TravelStream™ news feed for member davidb123uk2 on TravelPod's free travel blogs service http://www.travelpod.com/syndication/rss/davidb123uk2 en-us Copyright ©2010 TravelPod.com Wed, 16 Jul 2008 12:57:19 -0400 http://www.travelpod.com http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/davidb123uk2/1/1216244880/tpod.html http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/davidb123uk2/1/1216244880/tpod.html#comments Travel Blogs http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/davidb123uk2/1/1216244880/tpod.html Wed, 16 Jul 2008 12:57:19 -0400 Getting away from England!

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Sheffield, England, United Kingdom

Figured I should add a final blog about my long flight home, and also so I can stick a pin in England on the world map on here! Not much to say about the journey home really except it was long and tiring. Managed to get a few hours sleep i think but not much more, ended up getting fed so much food, and had a really irritating guy in front who put his seat back ridiculously far! It took 29 hours in total from setting off from Christchurch to landing in Manchester, passing through Dubai and Sydney on the way. A while ago I was considering staying in Dubai for a week, but not too bothered I didn't as it was going to be 45 celsius that day. A bit too hot for someone used to New Zealand's winter!

Anyway I got back to Manchester and jumped on the train to Sheffield....saw some chavs, had a greggs sausage roll, everything was the same as usual!!! Plan now is to get a job and live in the real world!!!

p.s. have finally got round to adding my pics from New Zealand to my last few blogs
]]> http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/davidb123uk2/1/1215880800/tpod.html http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/davidb123uk2/1/1215880800/tpod.html#comments Travel Blogs http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/davidb123uk2/1/1215880800/tpod.html Fri, 11 Jul 2008 20:51:22 -0400 Getting away from England!

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Christchurch, South Island, New Zealand

Last week when I updated this I was about to head out for Dan and Claire's last night, but before that we decided to cook some chicken kievs and chips in the YHA kitchen as it had an oven. Big mistake. We put the food on and then kind of left it for a while, and when we came down the whole kitchen was smoky, obviously coming from the oven! And everyone was looking haha. The food hadn't actually burnt, more something on the bottom of the oven, but that night we had to eat possibly the worst meal ever. The kiev had a bone for some reason and the chips were raw - very nice! That night ended up being another late one with about 100 photos being taken on my camera, most not by me! For some reason we took photos of loads of random people though - probably just to make it look like we had more friends! I think Dan and Claire headed back to the YHA about 3ish but me and Chris stayed chatting at Winnie and Flange's until going on 6 am! Then we headed back to the YHA, only to realise that we didn't know the doorcode. There should have been a secuirty guard on but there was no sign of him, so we headed back to the girls room. They had just got to sleep, so were obviously thrilled for us to turn up and crash on their floor for a few hours - i managed to get a few hours sleep though! Once the YHA was open we went back for a few more hours sleep, missing Dan and Claire leaving (which wouldn't really matter that much!). In the morning me and Chris went to complain to the reception about there being no security and us not being told about any door code, then headed around to the girls room....where Dan and Claire were due to their bus being cancelled because of the snow! Claire also confirmed we were told about the door code but we just hadn't been listening haha! So last Saturday Dan and Claire were frantically trying to sort a bus or flight, as they needed to get to Auckland pretty sharpish. They finally sorted a flight to Auckland and so we said our goodbyes again. Flange went to do the Nevis bungy jump courtesy of her dad while me, Chris and Winnie went out on our fun day in Queenstown! I can't list everything we did as it was so action packed but it included pizza at Hells, outdoor mini golf, playing pool at Harry's pool bar and a bit of internet!

That evening we went and got ready at the YHA before heading around to the girls room, to be told that Dan and Claire had been around earlier! This time their flight had been cancelled, so they were being put up in a plush hotel! So instead of cramming into a twin room in Bumbles we all decided to play drinking uno around at the 5 star hotel instead, some of the pics are on facebook! After this we again went out, ending up in Winnie's Bar where the music was worse than usual! I had managed to cope for the best part of a week but hearing the same songs over and over got to me, so I left Winnie, Flange and Chris to it. Heard after the music got worse so may'be it was a good decision. Walking home I thought I was going home really early but it was about 2 am so not that early! The next morning we met up with Dan and Claire to say goodbye a third time (this time they actually went though!!), then we went luging again as it was Chris' birthday. After a quick game of uno on the gondola, another good time was had on the luge track. I managed to almost fall off on the last run (which I always seem to do) but it was all good. After this Chris went the do his canyon swing so I just chilled with the girls, and got Chris a bit of booze for his birthday (the girls bought him a fresh pack of uno cards!).

That night we decided to mix things up a bit and play drinking uno before eating! So we had a few beers/vodkas and then went out for a Thai meal. Think it was the first time i'd had anything like this since Thailand and it was really nice. Even nicer was the fact they forgot to charge us for our drinks. After a few more drinks in a quietish bar, the girls wanted to dance so we ended up in World Bar again. Now this place must be one of the worst bars around, crap music, loads of idiots, and bouncers who walk around looking for people to kick out. Can't believe I managed to stay in as they asked us where we had been before we even got inside and then later on the bouncer was asking me if I was ok (which I was!). The funniest thing was when the barmen served me a teapot cocktail and a pint of lager (not all for me but how would he know), and then told me to take it easy with the drink! After serving me all that!! Anyway we stayed there for quite a while then just chilled back at the girls room with our Fergburger snacks.

On Monday we had planned on going skiing but that got cancelled due to a combination of being lazy, it costing a lot, having to move hostels that day, and it being the girls last day. So instead we went to play a bit of pool and then grabbed another pizza at Hells (and some sweets from Remarkables - missing all these food options already!), before saying goodbye to them in the afternoon. Then we headed around to Bumbles hostel to check into our new room, which happened to be the girls old one!! We weren't impressed by the smell, but they had appeared to have cleaned to alcohol stains off Flange's old bed so not too bad! That evening me and Chris went out for a few pints and talked about how much Winnie and Flange did our heads in (only kidding girls!). The next day we had kind of exhausted Queenstown, but had one last trick up our sleeve.....indoor mini golf. I didn't expect it to be much different but it was crazy, the pics are again on facebook but I will try add them here soon. You defiantely missed out by doing the outdoor course Winnie! That night we just chilled at the hostel, and didn't drink for the first time in a while. We tried to watch the film Lock Stock... but there was a group of absolute idiot lads in the kitchen making that much noise it was almost impossible!

The next day Chris was heading to Christchurch and me to Te Anau, so we said goodbye and then jumped on our buses. I arrived in Te Anau about 10 and couldn't check in until 1 so decided to check out Te Anau. By 11 I had had the worst Subway ever and also seen everything there was to see in Te Anau. I saw some quiet holiday resorts in Oz due to it being winter but nothing like this, everything was closed for the winter months. Even the hostel was really dead. So all I ended up doing there was watching films (finished watching Lock, Stock....) and using the internet, very exciting! The next day I rejoined the day trip to Milford Sound. This was a really beautiful trip, saw some more amazing scenary. Got to go on a 2 hour boat ride around the sound (or fjord actually!) and also into an underwater observatory to see some fish and things! It was a long day though so when I got back to Queenstown I decided not to go out (was meant to be meeting Sophie for a few drinks), and instead just chilled in a dorm for the last time. Without alcohol again by the way thats 3 nights now!

Yesterday I was up bright and early for an 8 hour journey to Christchurch, which is when it started to go wrong. The coach was an hour late and when it did arrive it still had problems so they had to get a mechanic out. They spent about 2 hours trying to fix it (each time saying it would be 30 minutes more!!!), before eventually getting another coach. Why they didn't do that at first I don't know. Anyway we were on our way at 12, 3 1/2 hours late. Not much to report about the journey really except I was on the same bus as the presents, the pinata and a pirate from my south bus. No number 38 or Rah girl though thankfully!! And we watched Flight of the Concordes which they love over here - its a bit like Mighty Boosh but not as good in my opinion.

So we arrived in Christchurch about 7, and I headed to Hotel So for my last 2 nights in a nice hotel! Figured I would treat myself after 3 months in hostels, not that its that expensive. The hotel is really nice though, i have a flatscreen tv with sky in my room, double bed, ensuite, free internet downstairs......can't complain! Last night I just lounged about and watched TV, exactly what I have planned tonight! I get the impression that there isn't much in Christchurch, but I will have another look around today - then tomorrow its the start of my killer 29 hour flight back to albion! I land back on Monday around lunchtime, more than likely very jetlagged. By which time I won't have drank for almost a week - easily the longest time while I've been travelling!!!!!

I've absolutely loved New Zealand and have especially had a great time in Queenstown this week (without even doing that much!). Though I think by the end of my 8 days in Queenstown I had been there long enough. Met some top people though, pretty sure thats what has made it so good.

p.s. pictures, again i can't be bothered sorting through them here but ill add them all to the last 3 blogs once i get home (or just look on facebook there are hundreds of them!!)
]]> http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/davidb123uk2/1/1215202980/tpod.html http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/davidb123uk2/1/1215202980/tpod.html#comments Travel Blogs http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/davidb123uk2/1/1215202980/tpod.html Fri, 04 Jul 2008 01:12:07 -0400 Getting away from England!

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Queenstown, South Island, New Zealand

Time for another update I think. When I last updated this I was in Nelson, having just got onto the south island. Didn't do much there just met up with Chris, Sophie, Claire and Dan, and had a few drinks in the hostel. The next morning we set off to a place called Westport, and I can;t remember what we actually did in the morning other than stop for a really long breakfast break! In the afternoon we all went jetboating near Westport. This was a good laugh and not too expensive, although we again had to be kitted out in more stupid looking clothing. That night we went out to the pub in Westport and played some darts - I actually started playing ok after a few beers may'be you do have to drink to play well!!

The next day we were again up early for the bus journey onto a place called Lake Mahinapua, stopping on the way for what turned out to be the worst walk ever! It was a one way walk for 45 minutes so we couldn't turn back. When we set off it was raining slightly but then 5 minutes in it started absolutely pouring......all I did was walk and didn't look up the whole way! The rest of the day was spent trying to dry off (missed seeing the pancake cos it was just too wet), and then getting our outfits for the fancy dress party that evening. The theme was a 'P' party so basically you could go as anything beginning with P. Chris was thinking of going as a party and I was thinking pirate, and when we got to the $2 dollar shop everything pirate related seemed to be for a party. So we ended up deciding to go as Party Pirates! Managed to spend $30 in the $2 shop and then also spend more money on other things - we were well kitted out with all the pirate things including a peg leg, but then also party poppers, balloons and loads of other random stuff! After arriving at the hotel in Lake Mahinapua which was in the middle of nowhere, most people washed their soaked slothes from that day, before having a really nice meal of venison, potatoes and veg. After that we got kitted out in our party gear, and headed down to the bar. There were some pretty good costumes.....Dan went as a Priest and Claire as Pocahontas.....other costumes were a prisoner, a pond, Peter Andre, a group of presents, a couple of pringles and the guy that won first prize.....a piniater (i cant spell that word though obviously!!!). The party was a real good laugh, especially trying to dance and play pool on our peg legs. Also Chris came out with a classic line - "You know when you are trying to piss while stood on your peg leg, and then your parrot falls in the urinal?!".

The next day was a not so early start where we headed to a place called Franz Josef. In the morning we stopped at the Bushmans Centre, which was a strange place. A museum about deer and possums, there was also supposed to be possum pie to try but they were all out! After this we arrived in Franz Josef about 2, and headed straight off to do a skydive. That day it was perfect weather so no chance of it being cancelled again, Claire and Dan went up in the first plane and Claire was sick - not the best thing to happen while skydiving! Next I went up with a guy called Jason off our bus. To start with we got a 20 minute scenic flight over the snow covered mountains which was amazing, then I was sat in the doorway and before I knew it I was jumping out from 12,000 ft! It was such an amazing experience though, I'd say much better than a bungy. Surprisingly I wasn't too nervous either, even got to do some spins once the parachute was deployed. I bought the photos and put them on facebook, but they arent that good as were just from a camera on the plane. Next we had to wait ages for Chris and everyone else to jump and then headed to the hostel. That evening we decided to have a quiet night of TV and internet, after realising that for the 3 previous nights we had been kicked out of the pubs because they wanted to lock up!!

On Sunday me, Claire and Chris did a full day hike on the Franz Josef Glacier, the fastest moving glacier in the world. Dan did a ice climbing day but that sounded a bit too intense for me. Again this was a really good day, a lot easier than the Tongarro Crossing but saw some amazing scenery. Pics again are on facebook, will try get them on here sometime. That evening we had a few beers in the hostel bar but again a pretty early night due to an early start.

So on Monday morning we had to set off at 7:30 am, meaning we couldn't watch the Euro final!! Not too gutted cos I haven't followed it at all but still would have been nice to see Spain beat the Germans!! The reason we got up so early as well was to see the reflection of the snow covered mountains in Lake Matheson, which was definately worth it. The rest of the day was spent doing a few more walks and seeing a few sights, before arriving in Wanaka where we spent the night. We were checked in by the rudest receptionist ever ("How many of you are there", "i don't know, whatever", "No not whatever, how many!".) and then chilled out there in the afternoon, doing a bit of exciting laundry! Watched a few films in the evening, didn't have a beer for the first night in a while.

On Tuesday we headed to Queenstown where I have been since then. Before getting there we went to a place called Puzzling World which some really good illusions and also a great maze (where we had to cheat to get out!). Then we went to see the worlds original bungy jump before arriving in Queenstown. Me, Dan, Claire and Chris decided we didn't want to stay in the Base hostel here (if you've ever stayed in them u shud know why), so we booked in a place called Bumbles where Winnie and Flange were staying. That first night we caught up with the girls and went out, meeting a few people from our south island bus. On Wednesday me, Dan and Chris went luging (which can be pretty dangerous on a wet track) while the girls were skiing. That night again we went out and had a pretty heavy night of drinking uno and then went out, not getting to bed until about 4:30 even though some of the guys had to be up at 7ish! Yesterday Chris, Dan and Claire went to Milford Sound and Flange went skydiving, so me and Winnie went on a walk. not as romantic as it sounds, we went to subway on the way, a dog show on the way back, and its rained during it!!! last night we just chilled in the hostel playing uno (most people felt awful from the night before!). Today the 4 of us have had to move hostels to the YHA due to Bumbles being full, plans are for a few big nights out cos its Dan and Claires last night tonight, Chris' birthday tomorrow and then Winnie and Flange's last night the day after! Also planning on luging again and then hopefully skiing on Monday and Tuesday next week. Might do a canyon swing but haven't decided yet, and I also want to go over to Milford Sound and spend a night in Te Anau on the way. Finally I'm going to leave Queenstown on the 11th, spend 2 nights in Christchurch, and then fly back to the UK :( But at least I shud fly back to nice weather - its absolutely freezing here it was 4 celsius today!

Again had a really good time on the south island bus but didn't really get to know people a right lot, think because we were already in our group of friends. The bus was a lot more full as well so people tended to stick amongst friends. There were plenty of good people though, but also a few idiots that I'm glad we didn't have any of on the north bus!!!!! Since I've been in Queenstown have had the best time the nightlife here is great and its just a great little town. Sure the next week or so will be just as good as well still got plenty to do, see and drink!

Also I will try add photos to here for New Zealand as soon as possible, but just about all of them are already on Facebook so just look there!
]]> http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/davidb123uk2/1/1214425080/tpod.html http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/davidb123uk2/1/1214425080/tpod.html#comments Travel Blogs http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/davidb123uk2/1/1214425080/tpod.html Wed, 25 Jun 2008 01:02:30 -0400 Getting away from England!

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Wellington, North Island, New Zealand

Seriously haven't had chance to update this since I arrived in New Zealand, its been so action packed and have been having so much fun!

I'll have to be brief on Auckland, mainly cos I can't remember much. I was there for 4 nights and stayed in a really nice hotel, even got upgraded to a double room. This was so nice after 3 months of hostels. Went out one night in Auckland with a few peps I met at the hotel which was good, but mainly just chilled. It was nice having my own space to just sit and watch TV! Went to Devonport to see a few dormant volcanoes and also to the Auckland Museum while I was there - both worth a visit. Also sorted out what I was going to do the rest of my time in New Zealand by booking a Kiwi Experience bus pass.

So last Tuesday I had to be up bright and early to head off on this tour. First day they took us to see Cathderal Cove which was an amazing beach/walk. I actually went to watch the new Narnia film last night and this features a lot near the start of the film. Also got to know people on the bus before stopping for the night in a place called Mercury Bay. Just chilled in the evening and again got to know the group. The next day was another early bus as we were heading to Rotorua......the morning was a great walk through an abandoned gold mine and across lots of rope bridges. In the afternoon 4 of us went zorbing (being rolled down the hill in a massive ball that has water in it!) and most of us went luging (flying down a hill at mad speeds in a pretty unsafe cart!). In the evening we went to a traditional Maori night, which included a traditional welcoming, a few songs, a mock Maori village, and most importantly a delicous cooked Hangi meal!

After checking out the strange steam coming from all parts of the ponds/drains etc in Rotorua, on Thursday we headed to a place called Waitomo, where in the afternoon a lot of us went Black Water Rafting (climbing/walking/swimming through dark caves with a little rubber ring. This lasted a few hours and was definately one of my favourite things so far, the water was absolutely freezing though. In the evening the hostel allowed us to bring our own drink so we got a few drinking games going and then headed to the local pub, which was VERY local! Friday was a lie in for once and then a drive to a place called Taupo. The plan was to skydive that afternoon, but due to bad weather this was cancelled. We were all up for doing something by then though so headed down to the Taupo bungy jump! I was pretty scared but it was such an amazing buzz after, also got a DVD/photos of this so will add them to Facebook soon :)

Friday night we went to see some live singer called Billy TK Jnr, who's show was legendary just for the old bassist who looked like some kind of frogman! Also for some reason the girls started coming up with names of who everyone looked like - I was a Sam apparently. We weren't out late that night though, because we had to set off at 6:20 am on the Tongarro Alpine Crossing the day after. This was an 18km walk that was very challenging in places when going up, but the scenary was absolutely amazing. Something again I'd defiantely recommend. May'be it was the altitude as well but the day was the funniest day ever, by the end we all had new names....mine being Mint Slice due to the way I offered out mint slices during the walk! After all that effort Saturday night in Taupo was a big one, we went to watch the rugby (less said the better!) and then headed out in Taupo til about half 4 in the morning. This was a really funny night out as well, I had a real good time.

On Sunday morning we had had the option of skydiving at 7 am but decided against that in favour of going out the night before - so later that morning we set off on the bus again to a place called River Valley. We were going to do a walk on the way but because of the weather we went to a hot pool with a slide in Taupo. We did a few other things then got to River Valley mid afternoon. All the place was was a hostel in the middle of nowhere, nothing really to do that night except drink and play uno (which has since become our official group game). The morning after some people were going to go white water rafting or horse riding, but both were called off due to the weather! So due to the weather this place was a bit pointless but still had a good laugh.

On Monday we set off to Wellington, stopping off for supplies along the way. I got some mint slices in for the journey and then we worked our way down to Wellington factoring in a game of uno in subway. Monday night was the last night everyone was together so we had a big night out, started in the hostel bar and then out into Wellington, which was a bit dead nightlife wise so we had to amuse ourselves. It was another hilarious night out as well. The next morning some people left early, some people were leaving that day, and me, a few of the girls and also a guy who missed his bus stayed in Wellington that night. So last night we went to see the new Narnia film in the Gold lounge of the cinema, backpackers splashing out for once! The film was average but the unlimited popcorn and drinks made up for it! Then we just headed back to the hostel and talked more funny rubbish for a while!

Today I've made my way down to Nelson on the south island with a couple of girls off our bus and a lot of strangers! Should be meeting 3 other people from our bus as well though. Then working down to Queenstown over the next week before heading back home in little over 2 weeks.

So yeah the north island this last week or so has been such a good laugh, I'd say defiantely one of my best times while travelling don't think I've ever laughed as much in a week. Met so many great people who I've stuck with all week: Jen and Josie (who will be Queenstown), Keith, Collette, Matt and Jess (all on my bus going down south), Tommy and Caroline (who I won't see here again :(). Probably won't remember everyone but also met many more people on the bus who have been hopping on and off like the Welsh girls Jess and Emma, a Brazilian girl called Jo, a Canadian couple called Laural and Evan...Tim, Gilli....etc etc all top people. Really strange how many people are local to me as well, Jen and Josie are from Harrogate, Keith from Leeds, a few other guys go to uni in Leeds. Obviously the names above will make no sense to anyone who was actually on the trip though, so yeah I, Mint Slice, met Winnie, Flange, Chris, Claire, Dan, Sophie, Shamus, Caitlin, Mary-Kate, Ashley, Tracey, Bi and Jerry! Not forgetting the great bus driver Flea we had as well!

Bring on the south island then - glacier walks, skiing, more luging, jetboating and hopefully that skydive!
]]> http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/davidb123uk2/1/1213283160/tpod.html http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/davidb123uk2/1/1213283160/tpod.html#comments Travel Blogs http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/davidb123uk2/1/1213283160/tpod.html Wed, 11 Jun 2008 21:51:22 -0400 Getting away from England!

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Brisbane, Queensland, Australia

Can't believe I'll be flying out of Australia tomorrow the 2 1/2 months here have gone so fast! After the last update I caught a flight from Cairns to Brisbane last Wednesday. The flight was delayed, luggage was slow and then I got a shuttle bus to my hostel that might have been the slowest transport ever - took about 90 minutes to get 10 km! Once I arrived it was pretty late so quickly got changed and caught up with Sally (who I worked with back home) and her mates Luke, Gem and David at their hostel bar. Pretty strange meeting up for a drink with someone from back home on the other side of the world!

The day after this I finally had chance to realise the hostel I was staying in was pretty nice, its called Banana Benders and is a really small place where all the staff know your name sort of thing. That day I went down to a place called South Bank in Brisbane which is a man made beach and lagoon at the side of the river. Met up with Sal down there for a few hours, least I got chance to show my tan to someone I know from back home before New Zealand takes it all away! That evening I chilled around the hostel and just read a book. I've started reading loads now I probably read a book a week like Finchy - although I need to start making sure I start to include all categories from Trivial Pursuit! That night I did have the offer of going to see the new Sex and The City film with Sal and her mates but I decided against it!

Last Friday I went to Australia Zoo (the home of Steve Irwin!), meeting Sally and everyone there. I'm not usually overly impressed by zoos but this place was really good. There was a great crocodile show, we got to feed elephants, and also got to stroke roos and koalas! The place isn't really like a zoo because you can walk amongst a lot of the animals. Also got to see the elusive wombat for the first time since being in Oz. It was a pretty long day so in the evening we thought we would chill at Sal's hostel with a few bags of goon. A few games of ring of fire later (where we were apparently playing the best rules ever according to Sal - but I think the ones I know are much better!), we headed out to another hostel bar and another drunken night! The next day I felt absolutely awful, goon gives me the worst hangovers so glad its not so cheap back home! Sally and her friends had to get a bus that day at about 6 in the morning so sure they felt even worse than me!

Since Saturday I've been relaxing quite a bit and just seeing the sights of Brisbane. Saturday night I met up with someone I met on the Sunshine Coast which was nice :) Sunday I went to see an AFL game at The Gabba. It was Brisbane v Fremantle and Brisbane won easily. There were a few Fremantle fans there though which was surprising as its about a 3 or 4 hour flight from Brisbane! In the evening I chilled around the hostel. Rachel, who I met on the Whitsundays, was there for 1 night so I had a few beers with her. On Monday I had planned on walking all around Brisbane, but the weather was awful so I ended up not doing much at all. Tuesday I went to Brisbane Museum (which was rubbish) and then walked all around Brisbane including across the Story Bridge and all along the river. Also went to speak to Emirettes and found out that I won't be able to go back to Bangkok unless I fly in and out of Auckland whilst in New Zealand, and pay a few hundred dollars. Had another few quiet beers in the hostel that night and chatted with a girl from London. Yesterday I went to the Queensland Musuem in the morning (a bit better) and in the afternoon I went on a tour of the XXXX brewery which was pretty good. After the tour we got to sample 4 beers including a XXX variety, this was the best part!

Yesterday evening was the second State of Origin rugby league game of the year. This is a 3 game series between New South Wales and Queensland, NSW won the first game a few weeks ago. The game was played at the Suncorp Stadium which is literally 1 minute walk from my hostel. Even in the afternoon the atmosphere around was amazing, so I decided to go find a pub to watch the game in in the evening. When I first headed out about 7:30 it was crazy, so many people chanting and everyone asking me who I was backing (being in Queensland I figured that was my best bet!). Somehow got talking to another English guy who had the same idea as me, so we watched the game in some Irish pub near the ground. It got a bit quieter once the game started as a lot of people went to the game, but it was still pretty rowdy. As for the game, Queensland won 30-0 so I definately backed the right team!

Today I'm just getting myself sorted for my flight to New Zealand tomorrow, which is at 8 am so got to be up at some crazy time like half 4! Also I'm gonna try find a place where I can get a kangaroo steak, figured I can't leave Australia without trying it! Then I've booked a single room in a hostel in Auckland for the first 2 nights, after 3 months of hostels I fancy having my own space for a few nights. Plans for Auckland are to figure out how I'm going to get around the country and also buy some warm clothes once I realise how freezing it is there!!
]]> http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/davidb123uk2/1/1212535740/tpod.html http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/davidb123uk2/1/1212535740/tpod.html#comments Travel Blogs http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/davidb123uk2/1/1212535740/tpod.html Tue, 03 Jun 2008 06:12:34 -0400 Getting away from England!

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Cairns, Queensland, Australia

Well Cairns and Cape Tribulation. When I last updated I had one more night in Airlie, that night I had a few beers with Caroline and Wanda from Fraser Island and then met up with a few of the people from the boat who were still around. Got up pretty early the next day for a 6 hour bus to Townsville and once there got straight on the ferry to Magnetic Island. Checked into the Base hostel there (which was pretty awful) and then chilled out around the hostel the rest of the day and night. Got talking to a few people from Halifax and also met up with Rachel and Kashmira from the Whitsundays trip. The next day I got up earlyish and got the bus across the island with Rachel and Kashmira to go do a walk around the old forts on the island. After missing the bus stop first time round we got back on the bus and went over again (good job the island is so small), walked for a few hours and got to see some pretty nice scenery. Apparently there are lots of wild koalas and wallabies on the island but we saw none - although we did see a small snake (though I wasn't going near it after reading about 'Death Adders' on a sign at the start of the walk!). Rest of the day I just chilled out on the beach and then went to the hostel bar at night with the girls and Dan (from Whits) and a few of his mates. There wasn't much else to do really - Magnetic Island is really small and basic, and the hostel was a bit out of the way. Also I think everyone who lived on the island was over 50! It was a nice place to relax after a pretty hectic week or so though.

On Friday I got the ferry back to Townsville with Kash and Rach, and then got on another 6 hour bus to Cairns. When we got here we checked into Caravellas which is a really nice hostel. So what have I been up to in Cairns? First night I met up with Pod who I met in Coffs Harbours ages ago. Went round his hostel for a few beers and then went out with some more people from there to do karoake (a dutch guy was obsessed with the idea!), only to find it wasn't karoake night. On Saturday I thought I'd head down to the supposedly really nice Cairns lagoon to get some sun for the day, but found out its closed all week for maintenance! And the beach area is pretty awful (reminds me of Cleethorpes) so I just found a bit of grass to soak up some sun. At night went out for food with Rach and Kash at a place called the Woolshed as our hostel gives us vouchers for really cheap meals there. And the food was so nice, massive meals but more importantly than that you can get mashed potato! It may not seem like much back home but I haven't had it since I left England!! After food we all went round Pods hostel, then headed out and finally the Dutch guy got to sing his Karoake song.

On Sunday I booked on a day trip up to Cape Tribulation, so had to be up mega early. It was worth it though it was a great day out and I got to see wild cassowarys, snakes, crocs and spiders. And the tour guide was really interesting. Best bit of the day was a river cruise when we saw loads of crocodiles just sat on the banks of the river as well as snakes in the trees (the boat driver was amazing at spotting them though, I often couldn't see them even when he shone a laser next to them!). Was amazed though that with all the snakes and spiders the 2 things we were warned to avoid were wild pigs and stinger plants! The tour guide told us to run if we saw a pig cos they would attack you and pretty much kill you! And the stinger plants were as shocking, if you as much as brush the plant you would have a burning pain that feels like glass in your arm for 3 to 6 months. After the day I was pretty knackered so just went for food (w/ mash) with a dutch guy called Vincent I'd bumped into, who I met in Newcastle originally. Yesterday was another 'chill out around Cairns and try get as much sun as possible before New Zealand' day, at night met up with Kash for food and ended up bumping into Rach and a few other guys in the food place. I again ordered mash but they got my order wrong - I couldn't believe it! Stayed after food for a few drinks with Rach and then met up with Pod and the Dutch karoake guy for a few more. Today I went to see the new Indiana Jones film (pretty good I thought), caught some more sun, and now tonight I'm writing this! Gonna get an early night I think as I fly to Brisbane tomorrow (and most people I know left today anyway).

So its Brisbane tomorrow where I'm gonna meet up with Sally who I worked with back home, will be well weird seeing a familiar face! Also meeting up with Max and Georg from Fraser Island as they live there. Gonna go see The Whip on Friday (first gig in about 2 months!!!!) and then an AFL game at the weekend (first AFL game in 2 months!!!!!). Got about 9 days in Brisbane so will see how it goes, if I get bored Byron Bay is only 2 hours down the road and theres plenty of other places nearby.
]]> http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/davidb123uk2/1/1211922840/tpod.html http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/davidb123uk2/1/1211922840/tpod.html#comments Travel Blogs http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/davidb123uk2/1/1211922840/tpod.html Tue, 27 May 2008 03:54:50 -0400 Getting away from England!

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Whitsunday Islands, Queensland, Australia

Another quick update, again without pics for now as this computer is useless (though i've put most on Facebook). Last Wednesday seems like yesterday but its actually not far off a week ago. That night I had to get an overnight bus which was awful. I hardly slept at all, but did manage to catch most of the 2nd half of the champions league final on one of our many stops. On Thursday I arrived in Mackay around 7 am but couldn't check in until 10:30 so had to kill a few hours reading. That day I checked out Mackay but there isn't much there for a traveller, its just a typical Aussi town. Most people in the hostel worked in the town as well and didn't seem very friendly, although I met a few cool people to have a few games of cards with. I didn't drink that night either (first time since Sydney i think!). On Friday I travelled a few more hours up to Airlie Beach, had a wander round in the day and then slept most of that night (again without a drop of alcohol!). On Saturday I checked out and got my stuff ready for the sailing trip which started that afternoon.

We were on a boat called Pride of Airlie which was basically a booze cruise! There was our boat with about 45 people on board and then another boat with about 80. The first afternoon was basically just the journey to the resort, so just had a few beers on the way and did a few press ups (we had a rule on the boat that if anyone said 'Mine' they had to do 10 push ups, and if you know me you know how I always forget these things!). It also rained most of that afternoon, not good sailing weather. That evening we got in the bar pretty early, had a bit to eat and then started drinking! The bar was pretty cheap so it ended up getting quite messy, though I wasn't as drunk as some people for a change! Sunday was my birthday, and its not good having to get up at 6:20 am on your birthday but there was no other option if I wanted bacon. After getting on board around 8ish a lot of us started on the beer, and then realised what time it was!! A Canadian guy called Dan who's birthday was the same day (and year) was also on our boat, so it was a double celebration. It took us a few hours (and beers) to get to Whitehaven Beach and at one point the boat got so rocky that we all got absolutely drenched. I heard Whitehaven Beach was really impressive but I didn't think it was that special, I've definately seen better beaches on my travels. It was a nice place to relax for a few hours though and also I had a go at snorkelling for the first time ever (though we couldn't see anything as it was so cloudy). After this we got lunch and then headed back to the resort for about 3ish (see what I mean about it being more of a booze cruise than a sailing trip!!). We carried on drinking beer/goon that afternoon then went to the bar again. More beer was drunk and then the drinking games started around 9ish, after that point my memory is a bit sketchy but I definately had a great night! Everyone was singing Hey Baby for about 10 minutes at one point which was funny as. It was also a bin bag party and after cutting mine up I decided it needed livening up so for some reason tried to draw a swastika on it - next minute people were drawing a Hitler moustasche on me lol! Thats definately the first birthday I've spent dressed as Hitler in a binbag and probably the last!! It was pretty good though, people came up with some great costumes.

Monday morning was another early start but without a hangover which is always good. After packing our stuff up we headed to a snorkelling point on the Great Barrier Reef. This time the snorkelling was amazing, saw loads of fishes and coral. Kept getting bitten by some little things though, i'm still itching now! May'be I should have been sensible like some people and worn a stinger suit. After this and a bit of diving into the ocean we headed back to the mainland. Yesterday and today I've flet very weird, I still feel like I'm on the boat and everything seems to be moving!!! Hopefully it will wear off though I don't wanna be like that for too long! Still had another top night last night though, there was free beer, free sambuca and free vodka redbull involved! Got loads of good pictures for a change too as I usually forget to do this

So the Whitsundays was an amazing birthday trip! Had such a great time and met so many people, will list some but apologies if I forget or spell it wrong! Trigger, Dan, Phil, Mel, Joe, Taylor, Becci, Danielle, Sally, Aimee, Ash, Rachel, Kashmira, Ross, Leanne and the camper van crew etc etc!!! I'd definately recommend the trip but if you actually want to do a lot of sailing I'd suggest another boat!

Plans for the next few days are a few beers in Airlie tonight and then I'm heading to Magnetic Island tomorrow where I should catch up with a few people off the boat.
]]> http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/davidb123uk2/1/1211378880/tpod.html http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/davidb123uk2/1/1211378880/tpod.html#comments Travel Blogs http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/davidb123uk2/1/1211378880/tpod.html Tue, 20 May 2008 21:01:18 -0400 Getting away from England!

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Fraser Island, Queensland, Australia

What I have been up to since last updating this - well I spent another 2 nights in Surfers Paradise first. 1 night was really good - I went to a bar on the 77th floor of this QDeck building and had a really good night. It was a bit expensive but thats ok once in a while, I don't wanna be drinking goon in the hostel every night! The day after I went to Dreamworld which had a few good thrill rides but I don't think it was a patch on Alton Towers. There was a ride called Tower of Terror which was really good though, like Rita at Alton Towers speedwise but then you go vertically upwards and drop back down. Also they had a bit of a zoo here where I saw crocs, koalas, emus and kangaroos which you coul pet. Still didn't see a wombat though as he/she was sleeping! The last night in Surfers Paradise I decided to go to the club the hostel was going to and it was RnB night - enough said!
So on Wednesday I moved onto Noosa, passing through Brisbane on the way. After being at Surfers, Noosa was so great. Its a really quiet place and the YHA hostel I stayed in was so nice and relaxing. The 3 days I was here I just relaxed in the day really, sitting around the grounds of the hostel or on the beach. I even started reading a book - don't think I've done that for years! Bumped into a girl called Helen I had met in Coffs Harbour here, as well as a few guys I saw in Newcastle. Because there was little to do in Noosa everyone tended to stay around the hostel at night (though it had a bar so you couldn't bring your own alcohol!) so met quite a lot of people here. Was in a room with me and 3 girls as well which was good!
Anyway the main thing I've done in the last week or so is a 3 day 4WD camping trip on Fraser Island (the largest sand island in the world). On Saturday I left Noosa to go to Hervey Bay which is the port for getting to Fraser Island. That day we had a meeting where I met the group I would be going with. In my group I had one english guy (Grant), an irish girl (Caroline) and 6 germans. 4 of the germans were travelling together (Max, Georg, Nicoline and Jeanette) and then 2 were on their own (Robin and Alex). It was a really good group actually as we all got on pretty well and there were no arguments which apparently some of the other groups had. That night we had to go get all our food as well as the obvious boxes of goon.
So on Sunday we were up at 6:30(!) to pack the van with everything we would need. The van was a big 4WD thing with storage on the top, some groups had 11 people so it was quite spacious for us 9. After setting off for the ferry we soon realised the van had seen better days, the stereo didn't work nor did the indicators! Apparently the handbrake wasn't too sharp either! Got to the ferry port mid morning anyway, it took about half an hour to get across to Fraser Island. On the island all the roads are either dirt tracks or the beach! The first day we drove along dirt tracks, doing a bit of walking along the way as well as swimming in a freshwater lake that was beautiful. About 4ish we set up camp in a designated camping site, meaning the fences around it kept the dingos out and also there was a toilet nearby. 2 of the other Koala vans also camped here, Koala's being the company we were with. After setting up the tents as quick as possible we got a BBQ cooking, which after eating nothing all day was just what was needed. After food came alcohol and lots of drinking games. After ring of fire the germans showed us a game called Kings which can be pretty lethal. For example if you pick a red 10 you drink 10 times, if its 9 you drink 9 etc. Then we even brought in a mirror rule where you drink the same as the person opposite you. The night soon got pretty messy and most people were hammered, especially Grant, Caroline, Max and myself!
The good thing about this though was that we were all in bed by about 9:30 which made getting up at 6:30 a lot easier. After a breakfast of eco corn flakes we packed up and drove down to the beach (with the help of some jump leads from another car!). Most of the second day was driving on the beach. Went to a lookout where sometimes you see sharks but we didn't, then to the only place you can swim in saltwater on the island (they don't recommend you swim in the ocean because of sharks and jellyfish so I wasn't going to argue with that!). Next we headed down to a place called Eli Creek where you can walk up to the top of the creek and then simply let the current float you back down. Finally we went to Rainbow Gorge which had some pretty awesome sand dunes. After all that we tried to find a camping spot on the beach near some other people because the van didn't seem to like to start on its own in the mornings. This took so long the sun had almost set, so we got the tents up in record time and then cooked up some pasta, mince and sauce. Again after only eating a sandwich on such a long day this was delicious! That night was a lot more chilled as everyone was pretty knackered from the night before and the long day. In fact most people went to bed about 8:30, me and Georg went across to the other camp area where they had music and light - but I think even us 2 were in bed by 10:30 ish (hardcore!). As we were camping on the beach there were plenty of dingos looking for food around the camp (they even tried to steal a bag of goon in the night!) and the toilet facilities were a patch of sand and a spade! The last day was a short one because we had to get the ferry back.....all we did really was a bit of driving around and then had a few hours relaxing at a place called Lake McKenzie which was really nice. Over the 3 days I had such a great time on the island, I would definately recommend it as a thing to do.
After getting the van and all our things back to the mainland in one piece, most of the germans headed straight off that night. Me, Grant and Caroline had a few drinks at the hostel back in Hervey Bay, and then ended up going out as it was a womens birthday who was called Wanda. Ended up in a bar listening to heavy metal til about 2/3 o'clock, before getting a lift to McDonalds and back from a random Australian guy in the bar.
Tonight I've got a 10 hour bus journey through the night (i can't wait) to Mackay. Staying there one night then heading to Airlie Beach on Friday before starting another trip on Saturday. This was is a 3 day sailing trip on the Whitsunday Islands and sounds awesome, the fact its my birthday while i'm there should make it even better.
]]> http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/davidb123uk2/1/1210569300/tpod.html http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/davidb123uk2/1/1210569300/tpod.html#comments Travel Blogs http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/davidb123uk2/1/1210569300/tpod.html Mon, 12 May 2008 00:56:52 -0400 Getting away from England!

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Byron Bay, New South Wales, Australia

The last time I updated this was I think in Coffs Harbour at the YHA. I stayed in Coffs for 2 more nights but moved to another hostel called Aussitel as I didn't really like the YHA there. Went wandering around Coffs that day, got a hair cut (all exciting stuff!) and then went out with a group of people from the hostel at night. We went to a bar where it was $10 for a meal and drink - think this was the first proper meal i'd had for weeks! Stayed in the pub til closing with a group of guys who were staying at the hostel from the UK plus an American, and then got a crate of beer to drink on the park benches outside the hostel. A strange aussi guy turned up that night dressed in army clothes and claiming he was in the army and had a gun in his car, and then he smashed up all the empty bottles so we made a move before anyone blamed us for it! The next day I went down the beach with Pod and Mike who I'd met the night before feeling ok, before my hangover kicked in. The rest of the day was a bit of a waste, just sat in watching films (i'm gonna be a film expert by the end of this trip!!). That evening Louise and Fiyaz from the place I'd stayed before arrived, and it turned out that the American called Paul who i'd met the night before had been in the same hostel as Louise in Sydney for a week - so weird when that happens! Just chilled out, ate pizza and chatted that night really - nothing that exciting.
On Wednesday I got the afternoon bus to Byron Bay along with Paul. Arrived at the YHA and immediately saw people I'd met in Port, so had a bit of a chat with them that night. On Thursday I was up really early so decided to explore and went to see Cape Byron lighthouse, which included a 5km walk around the area and beaches. In the afternoon I lounged on the beach for a while (my tan is slowly coming back!) and then at night got a few beers in at the hostel and got talking to a couple of guys from Newcastle. We decided to head out to a bar called Cheeky Monkeys, and I ended up having such a great night. As soon as I arrived I saw Sam and the Canadian guys who I met in Newcastle. Then saw Paul, Pod and Lisa from Coffs Harbour, i think i know more people in Australia than back home now!! The plan then was to leave Byron Bay the next day but I decided to extend cos i was really enjoying the place. On Friday I gave bodyboarding a go with Pod, I wasn't too good but I'll keep trying! At night Pod came around the YHA to have a few beers, then Louise, Fiyaz and their Irish mate Sheena came round with some goon :) We drank for a while, played a few drinking games, and then headed out. The first bar turned us away for being too drunk (me never!) but when we questioned this (due to us not actually being drunk) the manager came and breathalysed us. Now I've never ran a bar but I can't see how a test designed for drink driving is relevant, i'm sure no one in the bar was planning to drive home! Anyway me, Sheena and Louise just went somewhere else instead, which was much better!!
The next day I did leave to go to Surfers Paradise on the Gold Coast, and when I arrived there I missed Byron already. Where Byron was small, unpretentious and chilled out, Surfers is an in your face 24 hour party sort of place with high rise buildings everywhere. But I suppose i'll have been to Surfers Paradise so thats a good thing to say! Anyway the hostel Surf n Sun is pretty good I've been here since Saturday now. On Saturday night I went out with Todd from Bristol who I'd seen in Port Macquarie and then Coffs, plus his mate from back home and another English guy. We went to see Bristol City wipe the smile off Warnocks face (being with 2 city fans made it better!) in some mock Irish pub. I forget the name because there are about 8 Irish pubs here! Anyway me and Todd got talking to some women from Adelaide (Rach) and Malta (Maryanne), who had both ended up moving to the Gold Coast in the past few years. Yesterday I joined those 2 at the beach for a bit and then went to grab a bite to eat at the Surf Club!! I expected it to be a trendy sort of place like on Home and Away but it was more like a cross between that and then a working mans club back home! Last night went to watch the footi with the same guys as the night before, unfortunately man utd did it again as you probably know. There were a group of man utd fans from london in the bar - wtf!!!
So thats about it, gonna be in Surfers 2 more days. Tonight i'm gonna go up to this QDeck bar with Rach, which is apparently 230m above the ground on the top floor of the building. Then tomorrow I'm gonna go to the Dreamworld theme park which looks ace! Then its on up to Noosa on Wednesday which should be a bit quieter hopefully, its ok here for a day or 2 but its just too much of a holiday resort and reminds me of Florida (despite having never been there!!!)
]]> http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/davidb123uk2/1/1209957060/tpod.html http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/davidb123uk2/1/1209957060/tpod.html#comments Travel Blogs http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/davidb123uk2/1/1209957060/tpod.html Sun, 04 May 2008 10:48:34 -0400 Getting away from England!

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Newcastle, New South Wales, Australia

Seems like ages since I updated this again! Last time I did we were heading to Manly Beach in Sydney about a week and a half ago, that place was pretty good. Everyone was pretty socialable and we even got a free wine and cheese night the first night we arrived! There wasn't any cheese in the end but we did get loads of free goon, which out here is cheap boxed wine or 'the drink of the backpackers'! We were also there during Anzac Day which is remembrence day out here. However where as back home this would be a sombre affair in Oz its a massive piss up where everyone gets absolutely battered except us, and yet the bars kept not letting us in.
So after 3 nights in Manly last Saturday I decided to get going up the coast whereas Ben decided to stay in Manly and try sort a job in Sydney (which is where he still is after a week and a half without a job - slackpacker!). The first night I spent in Sydney but then headed up to the YHA at Newcastle last Sunday. Went out that night with a guy whose birthday it was and in doing so realised how dead Newcastle was! Had a wander around that day and then at night stayed in the hostel due to Newcastle being so quiet......in doing so got talking to people in the hostel and had a good night playing cards. Met a few peps from England called Louise, Gareth and Sam. On Tuesday I went wine tasting because I'm so cultured like that lol! So I spent the day tasting good wine and also some cheeses and chutneys. After all that I got back to the hostel and everyone was already drinking goon and half cut before I even got there! Met 2 guys from Canada (Bo and Scott) and also Vincent from Holland. Lots of drinking games later including 'ring of fire' most people were pretty drunk. Most more than me actually which very rarely happens! The next day I had planned to head up the coast but instead I had another wander around Newcastle in the day and then at night we all drank at the hostel before heading into Newcastle for Wednesday night student night! This wasn't anything compared to a student night back home though!
On Thursday I headed to Port Macquarie in the morning with Vincent, and had a wander around the place in the day. In the evening Louise, Scott and Bo turned up (due to the 2 guys being kicked out of the Newcastle hostel!). Next day me and Louise headed to the beach but they were so quiet we just walked for a few hours along all the different beaches, and then went to see some koalas at the koala hospital (i didn't steal one tho :( !). At night we all went into Port Macquarie after a few games of poker - i can't remember much about this due to alcohol tho :)
On Saturday me and Louise went to see what Port Macquarie town centre had to offer (not much) before we all headed up the coast again - Louise and the Canadians were going Belligin and then Coffs Harbour but I carried on straight up to Coffs. I've been there for 2 nights - Saturday was quite quiet just ended up chatting with a few people in the hostel. Today I went to see the Big Banana which is like an institution in Coffs and then tonight it got quite lively drinking wise at the hostel! I even missed the first half of the blades game to go to the beach at night - but im here now listening to our season fissle out as always (fingers crossed tho!!!).
I'm planning on staying in Coffs for may'be 2 more days and then up to Byron Bay.
To sum up then theres been a lot of alcohol involved in the last week or so but i'm having a great time! Everyone I meet seems to be heading to Cairns so everywhere you end up you know people. And everyone is so much more friendly than in sydney!!!

p.s. ill post pics at some point prob once i get up to byron bay and have better internet connections
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