealand http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/amerikiwi/rtw_06-07/1166542080/tpod.html http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/amerikiwi/rtw_06-07/1166542080/tpod.html#comments Travel Blogs http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/amerikiwi/rtw_06-07/1166542080/tpod.html Sat, 31 Mar 2007 03:35:15 -0400 The AmeriKiwi continuing towards 30 with a few more stops (Round the World Ticket) on the way!
Wellington, New Zealand

On December 8th, I left New Zealand to begin, a very last minute, round the world adventure! Let's see where it takes me.....isn't this why we work?
]]> Back as a New Zealand Resident — Wellington, New Zealand http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/amerikiwi/rtw_06-07/1174810980/tpod.html http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/amerikiwi/rtw_06-07/1174810980/tpod.html#comments Travel Blogs http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/amerikiwi/rtw_06-07/1174810980/tpod.html Sat, 31 Mar 2007 00:59:50 -0400 The AmeriKiwi continuing towards 30 with a few more stops (Round the World Ticket) on the way!
Wellington, New Zealand

Well, I arrived back in Wellington Saturday afternoon, March 24th. Let me say "culture shock" is a real thing. It is sometimes hard to express or explain, but it is real. It isn't necessarily a bad thing, but it does make you feel a little off balance. For example, the first night back I went out to a friend's birthday party and in midst of conversation I realised I was not articulating very well. Yes, I was jet-lagged after flying 7 hours from Dubai to Singapore and adventuring around Singapore and the fancy airport lounges for 12 hours, but nonetheless, I wasn't very articulate. Then, I was out researching a cell phone plan and at the grocery store it almost felt surreal. Now, this isn't to say that there are not cell phones or grocery stores in any of the places I have been, but there is something different being back...... Then, I realised, wow, this is first time I have blended in to a crowd in months and all the enhanced level of awareness that you must carry with you while travelling isn't really necesssary now.Something you so quickly must adapt to is being somewhat of a center of attention in certain foreign lands such as India, where many places rarely have tourists. This brings both good and bad, but it is really a different feeling to be back. Culture ShockHere are some recently back in New Zealand thoughts that have popped in my head that made me almost laugh out loud... for example:Restroom - "Wow, there is toilet paper!" Yeah, guess I can take that extra heap of it I usually carried (except in Oman where I should have!) out of my pocket.Shower - "Wow, I can stand up straight in the shower and use more than a few liters!" A little different than showering on a rocking boat - even if just "slight to moderate seas"Kitchen - "My own kitchen but I forget how to cook almost!" - having been in hotels, hostels and on the boat only cooking a few times, nice to back in even my modest little kitchenTV - "Why am I staring at this black box?" Seriously, I had no TV for gosh, over 2 months and didn't miss it a bit, but I am back in my flat and I stare at the darn thing. Ugh, I don't think it is a good thing, so I placed it to be right at my front window so if I look at it during day, the outdoors will call me instead.Laundry - "Oh, sweet little clothes out of my backpack, I am sure you are shocked by all this soap and rinsing, but it will be okay." - Most of my stuff had not had a real, real washing except my hand washing for months! Feet - "I broke it!" - Walking into town for the first time I soon realised.... Yep, I broke my toe about oh, 2.5 weeks ago when I smashed it on a winch on the boat (how one does that I know not, but I managed to whack my second toe in on a big metal piece on the boat that should innocently hold ropes, but it must have jumped out at me...)Roads - "What is that sound?" - Ah, yes, surprisingly enough when I was walking along Oriental Bay yesterday my head was feeling it was hearing a new sound. I realised it was the cars whizzing by and that I had been away from that sound on the boat for almost a month. And, in India, the mopeds and autorickshaws (and a smaller number of autos) make a different rumbling sound!Socialising - "Sorry, my head is still in a different space from some recent travels." - Ah, yes, as if I wasn't whacky enough to begin with...I now am officially whackier! Last night I went to my first American New Zealand Association social thing - drinks at a bar - and met some nice people. However, mid sentence I realised again I was firing slow in this "western developed" environment and had to apologise. I don't think the guy I was talking to would have noticed, but man.... odd readjusting.Last, but not least, general pressure of this modern life - "Where is my to do list?, Do I look okay?, Are my jeans too tight?, Where should I work?, Who should I re-connect with?" and the questions go on. Questions, I haven't thought about for months. I mean, I really don't think I honestly brushed my hair more than two or three times in the last 3 months... don't worry it wasn't knots, just "bohemian chic" I like to say :)Expanding the Comfort ZoneI supposed on the boat I did spend time thinking about my life goals and next career stuff a bit, but this is now reality and although it is grand and I am thankful for it, readjustment to it after expanding and exploring my mind on a daily basis... well, it is hard. That is it though... I spent the last 100 days or so expanding my comfort zone every day - whether it was just to Samoa to find my little $10 fale on a beach, or Ireland to find my way to Belfast and decipher the accents of my friends once again, to Germany for two days to feel like an alien with a backpack in a fancy Frankfurt banking city, to India where every moment and every glimpse of the day was absolutely filled to the brim with new sights, sounds, smells, thoughts and sensations.... then off to Maldives where I met beautiful people but then switched gears to take on a somewhat scary new adventure - sailing across the Arabian Sea. My head was pushed to expand (as you will read in that entry) so much and then it was rewarded with the calm of the ocean waves that looked as though diamonds had been cut into them in the sun... I fell in love with the dolphins that played at the bow when we were literally hundreds of miles from shore and part of me thinks deep down I might pass that pod again, and my head was forever morphed even more by the sense solace that I felt every morning as the sun rose during my 5 -9am watch on Intrepid. My head was still expanding on the other side of the Arabian, my eyes were forced open by a part of the world I usually only knew of via the U.S. "news" (I put news in parenthesis because lots of it like Fox and CNN even are far from news versus a platform for an administration that is increasing censorship. A friend told me about the new Al Jazeera that is finally allowed in the US and I am looking forward to reviewing). Here I was in Oman that was a country off the tourist path (intentionally by the Sultan who appears to have worked hard to find a good balance between economic development and keeping a traditional life preserved without massive western influence and it should be noted was awarded for some environmental efforts and is seen as one of few stable countries in region and therefore very key to support/mentor/engage). Oman, although a brief 3 day visit to this desert land boarding the sea, it expanded my head through my overnight bus experience where I was the only tourist (likely only one on their in the last year!) with a front bus full of fully veiled women in black with only their eyes showing and the back full of Omani men. It was a 17 hour bus ride inland from Salalah, over the mountainous desert, through the desert, across the U.A.E. border arriving to Dubai at 7am. Do note that Oman is not short on cash, and these buses of the Gulf Transport company were flash Mercedes and very comfortable - a bit of the antithesis to my Indian bus experiences!Middle East "Awakening"Interestingly enough, there was as strong "middle eastern" theme through my entire trip. In India, I read the papers and they have a close watch on/relationship with their neighboring countries of Afghanistan, Pakistan and the others so the news has a lot on the region. I also made a friend who is from Bangladesh, a US resident and currently working in Afghanistan. We had a number of conversations about the unfortunate wars, occupations in that region and to hear of experiences first hand of the reality and insanity in Afghanistan, the conditions of the Palestinian people, the way an "arab"man is treated in the US was, to say the least an eye-opener. Although I have never intended to have a homogeneous group of friends, Indiana and even Colorado I didn't meet many Muslims so have never had a friend of that background. Then, I met a great girl who is Egyptian, raised in England, who gives tours through the middle east (Syria, Jordan, Turkey, Egypt, etc..) and has been to both Israel and Palestine numerous times each. She has read a ton, she is articulate, she is my age and I am sure she will be a future reporter on the region. We shared a room for a few days and I learned so much. Then, of course, being in Maldives and chatting with such beautiful people (all Muslim). <i>OmanIn the south of Oman (where we arrived by boat), I had my first experience meeting "women of the veil". on my overnight bus trip to Dubai. They were guarded at first and I sat alone at the first stop, and quickly learned the men and women enter separate areas of the restaurant, but by the third restaurant stop, some of the women waved me into their dining room (in Oman, you don't get a menu, you just go sit in a room and because no foreign tourists, everyone knows what they want already - I think). The women were so sweet, they took off the face portion of their veil and were all smiles. Whew, I must admit it was intimidating to not see the facial expressions. Ends up, they are a group of siblings/sisters and their Mom off on a shopping trip to Dubai. Shopping, ha! How great as I have heard the women get all dolled up under the black burkas and I had noticed some fancy purses. I just though it was so cute. One of the girls was about 20, in nursing school, and knew some English. She said I was the first American they had met and we all giggled. It was really a great experience to share food, conversation and smiles with this group of women who are so "mysterious" to us Westerners. But, really, people are people. I don't know the details as I haven't conducted a survey of whether the women love or hate the burka, but my friends, they seemed happy as can be, and honestly, I think as long as they are given a choice, it is not our business. I just seem to recall Mr. Bush's reference to all of the oppressed women who are veiled, but I feel that is a gross generalization. In some countries, I think they don't have a choice, but in others, I think they choose to continue the traditional style of dress and prefer modesty. Honestly, looking around at the half naked pre-teens here (and gawking older men) makes me wonder why we think we have everything figured out. And, the fact that a man ALWAYS gives a woman his seat and a woman is allowed to load on bus first and in the front I thought was greater respect than I see at home where an elderly woman could wait for anyone to offer a seat. Unfortunately, it was really hard to remember who was who by only seeing their eyes, so I didn't see them again until we unloaded in Dubai. <i>IraqAnother awakening as part of this theme, was somewhat as clear as day to me.At 4am, we arrived at the Oman and United Arab Emirates border. Our passports were handed over at a first gate, the bus parked and waited. The passports came back to the bus and I thought we were done. Nope, a second check. This time, they called me off the bus. So, I am walking into the U.A.E. Immigration and ask the other man who was called in, where he is from. With a sweet smile he says "Iraq". He was smiling because he already knew where I was from, but he asked and I said "America". We laughed a little at the irony, then chatted briefly as we waited to get our iris scan done - whacky experience makes you feel like you are guilty of something. Ends up, he still lives in Baghdad and was coming to see his family who had left Iraq and moved to Oman when the US came to "liberate"/"occupy"/"secure oil revenues" whatever you want to add there. So, he has a computer business in Oman as well as Iraq. Anyways, I asked how it was there and he said "very difficult". I almost had tears in my eyes thinking about my stupid tax money going to create havoc for so many. We chatted more and I, as I do, apologised on behalf of the American people/government/limited democracy for what was happening. I seriously have been amazed at how forgiving people of these countries have be when I think, they do have good reason to say "Ugh, you are American, take your policies...x, y, z", but no, he was genuinely kind. When we arrived in Dubai, he helped me find a taxi, gave me his card, and bid adieu. <i>Dubai, United Arab EmiratesDubai, although a somewhat sad to see westernized template with zillions of malls, fast food, and fancy buildings was fascinating for its melting pot affect. In two days, I chatted with a woman from Pakistan whose whole family lives in US so we swapped emails, a Filipino girl who told me cost of living is stifling in Dubai but she is trying to blend in and work like a westerner to make money, a beautiful Iranian guy who worked at a spice shop and I swear his icy blue eyes could pierce through you!, and a nice girl from Sudan. It really was an eye-opening few days.SummaryI have been trying to synthesize what the biggest lessons have been for me on this journey. I had a LOT of time to think and here are my tidbits:1. People are people no matter where you go - we all want the same thing... to connect, to love, to be heard, to be cared for (food, water, shelter). The 80's song "<i>People are people so why should it be, you and I should get along so awfully. ..Its obvious you hate me though I've done nothing wrong...I can't understand... what, makes a man hate another man, help me understand... " kept popping in my head. 2. A smile and a wave are universal as the language for connecting - I love it! Whether the Sri Lankan fishing boats 600 miles off shore, the frail Indian woman on the side of the road, the adorable Indian child playing peek-a-boo with you on a bus, it is the same language.3. The US must urgently fix its Middle East policies. I recently read two great articles - an op-ed in the Oman Times by the head of the American Arab Institute and "The Jewish - American Lobby" article in the March 25th <i>Economist. Basically, these articles just were blunt saying it has been taboo for years, out of fear of anti-semitic to ask the hard questions about the US relationship with Israel and the $56 million lobby within the US, but now is the time. Reviewing our policies does not mean anti-Semites at all. And, I saw the Doha Debate on TV you should checkout on line which was a wonderful monthly forum on the issue. In addition, I just put "Conquest of the Middle East" on hold at the library as my friend, the amazing one who gives tours there, said it was the best starting point to truly begin an effort at understanding the situation. A huge book, but worth it I reckon and feel obligated to become more educated on the issue, seeing the US funds Israels military, I want to know a bit more about this, eh?4. Asia is a future global force. - there is amazing growth everywhere in India, the GDP shot up 15% last year, 1 out of 3 families has a member in tech field overseas and very hard working.Every business story is about growth. I don't think there is a debate whether India will be a future global force, but will it be a leader? The poverty and environmental issues are profound, but the future could be so bright with solid leadership, mentoring, etc...5. So many aren't allowed to visit the US - I had many conversations with new friends who so wanted to visit US but are legally not allowed which I just sat there thinking how sad, he just wants to see his friend or family... God, I have it so easy because of where I was born6. Think Globally, Act Locally - I realised, in an obvious epiphany to many, that connecting with cultures doesn't have to be a plane ride, it can be in your own community. Throughout the US, and every western country, there are millions of new families from abroad as refugees, asylees as well as those who have lived, with their Indian, Iraqi, etc.. culture for 50 years or more in the US and they have much to teach us. Volunteer to help a family adjust or just go to the upcoming cultural event or just start chatting to someone you may normally have passed. If you made it this far, you win a medal or I owe you a check or something for your time! I likely will be switching back to www.LanahLink.com for my normal ramblings as this is just for my travel adventures. Ah, I do have a rambling habit (note, not gambling though). I am sitting here in Welly getting ready to send some resumes, upload some pictures and send an email out to everyone. Thanks for joining me on this journey (or at least the aftermath for those who just found this link!) and be in touch :) Peace and love, Lanah
]]> 1350 Mile Arabian Sea Sailing Adventure — Arabian Sea, Maldives http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/amerikiwi/rtw_06-07/1173652320/tpod.html http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/amerikiwi/rtw_06-07/1173652320/tpod.html#comments Travel Blogs http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/amerikiwi/rtw_06-07/1173652320/tpod.html Wed, 28 Mar 2007 18:37:44 -0400 The AmeriKiwi continuing towards 30 with a few more stops (Round the World Ticket) on the way!
Arabian Sea, Maldives

Hi, I wasn't sure where to add this sailing log I wrote for Andy and Nicky's site while out on the ocean. So, I will just add it here. I wrote this in a rush because I always got a little sea sick if I typed more than ten minutes - really snuck up on me. Anyways, hope you enjoy and if you would like to stay apprised of the last few months of their round world sailing, just email me for their website. Be in touch, LanahMaldives to Oman-NE Monsoon and Lanah's first Ocean Crossing. To give a different perspective, I asked Lanah (who is a public healthexpert from Indiana and Colorado currently living in NZ) to describe her first ever ocean crossing on Intrepid, 1350 miles from Maldives to Oman:9th March 2007, 5 days into the crossing:Let me make the context short and sweet: I am a total newbie. I took a shortintro to sailing course and learned some basics and got some harbour time in 40 knot winds, but am really still at the beginning. Prior to arriving on Intrepid February 27th in Male, Maldives, I had never spent the night on a moving boat, sailed inopen water (i.e. not a harbour or bay), thought of my directions in degreeson a compass or been off land for more than a day.As one might expect, my learning curve has been huge and almost, literally,everything is new to me like a 5 year old learning her ABC's and 1, 2, 3's.So, 360 degrees equals north, 90 is east, okay, I can practice thinking thatway. When in "Auto" mode on the autopilot, work with the wind and adjust thedegrees to ensure a 90 to 120 degree angle to maximize the VMG, okay, I cando that. Radar, try to decipher what lines are boats, squalls, or waves overa 145 square mile area. okay, I can try and do that although it issurprisingly stressful. Keep an eye on the sails and let the genoa sail outif you need to. okay, wait, shoot, it is now 15 knots gusting to 18 but weare going at 7.0 VMG (velocity made good towards our destination of Salalah)and our new ETA has dropped from 38 days on my watch yesterday to 5 daysnow. what do I do? Oh, shite, now I hear a fishing line rolling out but Andyand Nicky are asleep, do I wake them? Of course, we haven't had fish in aweek!!!Okay, I am not doing a great advertisement for my crewing skills here, butthis truly has already been amazingly educational to me. My watches from5:30 am to 9 have been great practicals for putting the many pieces ofinformation Andy and Nicky give me during the day to work (and greattime to practice my knots as, again EVERYTHING is new to me!).I have realized I have a true love for sailing even outside the harbour,watching the waves. who knew they were in such amazing rhythmic patterns? .and for the dolphins. Oh, the dolphins! Before we left Maldives, a big groupswam around Intrepid in gorgeous water as Andy was checking the top of themast. Then, more than 200 miles off the coast of the Goidhoo Atoll in theMaldives, another huge pod of dolphins appear at our bow jumping in and outfrom in front of the boat. This was the 3rd big set we had seen - heck,maybe it is the same dolphin party from Maldives checking in on us. Then,Andy spotted another group a few days ago. I find it fascinating to see wildcreatures so close up and their behaviour is nothing short ofinspirationally playful. The fact that the whole pod first comes over and 45of the 50 swim off within 10 minutes yet 4 of them stay for another 10minutes intrigues me. To me, I can just imagine these are the teen dolphinstrying to get an extra adrenaline rush in before dinner and their moms areoff 50 miles away, saying come on guys.Well, I digress, but all in all the last 9 days on Intrepid have been greatand I am so glad I took the plunge and added this adventure to my round theworld ticket (or, used it as an excuse to do one big RTW trip before age30!). Sitting up front on the bow and looking out to the deep blue oceanwhile watching the sun set, and reading a great book, is a unique experienceI would conjecture could not be matched elsewhere. In addition, the lull ofthe boat to sleep is so relaxing I feel I am inside one of those soothingclock radios that lulls you to sleep, or the womb, with perfect wave soundsin addition to a gentle rocking. Oh, and where else can you do a quick swimin shark infested (okay, Andy said 1 per square mile but I saw the movieJaws at an impressionable age) waters that are 4000 Meters deep? Ihesitantly hopped in hanging off the buoy after Andy checked forfish/sharks, and soon enough told Nicky that I now felt like a big flippinlure. I soon hopped out but am proud I can say I did it.! (baby steps)The crossing has also giving me a sincere appreciation for the skills thatboth Andy and Nicky have related to sailing whether it be the actualtechnical sailing, navigation, fishing, water quality, currents, weather,etc.. oh, or cooking which has been delicious!We currently have about 10 knots of wind and hope it increases a bit for agreat ETA to Oman in the next week. We have about 900 miles to go and I amalready looking forward to getting on some more boats back in Wellington.Here is hoping that sentiment doesn't change between now and Oman! Lastly, agreat perk of this trip might be that all of Andy's human resource andpsychology expertise can maybe help me figure out what the heck I do once Iland back in New Zealand in a few weeks!March 14th, 2007, 13 deg N, 61 deg E, ten days into the crossing:On March 10th, we were sitting out under the bimini enjoying the morningwhen Nicky and I realize a boat is coming in our direction. Soon, very soonwe realize it is on full power coming directly at us.. "ANDY!" is soondeclared to the skipper below. Andy presents himself from his sleep and wesoon realize yes, it is a boat coming to visit. Now, I don't have muchexperience, but I have heard enough real life pirate stories to have a bitof trepidation and we are 700 miles from the nearest land. Immediately a fewquestions run through your head 1) What do they want? 2) Where are theyfrom? 3) What if we don't have what they want and they hop on the boat,ransack the place, take hostages, force us to walk the plank.. Oh, wait thatwas Pirates of the Caribbean and I have to admit deep down that would begrand if Johnny Depp was still in charge. Back to reality, the boatapproaches and we see smiling faces. They immediately ask for cigarettes, wesee fruit (which we desperately want!) and a new international trade event(they are from Sri Lanka) takes place. Granted, even with a friendly faceand smiling crew, these guys have been out on the boat maybe months so stillrisky. Fortunately, Andy has a long rod that can be extended out a fewmeters from the boat to reduce risk of the boats banging into each other.They drop the $5 and first two packs of ethically incorrect cigarettesnoting they are a very viable currency here (sorry), and we give it a secondgo. The second time works and we soon have our two watermelons. Ah,international trade can be fair and fun. Wait, is passing on carcinogeniccigs fair? Okay, maybe not, but we shared many smiles.Feeling as though this was a pinnacle of entertainment for the day, we soonrealized we were wrong. By the end of the day, we saw another 6 fishingboats on radar, one of which tried to aggressively chase us but couldn'tcatch up, another asked for water which we obliged and the third, and lastboat, was very friendly informing us they had indeed been on the boat for amonth, were from Sri Lanka. After we shared some final cigarettes, they keptwaving, dancing on the deck saying thank you and goodbye. These men/boys inparticular seemed genuinely sweet up on their bow in the traditionalskirt/wraps worn by men in India (and I assume Sri Lanka). As they sailedaway, I couldn't help but wonder what our conversations could have been ifwe could all sit around a table, a fire, etc. and communicate freely. Howold were they? Will they fish their whole life? How many fish, and what typedo they catch? Do they have kids? and so on. It may seem silly, but it isthese kinds of moments that really enlighten my spirit, because no matterhow different your worlds, travelling gives you these little glimpses ofcommonality through a smile, a wave, or a thank you and it just makes meauthentically happy (Hmmm. has Andy been recommending self-help psychologybooks??? i.e. one is named "Authentic Happiness" ) JOther highlights included 5 more watches without hitting any boats, so proudof myself on that one. I also have learned to actually interact with thesails a bit and am gaining a beginning understanding of the theory behinddecreasing/increasing angles of wind to sail by hand or autopilot. Soundsbasic, but remember, for me, thinking of East as 90 degrees is new! Oh, andI have almost mastered my reef knot with my bowline and double turn halfhitch (I think) in process. And, I actually have a bit of a role when weraise or lower the pole, adjust sails in and out, and put up the BGM. Mostimportantly, I ensure I am the most well-rested crew member so that I canlive up to my "Loquacious Lanah" or "Lulled Lanah" pseudonym.We also did another deep sea swim at 4000 meters, caught a gorgeous, plump,thrashing skipjack tuna weighing in at about 5 Kg. Oh, and you might thinkcatching a fish is easy. Contrare mon frere. Over our drinks just as the sunhad dipped down, and Andy was concluding a Neuro-Linguistic Programmingexercise on Nicky and me, the reel goes "zzzzzzzzzz". I gather dishes andstore the table away, Andy grabs the reel, and Nicky takes charge of theboat to stop it. We pull the sails in, I run down and get the alcohol andfilet knife. Nicky grabs the gaff, Andy reels the fighting tuna in for atleast 5 minutes, with the crazy, I don't want to die fish tactic of divingunder the boat. Finally, as I am honing in with my zoom lens on my videocamera (after my duties are completed of course), a glimpse of the glorioustuna. Ah, I can taste it already. Nicky now has the reel, Andy strikes thegaff into the fish, drags it onto the back of the boat, all the whilestanding on the back ladder. Nicky pours some alcohol on the thrasher toanesthetize and allow it a euthenised fast death I think, and Andy startscutting. Plastic zip locks are retrieved and now we have at least 5kilograms of the freshest, tastiest, most amazing fish to eat for the next 4days. Although my video lacks any skill, I did feel, as I have during thetwo prior catches, I am immediately thrown into a national geographicadventure series watching "man vs. fish" as they make it look so easy and Iam sure it is far from that for the vast majority.Andy seared the tasty tuna, served with salad and sweet corn. As my Dadwould say, in an altered version for the circumstance, it was the best mealon the Arabian Sea.All in all, it's a great cruise package. I never would have expected themirror like water in the middle of the Arabian Sea to be dotted all of thesudden with 20 chilled out pilot whales meandering around. Then, the food.Gourmet Galley is all I can say, Andy seriously should start a restaurantand every meal would start with Nicky's delicious homemade bread.I wasn't sure what I was signing up for, but boy, I couldn't be blamed forthinking (still!) that this was a top of the line, niche, adventure/gourmetworld cruise line with very personalized focus that just happens to go underthe name Intrepid of Dover.We had to stop Lanah at this stage as she was so excited we thought shemight bounce right off the boat! She has handled her watches well, a greatenthusiast, a pleasure to sail with. I hope it gives an idea of what a first2 week ocean crossing feels like.Most yachts in front of us had very little wind. 'I have only 4 knots ofwind' moaned one. 'I envy you 4 knots, we haven't any wind at all' respondedthe next yacht. The 'transition period' between the NE and SW Monsoons seemsto have come early this year, and high pressure at the mouth of the Gulf iscancelling out any wind we might have. At times been inching along at 1.2knots under sail towards Oman, as we only have fuel for 750 miles - but wealso have periods of 20 knot winds when we do 7 knots.Today we received this message from a NZ/British yacht 100 miles ahead ofus: 'Hi Andy and Nicky, we were caught in a fishing net last night and had towait 5 hours until they came to our rescue! A big fishing boat from Iran,They used unlit floating nets 7 miles long, we think for Tuna, and twofishermen had to dive down to cut the propeller and the rudder free. Later:Caught in another fishing net! Just now! Please listen on frequency 4420every hour and channel 16, in case we need support. Thank you'.4420 is SSB short wave radio, not all yachts have it, but we spoke toPathfinder on the hour just as it was getting dark. They were severelystressed, the Iranian fishermen had cut them free again, didn't ask formoney but did take a bottle of rum and whiskey, and told them there were 200Iranian fishing boats each with 7 mile floating nets between us and Oman!These nets on the surface are illegal and dangerous - dolphins get entangledin them - but I didn't care to swap legal niceties with Iranian fishermen atnight if I could avoid it. We decided that our best chance was to sail if wecould hoping that nets would scrape under our keel avoid our foldingpropeller and miss the rudder; also to divert round anything looking like apair of radar echoes (boat and buoy marking the end of the net). An anxiousnight, pitch black as the moon didn't rise until 5am, but OK then at 10 amwe saw 3 large wooden boats full of people altering course to cross ourtrack. We continued sailing, and they turned out to be a type of India/Yemenferry, everyone waving,Next night Pathfinder confirmed more floating nets, and we spotted 2 pairsof echoes, (nets?) diverted round them, but as we did so under full sailheard an eerie scraping sound as what I think must have been a net (there isno way of telling at night) scraped under Intrepid and missed our rudder. Ifit had caught we would have stopped abruptly, messily and dangerously. Therest of the night each of took turns to peer at the radar, and the dark seaahead, diverting as necessary.The reports on piracy from the SW of Oman through the entrance to the RedSea are currently reassuring, maybe Aden Coast Guard have dissuaded themfrom attacking yachts. However there has been an unconfirmed incident of ayacht being fired on. The American coordinator of the 'anti piracy convoys'rushed the entire Indian Ocean, ignored their own advice, and sailed bythemselves through the 'piracy' area. Rumour has it that they are sounbearable that no-one would sail with them!We now have 240 miles to go, 1100 completed, seems like we are almost there,but its still 2 days to go. We send our best wishes to you allFrom the crew of Intrepid, Lanah, Nicky, Andy
]]> 1350 Mile Arabian Sea Sailing Adventure — Arabian Sea, Maldives http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/amerikiwi/rtw_06-07/1173569520/tpod.html http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/amerikiwi/rtw_06-07/1173569520/tpod.html#comments Travel Blogs http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/amerikiwi/rtw_06-07/1173569520/tpod.html Wed, 28 Mar 2007 18:36:05 -0400 The AmeriKiwi continuing towards 30 with a few more stops (Round the World Ticket) on the way!
Arabian Sea, Maldives

Hi, I wasn't sure where to add this sailing log I wrote for Andy and Nicky's site while out on the ocean. So, I will just add it here and make up a map entry pin. I wrote this in a rush because I always got a little sea sick if I typed more than ten minutes - really snuck up on me. I actually wrote every few days to my family which we were able to connect to via satellite connection, but I don't want to bore you with all that. This provides a general synopsis of the experience. Really was amazing and I am truly in love with sailing.... ah, now just the sailor would be nice. Funny kid here, eh? Okay, back to job searching here in Wellington. Pics will be up soon on my kodak site. Anyways, hope you enjoy and if you would like to stay apprised of the last few months of my freinds, Andy and Nicky's, round the world sailing, just email me for their website. Be in touch, LanahMaldives to Oman-NE Monsoon and Lanah's first Ocean Crossing. To give a different perspective, I asked Lanah (who is a public healthexpert from Indiana and Colorado currently living in NZ) to describe her first ever ocean crossing on Intrepid, 1350 miles from Maldives to Oman:9th March 2007, 5 days into the crossing:Let me make the context short and sweet: I am a total newbie. I took a shortintro to sailing course and learned some basics and got some harbour time in 40 knot winds, but am really still at the beginning. Prior to arriving on Intrepid February 27th in Male, Maldives, I had never spent the night on a moving boat, sailed inopen water (i.e. not a harbour or bay), thought of my directions in degreeson a compass or been off land for more than a day.As one might expect, my learning curve has been huge and almost, literally,everything is new to me like a 5 year old learning her ABC's and 1, 2, 3's.So, 360 degrees equals north, 90 is east, okay, I can practice thinking thatway. When in "Auto" mode on the autopilot, work with the wind and adjust thedegrees to ensure a 90 to 120 degree angle to maximize the VMG, okay, I cando that. Radar, try to decipher what lines are boats, squalls, or waves overa 145 square mile area. okay, I can try and do that although it issurprisingly stressful. Keep an eye on the sails and let the genoa sail outif you need to. okay, wait, shoot, it is now 15 knots gusting to 18 but weare going at 7.0 VMG (velocity made good towards our destination of Salalah)and our new ETA has dropped from 38 days on my watch yesterday to 5 daysnow. what do I do? Oh, shite, now I hear a fishing line rolling out but Andyand Nicky are asleep, do I wake them? Of course, we haven't had fish in aweek!!!Okay, I am not doing a great advertisement for my crewing skills here, butthis truly has already been amazingly educational to me. My watches from5:30 am to 9 have been great practicals for putting the many pieces ofinformation Andy and Nicky give me during the day to work (and greattime to practice my knots as, again EVERYTHING is new to me!).I have realized I have a true love for sailing even outside the harbour,watching the waves. who knew they were in such amazing rhythmic patterns? .and for the dolphins. Oh, the dolphins! Before we left Maldives, a big groupswam around Intrepid in gorgeous water as Andy was checking the top of themast. Then, more than 200 miles off the coast of the Goidhoo Atoll in theMaldives, another huge pod of dolphins appear at our bow jumping in and outfrom in front of the boat. This was the 3rd big set we had seen - heck,maybe it is the same dolphin party from Maldives checking in on us. Then,Andy spotted another group a few days ago. I find it fascinating to see wildcreatures so close up and their behaviour is nothing short ofinspirationally playful. The fact that the whole pod first comes over and 45of the 50 swim off within 10 minutes yet 4 of them stay for another 10minutes intrigues me. To me, I can just imagine these are the teen dolphinstrying to get an extra adrenaline rush in before dinner and their moms areoff 50 miles away, saying come on guys.Well, I digress, but all in all the last 9 days on Intrepid have been greatand I am so glad I took the plunge and added this adventure to my round theworld ticket (or, used it as an excuse to do one big RTW trip before age30!). Sitting up front on the bow and looking out to the deep blue oceanwhile watching the sun set, and reading a great book, is a unique experienceI would conjecture could not be matched elsewhere. In addition, the lull ofthe boat to sleep is so relaxing I feel I am inside one of those soothingclock radios that lulls you to sleep, or the womb, with perfect wave soundsin addition to a gentle rocking. Oh, and where else can you do a quick swimin shark infested (okay, Andy said 1 per square mile but I saw the movieJaws at an impressionable age) waters that are 4000 Meters deep? Ihesitantly hopped in hanging off the buoy after Andy checked forfish/sharks, and soon enough told Nicky that I now felt like a big flippinlure. I soon hopped out but am proud I can say I did it.! (baby steps)The crossing has also giving me a sincere appreciation for the skills thatboth Andy and Nicky have related to sailing whether it be the actualtechnical sailing, navigation, fishing, water quality, currents, weather,etc.. oh, or cooking which has been delicious!We currently have about 10 knots of wind and hope it increases a bit for agreat ETA to Oman in the next week. We have about 900 miles to go and I amalready looking forward to getting on some more boats back in Wellington.Here is hoping that sentiment doesn't change between now and Oman! Lastly, agreat perk of this trip might be that all of Andy's human resource andpsychology expertise can maybe help me figure out what the heck I do once Iland back in New Zealand in a few weeks!March 14th, 2007, 13 deg N, 61 deg E, ten days into the crossing:On March 10th, we were sitting out under the bimini enjoying the morningwhen Nicky and I realize a boat is coming in our direction. Soon, very soonwe realize it is on full power coming directly at us.. "ANDY!" is soondeclared to the skipper below. Andy presents himself from his sleep and wesoon realize yes, it is a boat coming to visit. Now, I don't have muchexperience, but I have heard enough real life pirate stories to have a bitof trepidation and we are 700 miles from the nearest land. Immediately a fewquestions run through your head 1) What do they want? 2) Where are theyfrom? 3) What if we don't have what they want and they hop on the boat,ransack the place, take hostages, force us to walk the plank.. Oh, wait thatwas Pirates of the Caribbean and I have to admit deep down that would begrand if Johnny Depp was still in charge. Back to reality, the boatapproaches and we see smiling faces. They immediately ask for cigarettes, wesee fruit (which we desperately want!) and a new international trade event(they are from Sri Lanka) takes place. Granted, even with a friendly faceand smiling crew, these guys have been out on the boat maybe months so stillrisky. Fortunately, Andy has a long rod that can be extended out a fewmeters from the boat to reduce risk of the boats banging into each other.They drop the $5 and first two packs of ethically incorrect cigarettesnoting they are a very viable currency here (sorry), and we give it a secondgo. The second time works and we soon have our two watermelons. Ah,international trade can be fair and fun. Wait, is passing on carcinogeniccigs fair? Okay, maybe not, but we shared many smiles.Feeling as though this was a pinnacle of entertainment for the day, we soonrealized we were wrong. By the end of the day, we saw another 6 fishingboats on radar, one of which tried to aggressively chase us but couldn'tcatch up, another asked for water which we obliged and the third, and lastboat, was very friendly informing us they had indeed been on the boat for amonth, were from Sri Lanka. After we shared some final cigarettes, they keptwaving, dancing on the deck saying thank you and goodbye. These men/boys inparticular seemed genuinely sweet up on their bow in the traditionalskirt/wraps worn by men in India (and I assume Sri Lanka). As they sailedaway, I couldn't help but wonder what our conversations could have been ifwe could all sit around a table, a fire, etc. and communicate freely. Howold were they? Will they fish their whole life? How many fish, and what typedo they catch? Do they have kids? and so on. It may seem silly, but it isthese kinds of moments that really enlighten my spirit, because no matterhow different your worlds, travelling gives you these little glimpses ofcommonality through a smile, a wave, or a thank you and it just makes meauthentically happy (Hmmm. has Andy been recommending self-help psychologybooks??? i.e. one is named "Authentic Happiness" ) JOther highlights included 5 more watches without hitting any boats, so proudof myself on that one. I also have learned to actually interact with thesails a bit and am gaining a beginning understanding of the theory behinddecreasing/increasing angles of wind to sail by hand or autopilot. Soundsbasic, but remember, for me, thinking of East as 90 degrees is new! Oh, andI have almost mastered my reef knot with my bowline and double turn halfhitch (I think) in process. And, I actually have a bit of a role when weraise or lower the pole, adjust sails in and out, and put up the BGM. Mostimportantly, I ensure I am the most well-rested crew member so that I canlive up to my "Loquacious Lanah" or "Lulled Lanah" pseudonym.We also did another deep sea swim at 4000 meters, caught a gorgeous, plump,thrashing skipjack tuna weighing in at about 5 Kg. Oh, and you might thinkcatching a fish is easy. Contrare mon frere. Over our drinks just as the sunhad dipped down, and Andy was concluding a Neuro-Linguistic Programmingexercise on Nicky and me, the reel goes "zzzzzzzzzz". I gather dishes andstore the table away, Andy grabs the reel, and Nicky takes charge of theboat to stop it. We pull the sails in, I run down and get the alcohol andfilet knife. Nicky grabs the gaff, Andy reels the fighting tuna in for atleast 5 minutes, with the crazy, I don't want to die fish tactic of divingunder the boat. Finally, as I am honing in with my zoom lens on my videocamera (after my duties are completed of course), a glimpse of the glorioustuna. Ah, I can taste it already. Nicky now has the reel, Andy strikes thegaff into the fish, drags it onto the back of the boat, all the whilestanding on the back ladder. Nicky pours some alcohol on the thrasher toanesthetize and allow it a euthenised fast death I think, and Andy startscutting. Plastic zip locks are retrieved and now we have at least 5kilograms of the freshest, tastiest, most amazing fish to eat for the next 4days. Although my video lacks any skill, I did feel, as I have during thetwo prior catches, I am immediately thrown into a national geographicadventure series watching "man vs. fish" as they make it look so easy and Iam sure it is far from that for the vast majority.Andy seared the tasty tuna, served with salad and sweet corn. As my Dadwould say, in an altered version for the circumstance, it was the best mealon the Arabian Sea.All in all, it's a great cruise package. I never would have expected themirror like water in the middle of the Arabian Sea to be dotted all of thesudden with 20 chilled out pilot whales meandering around. Then, the food.Gourmet Galley is all I can say, Andy seriously should start a restaurantand every meal would start with Nicky's delicious homemade bread.I wasn't sure what I was signing up for, but boy, I couldn't be blamed forthinking (still!) that this was a top of the line, niche, adventure/gourmetworld cruise line with very personalized focus that just happens to go underthe name Intrepid of Dover.We had to stop Lanah at this stage as she was so excited we thought shemight bounce right off the boat! She has handled her watches well, a greatenthusiast, a pleasure to sail with. I hope it gives an idea of what a first2 week ocean crossing feels like.Most yachts in front of us had very little wind. 'I have only 4 knots ofwind' moaned one. 'I envy you 4 knots, we haven't any wind at all' respondedthe next yacht. The 'transition period' between the NE and SW Monsoons seemsto have come early this year, and high pressure at the mouth of the Gulf iscancelling out any wind we might have. At times been inching along at 1.2knots under sail towards Oman, as we only have fuel for 750 miles - but wealso have periods of 20 knot winds when we do 7 knots.Today we received this message from a NZ/British yacht 100 miles ahead ofus: 'Hi Andy and Nicky, we were caught in a fishing net last night and had towait 5 hours until they came to our rescue! A big fishing boat from Iran,They used unlit floating nets 7 miles long, we think for Tuna, and twofishermen had to dive down to cut the propeller and the rudder free. Later:Caught in another fishing net! Just now! Please listen on frequency 4420every hour and channel 16, in case we need support. Thank you'.4420 is SSB short wave radio, not all yachts have it, but we spoke toPathfinder on the hour just as it was getting dark. They were severelystressed, the Iranian fishermen had cut them free again, didn't ask formoney but did take a bottle of rum and whiskey, and told them there were 200Iranian fishing boats each with 7 mile floating nets between us and Oman!These nets on the surface are illegal and dangerous - dolphins get entangledin them - but I didn't care to swap legal niceties with Iranian fishermen atnight if I could avoid it. We decided that our best chance was to sail if wecould hoping that nets would scrape under our keel avoid our foldingpropeller and miss the rudder; also to divert round anything looking like apair of radar echoes (boat and buoy marking the end of the net). An anxiousnight, pitch black as the moon didn't rise until 5am, but OK then at 10 amwe saw 3 large wooden boats full of people altering course to cross ourtrack. We continued sailing, and they turned out to be a type of India/Yemenferry, everyone waving,Next night Pathfinder confirmed more floating nets, and we spotted 2 pairsof echoes, (nets?) diverted round them, but as we did so under full sailheard an eerie scraping sound as what I think must have been a net (there isno way of telling at night) scraped under Intrepid and missed our rudder. Ifit had caught we would have stopped abruptly, messily and dangerously. Therest of the night each of took turns to peer at the radar, and the dark seaahead, diverting as necessary.The reports on piracy from the SW of Oman through the entrance to the RedSea are currently reassuring, maybe Aden Coast Guard have dissuaded themfrom attacking yachts. However there has been an unconfirmed incident of ayacht being fired on. The American coordinator of the 'anti piracy convoys'rushed the entire Indian Ocean, ignored their own advice, and sailed bythemselves through the 'piracy' area. Rumour has it that they are sounbearable that no-one would sail with them!We now have 240 miles to go, 1100 completed, seems like we are almost there,but its still 2 days to go. We send our best wishes to you allFrom the crew of Intrepid, Lanah, Nicky, Andy
]]> Almost there - Christchurch — Christchurch, New Zealand http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/amerikiwi/rtw_06-07/1174787940/tpod.html http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/amerikiwi/rtw_06-07/1174787940/tpod.html#comments Travel Blogs http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/amerikiwi/rtw_06-07/1174787940/tpod.html Fri, 23 Mar 2007 22:00:28 -0400 The AmeriKiwi continuing towards 30 with a few more stops (Round the World Ticket) on the way!
Christchurch, New Zealand

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]]> Almost back down under - Singapore — Singapore, Singapore http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/amerikiwi/rtw_06-07/1174649880/tpod.html http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/amerikiwi/rtw_06-07/1174649880/tpod.html#comments Travel Blogs http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/amerikiwi/rtw_06-07/1174649880/tpod.html Fri, 23 Mar 2007 07:52:17 -0400 The AmeriKiwi continuing towards 30 with a few more stops (Round the World Ticket) on the way!
Singapore, Singapore

I can barely keep my eyes open after a full day here in Singapore. Thank God for the "Premier Lounge" I am so normally against (based on principal of caste elite systems), but I must admit I am thrilled to have had them at every airport thanks to my flight miles! Free food, drinks, and most importantly a place to sleep (on a chair) and showers! I left Dubai last night at 8pm, arrived 7 hours later at 7am here in Singapore and after only 3 hours sleep on the plane during the "night", I found a few good chairs in the lounge to curl up on. At about 10am I motivated into downtown and the Burgis Market which was a shock reminder of the markets in Thailand but more expensive. Good fun despite exhaustion and this organised town is intriguing in that I have never seen so many free items at an airport - free internet, free transport to city, free tour of city, free snack/coffee on tour, etc.... hilarious. Am curious about the tax base. Okay, am rambling and I have to board my second to last flight on this almost 4 month round the world journey. I really can't believe it is coming to a close. It has truly been a life changing experience and I am so thankful to have had the opportunity to see the beauty of so many new places - Samoa, Ireland, India (oh, sweet, insane India!), Maldives, Oman, United Arab Emirates and Singapore. I am sure Mr. Poole has calculated my exact mileage and flight time, but I think it is/was near 29,000 miles, about 57 flight hours along with 21 days sailing across the Arabian Sea - let alone the unbelievable number of bus and train miles! Now, off on my last 10 hour flight (I think) to Christchurch and then a connection to Wellington arriving on Saturday 24th. Soon enough, I hope to be updating you on the next job in hand as well as the next adventure - whatever that may be. I will update the sailing journal, pics website and other sections over the next week. Again, just email if you need links to the Intrepid or my Kodak site. And, lastly, thank you for sharing this experience with me! I am thrilled some people have taken a look at this site. Please, please feel free to email me with any inquiries - general or specific if you have any questions. I would so be thrilled to pass on any helpful information if I can on any of the countries visited or the general approach to this type of budget travel/lifestyle. Sometimes I wonder if I would prefer 5 star hotel travel and honestly, not a bit! Okay, maybe a night or two here and there if I must, but the beauty of the last 3.5 months has been connecting with people from around the world in markets, on streets, trains, buses, over dinners and in their homes and at hostels. It really is so rewarding... hence the addiction! Okay, off to the plane. Peace and I look forward to hearing from you! :)
]]> Overnight bus from Salalah to United Arab Emirates — Dubai, United Arab Emirates http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/amerikiwi/rtw_06-07/1174462860/tpod.html http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/amerikiwi/rtw_06-07/1174462860/tpod.html#comments Travel Blogs http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/amerikiwi/rtw_06-07/1174462860/tpod.html Wed, 21 Mar 2007 03:55:23 -0400 The AmeriKiwi continuing towards 30 with a few more stops (Round the World Ticket) on the way!
Dubai, United Arab Emirates

So much to write, no time as usual. Will try to update this and pics on kodak gallery in the next few days. A few are available on the Intrepid site. Email me if you need either weblink. Back to Welly on the 24th... the real world! :)
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