TravelStream™ news feed for member beannie84 on TravelPod's free travel blogs service http://www.travelpod.com/syndication/rss/beannie84 en-us Copyright ©2009 TravelPod.com Mon, 29 Jun 2009 08:15:18 -0400 http://www.travelpod.com http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/beannie84/1/1246275862/tpod.html http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/beannie84/1/1246275862/tpod.html#comments Travel Blogs http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/beannie84/1/1246275862/tpod.html Mon, 29 Jun 2009 08:15:18 -0400 Round the world in just three months.....!

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Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam

Hello all,

Sorry it has been a while since my last entry.....a lot has been going on :))
So I decided to acquaint myself with Vietnam by spending two days on the Meking River. After Sydney, Vietnam is quite a culture shock. There is a huge blend of new and old, rich and poor! Visiting the Mekong gives you a taste of the real Vietnam seeing how rice paper is made and coconut candy and everywhere you go you are continuously harrassed to buy something....!Only bonus is that here you have to barter and what a fun sport that is!!!! In the markets people are literally hanging off your arms persuading you to buy something and then the fun begins by only paying a portion of what they ask, which in other words is known as 'western tax'. We visited the floating market, which unlike Thailand is for local buyers only and not the tourists. It's amazing to see so many boats a lot of them carrying the same goods and children being used to sell the many items. And here there are many houses/shacks along the river mainly being held uo by corrugated iron and then the next minute in a village a brand new complex is being built - quite bizarre really!
Then a few days in to Vietnam I meet my tour group. I was unaware that I would be joining a group that had already been to Vietnam but there were 6 of them leaving and 6 of us joining and we had a great time! In Saigon we visited the Cu Chi tunnels where the Vietnamese fought the Americans and we were astonsihed to learn that some families lived in the tunnels for more than 10 years sometimes being allowed out at noght, though mostly only to fight. Unbelievable what they went through.
First stop was Nha Trang via an overnight train and hey ho we got an upgrade ;) 1st class train! they're such good fun but we all arrived a wee bit tired as normally they got in at the strangest of hours early in the morning!We spent a day on the beach and the next day out on a boat being goggled at by the locals but jumping off the boat and generally having a good time.
Next stop was Hoi An whih was prbably my most favourite place and we spent a few days here. One of the days Sam and I hired our won motorbike and went 'cruising' for the day - what a lot of fun!! We saw a pagoda, went to the beach, drove through crazy and saw the paddy fields in just one day - awesome!!!
After that was Hue where unfortunately I started to feel a bit poorly and it seemed that the rest of the group were suffering at one point or another too. There we visited the citadel which was built for defense purposes, though the weather was unbearable hot and it was hard to appreciate the architecture and sights.
The next day it is more motorbiking fun though this time we were being driven along the paddy fields and stopping by in villages to appreciate local custims and see how the famous conical hats were made!There is a lady who only makes one hat a day but that is beacuse she only has one full arm and the other has no hand so it is extremely impressive to perform such intricate work!
After Hue we travelled to Hanoi in order to get to Halong Bay which is breathtakingly beautiful. We had our own private boat with a fabulous seafood lunch which sailed us around the various islands, which were all very lush and green. We stopped off at some magnificent caves the scale of which I have never seen before. Then the next day it is back to Hanoi again for our last few nights. We visit Ho Chi Minh who has been 'pickled' so that people can come and pay their respects and enjoy spending the last few days together!
Vietnam is an amzing country though for anyone wishing to go I would reccomend the north over the south!
Now Thailand awaits!

Love abi xxxxx

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Sydney, New South Wales, Australia

Hello again!

So from Fiji, it's via NZ and then to Sydney where as soon as I get to the hostel i'm greeted by Victoria, quite a lot of happy screaming went on there! Such an amazing feeling to see one of my sisters on the other side of the world!So it's a case of dropping off the bags and getting some dinner ready and chilling out at the hostel. We're both pretty tired so we try to not make it too late as we have plans for the next day!So following morning it's up bright and early and as Victoria is the pro out of the two of us I leave it to her to show me round! We've been informed of a rather yummy chocolate cafe which we must check out so we head off to find it and on out way buy a grogeous jacket for Victoria. At Darling Harbour we check out the restaurants as we've decided we deserve to eat out together :))) Then it is on to Circular Quay to see the world famous Opera House and bridge. The bridge from that angle actually looks smaller than I thought and even though the architecture of the opera house is stunning that too does not look like what I expected.....but we take some good photos! We move on via The Rocks to a small market and then the Museum of Contemporary Art. I embarrassed plum here by getting one of my infamous fits of the giggles - some of this modern art is very much lost one me but we do see some other pretty cool sculptures and artworks!We then stroll back to the city via the Botanical Gardens which are very nice and then after spending the whole day walking decide it is time for our chocolate treat! And yes at the chocolate cafe they serve chocolate pizza covered in banana, pecans and marshmallows - delicious!!!!!In the evening it is back to darling harbour for a very nice dinner, though the heavens have opened up and we both arrive absolutely drenched - our shoes are squelching!But we manage to catch some of the fireworks and have a delicious meal!Then off to the sky tower but due to the bad weather there's not much point in going up which is a shame for viktoor. But altogether we had the most amazing time together!!!Definitely a highlight of my trip :) The next day she leaves early and feel as though I've been left all alone.....don't think I did that much as I was still pretty tired. on the saturday I head off to the markets with a dutch girl from my room!Glebe market sells all sorts of amazing jewellery but keeping the pennies for asia. Then it's off to the fish market for lunch, this place is just amazing and I treat myself to half a lobster - insane I know but really quite cheap actually :))))
On the sunday I head off to Coogee beach and do the walk to Bondi, it is an ok walk but made more interesting buy the sudden appearnce of a massive cemetery, it appears out of nowhere but is huge! And all the tombstones are massive too, quite a weird feeling walking through there. The rest of the afternoon is spent browsing through the shops - but not buying unfortunately! On monday it is off to the beach again, but this time to Manly where I spend the morning just chilling and reading my book and walking to the fantatsic lookout point. On the boat on the way back it is slowly getting dark and this time the views of the bridge and opera house are stunning! most people seem to agree it looks better from a distance.....
Then my last day it is off to the Blue Mountains which afford the most amazing views which stretch ahead forever in front of you. The day starts off with a 2hr hike through the mountains and past the waterfalls and ends with a climb up lots of stairs.......then in the afternoon, it's just about 800 stairs all the way back down with a ride on the world's steepest railway back up (sound familiar viktoor?) In the evening I head back to the opera house and bridge as there's a light show on in the city so the bridge is lit up in photos which somebosy has taken and turned into a beautiful display!Quite liking the opera house now...........
And that's the end of Sydney!It's been a busy busy week but have totally loved the city!!!

Have just arrived in Vietnam so will acquaint myself with the place now and will write again soon.

love abi x x x x x
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Nadi, Viti Levu, Fiji

Hello everyone,

So I board the plane in NZ whether the weather was slowly getting colder and after a few hours get off in Fiji where obviously there was a noticeable temperature difference!The airport is quite small and after customs I was welcomed by a Fijian who gave me a necklace to welcome me to their country. Off to the hostel where I watch a fire dancing display in the hostel next door and turn in for a fairly early night as it is up early the next day. The following morning there are hoardes of backpackers all waiting to catch the bus to the harbour to get on the boat that will take us to the various islands. It;s not long before I recognise faces from the evening before so by the time we get to the first island we've formed a small group of peole which is nice. The first island is north of the Yasawas and as well as being a holiday home for us it is also very much a community. Every mealtime they sing and perform and get us to participate in fun activities. And every time, one of the Fijians cannot keep a straight face for some reason or other - bit like me really!The dorm is interesting with what looks like 20 children dorm beds and not one of the guys is able to sleep straight, ah the joys of being short...!Only downside to the beautiful island is the weather, somehow it is not sunny!So after two days it is off to the next island which is fantastic and they even served us spag bol for dinner!The meals in Fiji are fantastic and they always serve lots of fresh fruit. We take a boat out to swim with some Manta Rays and by the time we jump into the water we've scared ourselves something horrible with the fear of sharks being in the water, nonsense really!Anyway no luck with the manta rays so we try again the morning we leave the island and we have better luck! But even without the manta rays, snorkelling over the coral reefs is pretty cool!The last island we stay at is in my opinion the most beautiful and we are reunited with Jenny who spent two nights on a different island and us 3 girlies spend the day trying to tan as much as poss!And as you will see from the photos when I get the chance to put them up it is pure paradise. Alex and I take a short ride in the submarine but that actually left the two of us feeling a wee bit seasick lol!So after 5 nights on the islands it is back to the main island for me for two nights. The hostel there is amazing as it also functions as a hotel so as a result the meals they serve are delicious!On the second day I go for a ride along the beach. They do things quite differently there as expected. For starters there's no hat so you just have to rely on your skills and hope for a nice horse.....Also made the mistake of wearing shorts which reslted in a nasty wound but anyway.....the guy reckons i'll probably be a pretty good rider so leaves me to navigate the beach by myself. At first I don't think much of the horse as I cannot get it to canter much more than 5 strides even though I was promised a fast horse. However after some distance the horse suddenly stops and turns round and literally sprints the whole way back - now that is more like it!! Just a brilliant feeling galloping along the beach!
So I definitely enjoyed my time in Fiji though a shame that there was very little sun!But it's on onwards and upwards to Sydney and to see Victoria there!

x x x x x x x
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Russell, North Island, New Zealand

Hello again,

So after my return to Auckland I have some time left and decide to head up to the Bay of Islands, not quite sure what to expect but have heard some nice things about the place. Also Ruud en Marisch (aunt and uncle) have some friends who live up there so I decided to go and visit them. The drive takes a few hours and we stop off to hug a big fat tree. Sounds a wee bit bizarre I know But Kauri trees are very famous in NZ and they grow in a perfectly straight line and can be as old as 40,0000 years! Then just as we get to Paihia, the main village / town I catch the first glimpse of the bay and it is in fact spectacular! The waters are so clear and already lots of little islands are visible with boats bobbing up and down everywhere. I've agreed to meet the family in Russell where they live which is just a ferry ride across. When I get there however there is nobody there, so I wait a wee while but still nobody shows up! So I try calling a few times and no luck. So I find the one and only internet cafe and quickly send them an email letting them know i've arrived and hopefully to meet them tomorrow. It then turns out that the guy from the cafe is Dutch and when he finds out that I intend to spend the night in a hostel he offers for me to stay with him and his wife. A really sweet offer and as this is NZ also safe lol. So suddenly I find myself in NZ staying with perfect starngers - all part of the experience I guess. Later in the afternoon they drive me up to the house of the family where i'm supposed to be staying and Mark the father is there looking a wee bit surprised. Turns out they didn't get my final email and thus were not expecting me till the day after..!! But luckily it was no problem that I got there a wee bit early. The house is stunning, perched on top of a hill with views of hills and land on the one side and the most spectacular sea view on the other - really breath taking. We have a lot of fun over dinner that night as one of their boys actually saw 7 cars in a row go past a crossing - where they live that is practically a miracle and we laughed at how silly that actually sounds lol. The next day the older boy goes to school across the water and we drop the younger one off at the local school. They have lived here for sometime and he just goes barefoot like all the other local kids. Karin and I take the dog for a walk along the beach and she shows me around the village including a wee church which shows the remains of bullet holes as the Maori's fought against the European take over. That evening I try yoga for the first time, but I can't quite seem to get the breathing right or the ideas behind it....maybe pilates would be better suited....
The next day I go out for a 3hr boat cruise to see some dolphins and visit hole in the rock. It is not long before we spot some dolphins and they have fun playing around the boat - really awesome to see them so close by in their natural habitat. The boat then cruises out to sea and it is just breathtaking. Standing at the front of the boat all you can see are the bluest waters with the sun sparkling on it making it look like diamonds in the water and long thin white clouds stretching in the sky. Incredibly peaceful and beautiful. Then we get to hole in the rock - exactly what it says on the tin and we manage to get the boat through it. The boat then cruises back past all the islands with its many beaches and camping spots! Highly recommend this as a place to visit! On my last day Karin and I go far about a 15km walk through the woods, spotting more of NZ's native trees and plants and walking along stretches of the beach. My visit here has been absolutely wonderful and I can't wait to come back!
Heading back to Auckland I then head straight back to Taupo again to attempt the Tongariro crossing - a world famous one day hike, but unfortunately it is cancelled due to bad weather. And now I only have two more days left and then head to Fiji so my time here is up. I highly highly recommend a visit to this country to any of you who get the chance- you won't regret it.
I will write again from the Fijian paradise.

Love x x x x x
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Auckland, North Island, New Zealand

Hello!
I last wrote while I was in Christchurch which unfortunately was a bit of a disappointment.....it is supposed to be an old city that should remind one of England, however this is not quite so..... Old in NZ is not quite the same as old in the UK and is rather boring even though it is now NZ's second largest city. So from there we went to Kaikoura in the hope to go whale watching but this was cancelled due to the bad weather (not having much luck on the east coast am I?) We didn't hang around in Kaikoura so it was straight back to Picton to catch the ferry to Wellington. Quite unexpectedly some friends we met in Queenstown rocked up at the check in which was a nice surprise!! We had left them as they were heading for the west coast and us the east so we didn't think we would see them again. But then when you're travelling you bunmp into people all the time! So what was probably going to be a fun but uneventful night inWellington turned out to be a great laugh, especially as one of the guys was celebrating his birthday! Many Jagerbombs all round...! From Wellington it is an express route back to Auckland with just one overnight stop in Taupo. As it is the same route as the way down there is not much to tell....apart from the bubbling mud pools as you can see in the pics. Taupo was really just an overnight stop as we stayed in a lovely hostel which has a much nicer atmosphere than the generic BASE hostels you can find everywhere here and does a super chilli for just 5 bucks and the accommodation is cheaper - brilliant!! The next day it is back to Auckland where I say goodbye to the people on the bus but hopefully we will reunite in London or Fiji even!!!
Then it is off to the Bay of Islands but will write in a separate entry,

Abi x x x x
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Queenstown, South Island, New Zealand

Hello everybody,

I last left you in Wellington and from there it was on to the ferry to head for the South Island. We arrived in Nelson where quite frankly there is nothing to do apart from a very steep climb to reach the geographical centre of New Zealand. Unfortunately it is not that spectacular......!Then it is on to Westport where we spent the night in a very cosy and homely hostel playing cards and watching dvd's! Then the next day to Lake Mahinapua, where the crazy hostel is run by some 83 year old man who is very very funny!!!! The theme that night for fancy dress is that the boys have to dress as girls and the girls have to make costumes out of bin bags! My initial thought was 80's (yep melis we had the same idea) and I had it all pictured in my head, though somehow it came out looking more hawaiian.....
Next day we move on again though this time we will stop of for two days!! Us travellers get very excited about this as it means you don't have to pack your bag again the next day (it gets a bit tedious..)So this is Franz Josef - a world famous glacier. We arrive on the saturday and we are all supposed to go climbing on the glacier on the sunday. However some of us decided we would rather do the helihike which means that rather than doing a full days climbing to get to the middle of the glacier, you jump in a helicopter and get dropped off at the top where the most beautiful ice is. Naughty I know but the views were just spectacular. But when we arrived on the saturday the weather was perfect for it, so I literally jumped off the coach got changed and got in the heli!!Good job we did it on the saturday beacuse those who waited till the sunday had their trips cancelled.....The heli ride was amazing and we then spent about 2 hours climbing on the ice, going through ice caves and generally having an amazing time taking in the views!Then it is back in the heli again and before you know it you are back on normal ground again - quite bizarre really! The next day is just a day off and catching up on some sleep!From Franz Josef we travel to Lake Wanaka where we drove along the Haast pass which has some of the most amazing scenery I have seen so far so the bus ride was very enjoyable!Just the one night here and then it is on to Queenstown - the adrenaline centre of New Zealand. The first night is party time as one of the bus drivers turned 40. So the next day is just a stroll around town..!The day after that though is Bungy jump time. I had signed myself up for the Nevis which is the world's 3rd largest bungy....!That morning I feel quite nervous and wonder what exactly I have let myself in for??!!However by the time I get on the bus to get there i'm quite excited. The bungy is from a gondola that sits suspended in a valley so you have to get into another gondola to actually get there! You get inside and they jump people in weight order so i'm second from last and have to watch everybody else go before me! They put ankle straps on and a body harnass ans show you how to release the ankle strap once you are on the second bounce so that you can tip your body the right way up as they pull you back rather than hanging head down. By the time I jump I am very very excited and the butterflies are not nervous ones but excited ones. They count down the jump quickly and then you just go, watching the ground rush towards you - so so cool!!!!!!Now I want to do Hong Kong which is the largest in the world :))) Afterwards it is off to Fergburger for a well deserved treat. Ask anyone in NZ where to get the best burger and they will tell you to go here.
The next day in Q'town is much more relaxed with a trip to Milford Sound - the world's 2nd most popular attraction after the pyramids in Egypt. This trip takes you to Milford Fiord (it is not actually a sound) and the best way I can describe it is that this is NZ's most iconic scenery. The photos just cannot do it justice. We got a 2.5 hour boat ride on the fiord and once again everything is just spectacular The mountain scenery is very dramatic. Now I am in Christchurch which is very English just not so old and will move to Kaikoura soon to see some dolphins hopefully!!
Enjoy the photos!
Much love abs x x x xx
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Auckland, North Island, New Zealand

Hello!!!
Time for another update!Have spent the last week or so travelling south through the North Island to Wellington. The first two days in NZ were in Auckland where I did nothing as the jetlag was just too extreme....Then on the Tuesday it was up bright and early to get my 'Kiwi' bus which is going to take me on my travels through this amazing country. Bus was absolutely jampacked and we played a speed dating game to get to know the people on the bus. I've been prettty lucky to have a cool group of people! First stop was Mercury Bay where we literally spent the night and saw nothing. Shame really as the hostel itself was lovely. Then it was on to Rotorua where it sticns of Sulphur i.e rotten eggs........but you soon get used to it. Had some time to stop off in the town but unfortunately not much to see there apart from all the scenery which we are glimpsing from the bus....We did however stop off for a picture with Gollum for those of you who are familiar with Lord of the Rings.....Then it is on to Waitomo which funnily enough is in the middle of nowhere!! This is our last night with the Danish girl but hopefully we will see her again in Quuenstown. Waitomo has some amazing countryside so we went for a long walk through the hills and surrounding fields. I have never breathed such 'clean' air it is an amazing feeling. It is hard to describe but you feel as though you have been cleansed on the inside and you get glowing skin!The next day it is off to Taupo and the first place where we are staying for more than one night which is lovely (means you can get some washing done.....)!!!And first on the agenda is the skydive!! Yep I jumped out of a plane at 12,0000 ft and the freefall lasts 45 seconds at 200km/hr. Wasn't scared in the slightest luckily I was a bit surprised but was just able to enjoy the stunning views :))) And travelling up in the planes was also amazing as you creep higher and higher up looking at the lake and the mountains!!Now will just have to see how I feel about a bungee......
I was supposed to go on a long hike the following morning but was a wee bit late for the bus and it didn't want to wait for us so a german girl and I went for a 4 hour walk around lake Taupo instead. The lake is in fact a large volcanic crater!! The rest of the day just got some bits and pieces sorted and then on again to the next stop - River Valley. The accommodation here is a lodge set in very peaceful surroundings and has a farmy feel about it. Was an amazing place to stay apart from the outside showers haha. In the morning I went for a ride on a cute little pony with some 'oomph'. I first got given something that I jst couldn't get going but luckily was able to swap. We trekked through some very very steep hills and again the views were spectacular!!Then it was off to Wellington where I am now and we had a nice day to ourselves. So brought a lovely cosy hat to prepare for the cold weather on the South Island which is a 7am start tomorrow........The next few days will just be stopping off and probably doing nothing spectacular until we get to Franz Josef and do the glacier climb.
Till the next blog,
Love abi x x x
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L.A., United States

Hi!!
So it was March 30th and I set off for my trip. Been looking forward to this now for such a long time and am very very excited. Said goodbye to mum in the morning which was sad and Viktoor - but that's ok as we'll see each other in Sydney!! Dad drops me off at Heathrow and I feel great knowing that Mum and Dad both support the trip :))
Flight to L.A is fine and manage to stay awake so that I can sleep as soon as I get to the hostel. First impressions of L.A are just what you would expect. Lots and lots of cars driving like maniacs and on their 'cell phones' whilst smoking and drinking at the same time...quite impressive really. Arrive at the hostel late-ish in the evening and then it is pretty much shower and bed.
First day feeling a bit tired so am off to explore the Getty Center. This museum is situated on the edge of L.A and is absolutely magnificent. The building is created by the architect Richard Meier and is absolutely beautiful. There are many concepts into its design (too many to go into now) and the gardens that surround it. But between the spaces of the buildings you can catch glimpses of the city and on the edge of the museum the whole of L.A lies beneath you as symbolised in the Cactus Garden. The place is so serene and beautiful it is a great way to enjoy my first day!
Day two and off to check out The Grove a local shopping centre next to the Farmers Market. Here I found the Apple store where some of you received emails...!This place looks just like a movie set! In the afternoon I venture to Hollywood Blvd and behave like a typical tourist. I go off for a cruise through Beverly Hills and Bel air to see where the celebrities live. Many houses are well covered by trees and hedges to keep us nosey parkers out....Then off to famous Rodeo Drive. Funnily enough there aren't many people actually shopping there but some of the stores are just amazing.....unfortunately my camera runs out off battery so will just have to go back :))
Day three and am off to Santa Monica though with a detour to Rodeo Drive where I see some famous people!!Valentino received the rodeo drive style award and Anne Hathaway was the special guest. Valentino has a definite case of spray tan disease.........At the bottom of Rodeo Drive is the famous hotel where Pretty Woman was filmed so obviously have to have a picture of that! Then off to the beach where unfortunately it is cloudy but have a nice walk to Venice beach from there. It is a little more eccentric but resembles something quite similar to what you might see back in the U.K!!!!
Day four and my last day in L.A. Have just about seen everything now so it's back to the grove and to the A&F store where they have a sale - naughty I know but am sure Zoe understands!! Then quickly a walk along Melrose and off to the airport! Again a quick detour though as I had arranged to meet up with Lindsey who I lived with in my first year of uni and we manage to grab a bite to eat before she drops me off at LAX. Was really nice to have a very overdue catch up.......
I am now in NZ in a place called Rotorua where I have some time to write this. Hopefully I will be able to fill you in on what's been happening here soon!
Lots of love Abi x x x x x x
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