jrcormack's TravelStream™ — Recent TravelPod.com entries TravelStream™ news feed for member jrcormack on TravelPod's free travel blogs service http://www.travelpod.com/syndication/rss/jrcormack en-us Copyright ©2009 TravelPod.com Wed, 24 May 2006 10:25:22 -0400 http://www.travelpod.com Come Fly With Me, Come Fly Come Fly with me... — London, United Kingdom http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/jrcormack/world_trip/1148480280/tpod.html http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/jrcormack/world_trip/1148480280/tpod.html#comments Travel Blogs http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/jrcormack/world_trip/1148480280/tpod.html Wed, 24 May 2006 10:25:22 -0400 Off to get some Milk in Nambia, Morocco, Egypt, Jordan, France, UK..... be back shortly....
London, United Kingdom

I have admit I have been a very slack man in regards to keeping upto date with this little travel log. And to be honest my travel adventure were put on pause for 6 months, as I ended up back in Melbourne, 6 months of work, which was great. And more importantly had the opportunity to catch up with family and friends and most importantly made it back for two of my best mate's weddings!! All of this over one of the best Australian summers! Brilliant!

And with the autumn leaves starting to fall from the trees and the chill starting to rise again in Melbourne, I saw this as an opportunity to do one thing and one thing only! Head back to Europe for another summer!

So here I am once again in old London town, in a new flat in East London, oh yes I will be practicing my Cockney Slang over the coming months with my new Local Bar Staff - it is like living in the set of East Enders!

Back on the travel thing and what an interesting start. So I figure I may as well document my experience and share it with you all - so with out further ado I present

"I'm a confident flyer but on my way over I thought I might die!"

* * * * *

Airports: There is a very love / hate thing about airports and that opportunity to fly. I know a number of my friends who are similar to me - love it! Whilst others thing that getting a 100 ton piece of metal in the air is a recipe for death!

With my current flight from Sydney to Hong Kong - I can now understand why people are scared of that angel of death!

Personally, I have now given up on all the efforts in attempting to bluff an upgrade, when checking in. Over the numerous years I have had the opportunity to fly, I have tried everything to secure that allusive upgrade.

Presentation: Dress nicely and be very polite and even attempt a posh accent (which sounds something like Uganda Ape with an Australian accent).

Humor: "Would you like a window seat sir?" the very attractive reservation consultant asks. And with comic wit and perfect timing, I flirtatiously answer - "Oh yes, perhaps the one where the pilot looks out?" (wink wink, nudge nudge) - I believe I was put at the very back where people queue for the toilet!

Hero with Injury: In short of rolling up in a wheelchair I have been known to give an Oscar winning performance, by sleuthing up to the counter with a slight limp and my head titled ever so slightly to one side, whilst continuingly to massage my neck..
This performance is capped off with idle chit-chat to the stranger beside me "... that is right I did save those 3 orphans from that burning building last night - but today I must fly to Europe and continue on-going charity work!" FAIL!

* * * *

So here I am, seated in row 57 (cattle class) with my plastic fork and knife (which could still maim someone if you wanted too) and my miniature world of food! With that I have delved into the plethora movies with the uncomfortable ear phones placed over my head to which all communication with the air hostesses is by basic nods of 'Yes' (up and down) and 'No' (left and right). And it is at this stage I quietly think to myself why would you not enjoy flying (please ignore the 34.5cm you have between you and the seat in front of you).

And then it hits me - well actually the plastic cup from the drinking tray, hits me.
- Turbulence-

Normally I have no qualms about turbulence at all when flying, it actually gives me some entertainment to watch people attempt to stammer to their seat or begin to see the fear of those rascal kids that have been running up and down the aisle, since the plane leveled out. But this time it is different. I take a moment to break from my 4th movie in a row and open the blind to see two things, which are not too pleasing:-

Blackness - Looking at the flight-map on the TV Screen, I see that our minature plane is somewhere over Asia and we are still in a "Sunny Time-Zone".

The Wings - From my experience with the Discovery Channel, I understand that all plane wings are built with flexibility. But the wing on the side of my plane is bending more than a Yoga Instructor.

Then I hear the dulcet tones of the Pilot informing all passengers (and air crew) to return to their seats as we are experience some slight turbulence. You know you are in trouble when the air-crew are advised to take a seat. These guys are trained to pour boiling coffee whilst the plane is in a downward spiral.

As soon as the captain finishes his "it is ok" speech, the plane drops into, what I can only call 'A Vortex of Space and Time."

Ok, so I am no meteorologist and to be honest have no idea what causes turbulence, but I have not experienced turbulence like this. Trays in the galley are banging about and falling out of their prescribed spots, kids are screaming, adults are groaning and newly acquainted couples are pleading their undying love for each other at a million miles an hour...

WHOOOOOSH - the plane drops further into another black hole. Looking out the window again, I can still nothing! So this is what death looks like from a window seat, glad I asked for the window seat - such a better view of the ground! I have unconsciously secured a Kung Fu grip on the arm of the seat.

All this is happening around me and I can only think of..

1. QANTAS (Rain-Man) - "Should have flown Qantas, Qantas have never had an air crash"...

2. Does turbulence feel this bad in First Class? Perhaps the people in first class are sitting on 'anti-turbulence' cushions. So they are busy drinking and eating their expensive meals.

3. LOST - Damn it! I look around the cabin and there are no attractive people on this flight? I assume we are going to be crash landing on a mysterious island (with film crew)with large monsters and weird stuff happening?

WHOOOOSH - my stomach just hit the roof of my mouth. I do not feel nauseous at all, just sweaty. I look up and stare at the ceiling waiting for the orange oxygen masks to fall out of the roof - damn, whish I had paid more attention to that safety movie at the start!

And then it happens - a piercing shard of light comes screaming into the cabin and all of a sudden I feel like Dorothy in the fucking Wizard of Oz. Everything was in Black and White and now BANG! - Everything is in colour once again and I am standing on witch (ok ignore that last bit).

I look at my window and there it is - crystal blue sky. For a moment I actually think we have actually time-traveled. I look around the cabin and everything seems to be back to normal. Kids are climbing out of their seats to run up and down the aisles again. The newly acquainted couples are now clarifying to one another what exactly the words "I need to be honest and tell you that I slept with your sister" and "well Love is such a strong word".

And as for me, I slip my headset over my ears and press play on my movie and look up to the hostess who is offering dinner...I shake my head (Left to Right).... I will wait until my stomach removes itself from the top of my mouth.

And who said they hate flying!!!!

Until next time, stay well!
]]> Did somebody call a Dr? — Selchuck, Turkey http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/jrcormack/world_trip/1122128940/tpod.html http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/jrcormack/world_trip/1122128940/tpod.html#comments Travel Blogs http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/jrcormack/world_trip/1122128940/tpod.html Thu, 03 Nov 2005 07:20:10 -0500 Off to get some Milk in Nambia, Morocco, Egypt, Jordan, France, UK..... be back shortly....
Selchuck, Turkey

Travel Tip 629
"One should not be prepared to pretend they are a Dr from ER unless fully qualified and sober"

* * * * * *

Dr Cormack reporting to the make believe Chief of Medicine in Turkey.

Dr Cormack:
Yes Sir, the party was at it's peak. Yes Sir, the music was quite loud. Yes Sir, the cocktails were flowing even more than I first thought. Oh and the dancing, not pretty. A young lass by the name of Mari did receive an unexpected dancing injury, causing severe bleeding from the "biggest lomla toeiest" - also known as the Big Toe.

Chief of Medicine in Turkey:
So, Dr Cormack talk me through what happened next...

Dr Cormack:
Well, though I had consumed numerous cocktails, I believed that I was fully fit to perform emergency aid - ER style. So once the bleeding started, the team and I took all appropriate measures by returning the patient to the bungalow hospital. Dr McKinnon, then produced a well fitted out First Aid Kit, where I delved into to be able to provide the best treatment for this type of injury.

After cleaning the wound and checking for any objects that maybe caught in the wound, I attempted to apply an antiseptic cream to ensure the wound would not get infected.

Chief of Medicine in Turkey:
And then what happened Dr Cormack?

Dr Cormack:
Umm well you see, the bungalow hospital had very low light Sir, and ok I may not have taken the time to read the label of the tube correctly. But my intentions were good. Oh ok, I did put a good smothering of "Deep Heat" - a stinging muscle relaxant cream on the open wound!

Chief of Medicine in Turkey:
And then what happened Dr Cormack?

Dr Cormack:
I was released from my duties by the patient and nursing staff -very quickly.


* * * *

Like anywhere recommendations are the best way to travel and through some friends back in London they had recommended to work your way down from Izmir to a little place named Selchuck and more importantly be sure to stay at a place called Atilla's Getaway.

After another bus trip from Izmir we arrive at Atilla's Getaway - a little place in the middle of nowhere. Walking up the drive we all look at each other and wonder what we have got ourselves into. As we walk around the corner and to our absolute delight there is a large and very wet swimming pool; a healthy number of people mingling around the pool table and a cool bar / chill out area. Already we are starting to feel those "relaxation-notches" drop even further.

Atilla's Getaway is a family run business, part Australian/part Turkish family, which works out great for the guests. They have the values, cultures and taste of cooking of the Turkish and yet contain the attitude of how to relax and enjoy oneself like any Australian.

Meeting the family, there is Mum - Head Chef. Unlike Jamie Oliver we did not even hear a word from her at all during our stay. All we experienced was the most amazing food, we had tasted all trip. You know what, the food was that good - that if I was like some stuffy food critic working for a magazine I would be forced to use phrases like:-

"a culinary delight" or
"the flavours danced the tango with my taste buds"

Instead I will say that the food was great!

Then there is Alex, the brother. Alex appears to be the responsible one of the team. Picking people up from town, dropping people off at tourist sites and just making sure the place runs as smoothly as possible.

Then that leaves Atilla - a cross between John Malcovich and Chopper the only title for his role in the business would be "Chief of Entertainment" and that he does well.

There is not much to say about the getaway, except there is nothing to do except just chill and it could not have come at a better time for us all. Though Turkey was enjoyable all the travel does wear one down. The routine consisted of regularly swims in the pool, with the odd "lilo challenge" thrown in. Then there was attempting to read in the chill out area before peacefully falling asleep.

Yet as the sun goes down and the music starts the carnage begins. And with Mike,
Mari (Kelly on the return journey) and myself in full let your hair down mode we soon became permanent residents of "The Getaway". Even on the calls of "lets have a quiet one" the Head of Entertainment soon changed that with some inspiring tunes and cheap drinks!

At 3am the weather is still warm, swimming in the pool is a must. And as documented before, there was a slight mix up with Antiseptic cream one night but I guess that is the risk you take.

So at the end of our little holiday in heaven it was time to move on. A count of the relaxation notches (and the Turkey Points) and it is time to start the next adventure. This time off to Antalya to catch up with Kelly and experience the must stay-in "tree-houses" we had heard of.

As Alex loads up the van to take us to the bus station, there is a sad goodbye (not to know in 2 weeks we would be back) and we are off to catch our bus to Antalya. About half way to the station, I realise that the guidebook has been left behind. A sum on times and we think we can make the bus if we go back. Alex hits the brakes and skids on a coin - or just pulls over, waits for the traffic and then hits top speed of 15km back to The Getaway. A team decision - I'll check near the pool, Mari you check bungalow and Mike you check the office.

"Got it" somebody yells and we are back in the van - just like the A - Team. 10mins later we arrive at the station. As we disembark and grab our packs Alex is trying to confirm which bus is ours. 3mins later it is confirmed - we missed it!!!

In any other country I know, they would have said "bad luck - next bus 8 hours, more money please". But here in Turkey things are different, before we know it we are piled back into the van and on the road again..

Us: "Alex, what's the story, can we get another bus today?"
Alex: "Yes, we are going to catch up with your bus"

Turns out the bus company had called the bus and asked them to pull over on the side of the road and wait for us. Now that is what I call customer service!! 10mins later we see the bus and jump on board. As we board, I am expecting hurls of abuse from the passengers but nothing but smiles. Antalya here we come!

Just a quick word of thanks to everyone at the "The Getaway" and to the crew we meet there - very funny memories.
]]> I'll tell you where to stick your tree-house!! — Olympia, Turkey http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/jrcormack/world_trip/1122475740/tpod.html http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/jrcormack/world_trip/1122475740/tpod.html#comments Travel Blogs http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/jrcormack/world_trip/1122475740/tpod.html Fri, 28 Oct 2005 06:57:19 -0400 Off to get some Milk in Nambia, Morocco, Egypt, Jordan, France, UK..... be back shortly....
Olympia, Turkey

Me: "Mike, I can't move, I think I might drown in this pool of sweat. It is so fucking hot in here"

Mike: "Stop talking, you are using the last of the air..."

Now I am no scientist but I figure if you are in a tree-house, which is perched right up high next to all those leaves which are taking in all the 'bad air' and then pushing out 'good air' then a tree house would be an "orgy of air and relaxation".

Yet, in 40 degree heat at 7am in the morning and lying in a tree-house with an iron roof there was no orgy of air going on, it was more like a suicide sauna!

· * * * * * * * * * * *

Arriving into Antalya in good time, we made radio contact with Kelly and before you know it there is a rendezvous organised at the hotel that was recommended to us from our friends at the getaway. For some strange reason our Turkey Team were becoming quite well known up and down the coast and with that there had been a special pick up organised for us. Celebrity status - Turkish style.

The friend unfortunately turned up 45mins late and in a car the size of a M&M packet. So the 3 of us squash in with our packs, and then spend the next hour getting lost, asking for directions and then getting lost even more. All this whilst our "friend / driver" is arguing with his girlfriend about which way to go. Very amusing.

Arrive at the hotel where food and beers are severed and once again we begin to chill an take it all in. Sth of Turkey is hot - we are talking 45 in the shade hot. Next day is spent just chilling and checking out the markets etc. From there we are on yet another bus to Olympia.

The bus trip into the National Park is beautiful and the water just looks so nice. Down into the valley we find one of the numerous "tree-house" residents and organise our check-in.

Owner: "Now we have two options, one is the traditional tree-houses - a wood shack with no air-con and no real protection from the elements, except from nature herself. Or the comfortable air-conditioning cabins.

Me: "Come on guys lets go traditional!!"
The Rest: "Ummm, not sure"
Me: "We will take the traditional please sir!"

So after throwing our stuff down it was time to chill, grab a feed and check out the bars in the area that night. And what a funny night it was!

After heading up to the main "party" area we found this quiet bar with a few people. At about midnight the bar is closing up and we are thinking - well that was that! But before long the table next to us (full of Turkish students on holidays) are dragging us to a club. A club? In a National Park?

As we enter in and find this open roof "club" packed to rim with people dancing around....(wait for it) a open bon-fire! Not only 30 degrees outside, but they have a fire. We all look at each other decide that it would be best to be farthest from the fire as possible - not going to look too good on travel insurance form!
Stumbled into open bon-fire - drunk.

At the end of the night we stumble out and take in all the surroundings - the stars, the smells, a dry river bed. We begin our walk home. Like any big night, all you want at this stage is a lamb kebab! And surprise surprise we find a open-air-café. After trying to explain to the owner that we want some type of kebab thing - he finally understands and shows us the lamb carcass on the floor. Hmmm

At about 5am - after enjoying our very "fresh" lamb kebab we stroll on home. Ahh the night is cool and still - what a wonderful night to be in a tree house.

2 hours later, we are all in hell.

Actually I do not think Hell can be that hot. Even trying to get to the showers is hard work. The next morning Kelly makes it her sole purpose in life to find the owner and get us 2 air-conditioned rooms for the next night..

An hour later it is confirmed and we move in to sweet air-conditioned cabin. That night Mike and I sleep like babies. Rising next morning to knocks at the door, we get up (taking off our thermals) and answer the door.

Mari/Kel: "Cannot believe that everyone's air-conditioning broke down last night... [the gust of cold air hits them both square in the face] - what?"

Mike/Me: "What break down of air-conditioning? Can you please close the door, you are letting the hot air in!!"

Another sleepless night for the girls!

From Olympia we were onto our most anticipated part of the trip! 4 nights sailing the Mediterranean Sea.
]]> Turkish Men with Bubbles and Razor Blades — Izmir, Turkey http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/jrcormack/world_trip/1121946060/tpod.html http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/jrcormack/world_trip/1121946060/tpod.html#comments Travel Blogs http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/jrcormack/world_trip/1121946060/tpod.html Wed, 12 Oct 2005 07:43:36 -0400 Off to get some Milk in Nambia, Morocco, Egypt, Jordan, France, UK..... be back shortly....
Izmir, Turkey

SLAP!
"Grunt"
SLAP!
"Grunt"


Mike: "I think he wants me to turn over?"
Me: "I think you should do whatever he wants!!...."

* * * * * * * * * * * *


The city of Izmir - to be honest is a nice little city, friendly people and all but nothing to shout home about (or dribble on in a journal!) so we figured that this would be a good stop to get some personal maintenance done, sine we had racked up some travel miles already.

Hamams (Turkish Baths) we had heard of "them" and we had been recommended "them" but never experienced "them". Today all that was going to change. As one of the locals leads us to one of the local baths in the main street.

Mari is ushered off to her own separate "woman's" area whilst Mike and I are greeted by our 'organiser' - an Andre Aggassi look-alike.

Both of us trying to be cool and give that "oh this, we have done this about hmmm must be a million times before.." look we are lead into a room to strip down and get ready - Get ready for WHAT???

Wearing water proof slippers that are 9 sizes too small and a bitsy winey tiny towel wrapped around me, I prance across the room like ballerina to where I get to sit under a fountain and splash myself with warm water with a Tupperware container. Not too sexy!. After 10mins of that and pretty bored with my own "christening" I walk into the sauna where there is already an overweight Turkish man already sweating pools of who knows what.

With the greeting out of the way (a couple of grunts and a nod) I sit there and begin to sweat. And sweat and then sweat some more. I look over the beast next to me, he looks back and then believes that I am not sweating enough. So the big guy gets up and drops a lazy litre of water onto the hot coals. Ok now it is warm!

Just before my eyeballs boil and pop out of my face I am saved - well that is what I thought. Through the steamed up glass there is VERY HAIRY MAN trying to get my attention. Again English language is not high on the agenda, I follow him out where I am told to lie on a large square marble slab. I look across to find Mike laying at the other end of the marble table.

Ok - a little break here, while I try and explain what is going on in my head. Here I am lying on a marble slab and since I have never died before, I have not experienced an autopsy situation but this is what it must feel like. I look down towards my feet and check to see if there is tag tied to my big toe...

Before my brain could go another further with my sadistic thoughts, the big guy begins splashing me down with more water (because I need it!) and then starts to 'sand-paper' my skin. Some call it exfoliate I call it sandpaper to the bone! Once he believes that he has caused enough redness on my skin - he begins to lather me up with a giant Bubble Making device (like a balloon). Now it is starting to feel nice and relaxing - until two things occur:-

1. There are so many bubbles generated that it starts to cover my face and get into my eyes, so now I can't breath and cannot see.

2. The slapping begins. Which I assume means move over/roll over.

So both Mike and I are like two trained seals - SLAP - rolls this way, CRACK - move that way. This carries on for about 15 minutes. Feeling rather exhausted and rather demoralised - I had no idea that there was more to come. The Turkish Massage.

I am a big fan of a massage, the rainforest music and all. But this was an ancient form of torture. More things that I did not know about myself:-

1. My ankle and ear can touch - when forced.

2. My shoulder, elbow and fingers can come to the brink of dislocating, without actually dislocating.

3. Whilst covered in soap bubbles and lying on marble slab - You will slide off when being massaged.!

To be honest, it was great! And I recommend it to anyone and everyone! A must do!

At the end of it all, Mike and I are sitting in the main room, wrapped in the tiny towel, sitting in our small slippers and also have another towel wrapped around our heads - our organiser (Andre) offers to take a photo of us.

- Mike and I look at each other and our attire and decide to pass on that one!

Leaving the Hamam and walking into 40 degree heat, you realise that no matter how clean you feel now - in 2 hours you are going to be hot and bothered again!

With a little bit of time up our sleeves and trying to stay with the 'Male Grooming' phase of the day, we walk past a local barber. And with underlining looks of a beard forming, it was time to have a shave - Turkish style.

In the rat race back in London, a shave is something I usually do in the shower and then do it again when I get out because it was crap the 1st time! But here in Turkey it is a pleasure and more a standard part of life for the men (and looking at some of the women - them too)!

Using the international 'charade gesture' for shaving, the barber laughs and greets us into his shop - cigarette still in mouth. Up on the chair and suited up with the required bibs, the man gets to work. Firstly, by lathering up soap on the shaving brush he begins to massage the suds into my beard - leaving me with a big white foamy beard.

At this point he then leaves me alone to 'load up the cut throat razor' and I take this opportunity to act the fool and pretend I am Santa Clause - Ho'ing here and Ho'ing there - to the bewilderment of the barber and Mike (who was expecting that crap humour from me). We all laugh and smile until....

Within moments the blade is millimetres from my face - my jokes end very quickly and dare not to move a muscle - including blinking! Once the shaving has been completed - there is an entourage of things to come. A moisture which is of a more glue based quality and then a cheap after-shave which make you want to slap your cheeks and run around the house screaming!! Arrrgggghhhh! - Like that annoying kid from Home Alone.

I eventually get off the chair feeling like a new man! Mike, your next up!!!

Back at the hotel and catch up with a super relaxed Ms Mari. Post debrief; we all acknowledge that it was a great day!! Astonished by how quick the day has gone another decision has to be to made - Is it beer O'clock already??
]]> Going to Gallipoli — Gallipoli, Turkey http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/jrcormack/world_trip/1120729560/tpod.html http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/jrcormack/world_trip/1120729560/tpod.html#comments Travel Blogs http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/jrcormack/world_trip/1120729560/tpod.html Fri, 07 Oct 2005 06:01:02 -0400 Off to get some Milk in Nambia, Morocco, Egypt, Jordan, France, UK..... be back shortly....
Gallipoli, Turkey

OK with this part you need to have the Gallipoli movie song in your head, you know the one when Mel Gibson is running across the field with machine guns firing at him.... (Dint, Dint, Dint,Dint, Dunt Dunthhhh) ok maybe not. But bear with me...

* * * * * * * * *

From Istanbul, we jumped in taxi to the Bus Station (Otogar) where after some running around we found out that our bus to Cannackle will be about 4 hours away - so in the middle of the most giant bus station ever we set some tasks for ourselves.

1. Book accommodation for the next couple of days
2. Secure the 1st Kebab for the trip

Ms Mari - had secured the 1st Travel Title for the trip (you can see that this travel thing was like a well oiled company) - "Head of Communications & International Relations".

With copious hours of self-education of the Turkish language under her belt already (2-3hrs), there was only one person to try and book the accommodation.

As we picked up the phone (after some minor technical issues, like dialling the area code), Mari was speaking a somewhat fluent/broken/more broken language to secure the next nights sleeping quarters. As the receiver is returned to the cradle, the 3 of us complete a little "jig of joy" (yes small things do amuse) as we move onto the next task. of securing "Kebabage".

As we look at our watch (actually Mike was the only one to wear a watch - making him Official Timekeeper "Omega" we discover that only an hour or so before our bus leaves. So in the middle of the giant Bus Terminal we find a grassy knoll and eat our Kebabs and attempt to play Backgammon on the tiniest back-gammon board ever.

Eventually onto the Bus and we are off.

WOW! Turkish bus transport is amazing - comfy, air-condition, cold water and snacks served and your very own F1 Driver at the helm - what more could you ask for.

6 hours later..
Jay - 5hrs sleep
Mari and Mike - 0hrs sleep

... we arrive at our destination.

So Gallipoli and the whole ANZAC thing...Not really sure what my feelings where of the whole ANZAC day thing. Each April, some 10,000+ Aussie and Kiwis (& Turks) crowd the peninsula for the dawn service. Now the idea of that many Aussies in one place gives me that "oh dear" feeling, so I have deliberately not ventured to Turkey for that day, but kept it locally in London - but being there in Mid July - does not really change the importance of the place and more importantly the "education" you get from the guide.

Sure we are all taught the basics in school (ie watch the Mel Gibson movie) - but it is not until you get there and spend some 5 hours walking around and travelling to the graves and cemeteries of the fallen, that it all sinks in. Quite an amazing place.

Sure I could dribble on here for ages about this and that and all the rest, but probably the best thing for you to do, is if you get the chance to visit Turkey, take the time to shoot down to Cannakle or Ecbate and check it out for yourself..

After the tour, a very quick beer (because apparently it was Beer O'clock) and onto the ferry across the river for another bus journey down to Izmir. Yep another 8 hours (this time overnight) and as we arrive into Izmir in the early dawn, the guys are not too happy. Why....?

Just in case you have not seen the pattern here I will try and put it in black and white for you.
This bus trip.
Jay - Approx 6-7 Hrs sleep
Mari and Mike - 0 Hrs sleep

Next time Izmir... "Turkish Men, Bubbles and Razor Blades"....
]]> Did someone say Gobble Gobble? — Istanbul, Turkey http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/jrcormack/world_trip/1121442840/tpod.html http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/jrcormack/world_trip/1121442840/tpod.html#comments Travel Blogs http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/jrcormack/world_trip/1121442840/tpod.html Mon, 26 Sep 2005 14:20:02 -0400 Off to get some Milk in Nambia, Morocco, Egypt, Jordan, France, UK..... be back shortly....
Istanbul, Turkey

Winter / December 2004, London - 2 Degrees; Rain is falling horizontally into my face whilst walking to work because the tubes were down - AGAIN!

- "Grrr, Get out of my way!"
- "No you may not have any money!"
- "No I do not want a bus tour.... Grrr!"

Summer / July 2005, Turkey - 28 Degrees, Crystal clear water all over me whilst diving off a yacht into the Med Sea - AGAIN today!

- "Grrreat!!, Get out of my way [I'm about to dive in and do not want to hurt you my friend]"

- "No you may not have any money [let me buy that drink for you!!]"

- "No I don't want a bus tour [because we can get on this great Yacht and travel for 5 days!], Grreat"

* * * * * * * *


Summer 2005 was going to be one of the best summers of my life! That was the deal I made with myself whilst I was walking through that horizontal rain. And to help me make that a fact, a Turkey Crew (not a crew of Turkey's) was secured. The team consisted of Ms Mari, Mr Mike and Ms Kelly, all great friends from London Town. As we gathered one rainy night for a planning session we were prepared a plan to conquer the Turks with a more friendly approach then the ANZACS!

For those who have read my previous entries, I have a really hard time with travelling on time - running for planes, trains and whatevers - so as Mike, Mari and myself meet at Liverpool Station (Kelly was to fly in a week later) a sense of calm and giddiness came across me.

The grand plan consisted of something along the lines of - a flight into Istanbul and then some movement down the coast through Gallipoli into Izmir. From there across to Antayla to meet Kel and then back up the other part of the East Coast on a yacht cruising the Med Sea. A very achievable target (we thought).

Into Stansted Airport with plenty of time on our hands - to shop and meander. As we board our Turkish Airline flight and discover that we been allocated the Emergency Exit seats (without asking) and to our surprise they have as much room as a New York Penthouse - we knew that this was going to be a great trip!

Already the "Relaxation Notch" had dropped by a half and we were still in the UK! A smooth flight all the to
Istanbul and as the plane touches down the plane 'explodes' into applause and cheers! No need to clap us in guys - we are in YOUR country!


Mari: "Steal the little pillows guys, they will be good for the bus trips."
Mike / Jay: "What? Steal them??"
Mari: "Yes, put them in my BRIGHT PINK carry bag here."
[The team put the pillows in the bag]
Mari: "Mike, you can carry this.... "

So as we get off the plane (Mike carrying a very bright pink carry bag stuffed full of pillows...) we have no idea that we have just stolen the best asset of the trip. Sorry, let me rephrase that, it will be the best asset for those who can sleep on a bus (i.e. Me).

We work our way through the maze of Istanbul airport to find ourselves in the customs queue. 1.5 hours later and the half relaxation notch lost completely - we get through customs.



Turkey Travel Tip Nº1:
'If you pre book accommodation in another country, ensure that you bring the address.'

Eventually through the wonders of technology we secure our address and jump in a taxi to our destination. Sorry, did I say taxi? I meant a yellow coloured Formula 1 car. Oh yes, Mr Cab Driver believed that where there is a speed limit sign - you need to double it 20 to 40 - 60 to 120!
20 mins later we get to Taxim Square - our Turkey House for the next couple of nights.

There is an Istanbul buzz, people everywhere, smells (some good, some rather not) and people everywhere. We attempt to not look like tourists (which we fail miserable - backpacks, Lonely Planet Map and that neon sign that flashes "T-O-U-R-I-S-T that I accidentally packed"). Eventually we find our cool little hotel and check in with no dramas at all. Ahhhh - there is that half notch again.

You have to love Istanbul and the Turkish people - a Muslim country which respects its culture and clout, but loves to have a drink! Except for the place we stop for dinner.

Us to the Turkish waiter:
"Hmmm - something with chicken and 3 ice-cold beers please"
After some translation:
"No meat and no beers sorry!"

50 minutes after a great Vegetarian meal (first of many), we find ourselves a local bar - where the people are friendly, the beer is cheap and we all drop another half in the "Relaxation Notch Measure".

Next day Istanbul was ours for the taking - after our "Annual General Breakfast Agenda Meeting (AGBAM) a basic "sight seeing" itinerary was put together and we were off. Our basic game plan for this part of the attack was simple - find the sight to see and then using any guide books we had, one would read the history of the area and people - whilst the other two laughed at the other when stuck to try and pronounce any of the Turkish words!! Simple

After visiting the Blue Mosque (beautiful) and Aya Sofa (and sticking our fingers in the moist hole!!??!!) and then across to the atmospheric Cistern (water storage) to escape the charging sunshine we ended up at a great little place for mid afternoon lunch (Hamadi). Unfortunately lunch was huge and we rolled out of the restaurant. Still not deterred, we moved through the Spice Market and onto Grand Bazaar (which was a little weird & strange.... geddit?).

Oh the Grand Bazaar (setup some 500 years ago), with 4000 shops and some 4000 men asking you to "please look" and "where you from" - the crew had a great time. Out of the places and markets I have been too the bantering here is completely in fun and enjoyable. With a team a decision not to purchase anything until our return (we still had 2.5 weeks of carrying our packs) we wondered mindlessly - getting lost numerous times.

Back to the local, where it conveniently hit "Beer O'clock" and we sat and watched the world go by. Well actually I watched this supposed artists flick paint all over my only pair of shorts!! When I bought this to his attention, he gave me the artistic look that said

"Can't you see that I am an artist and you are in my creative space" - with that kind of look there is only one thing you can do.... get more beers and get drunk.

With that achieved and another Relaxation Notch notched up ... we were on our way to Gallipoli.
]]> Accommodation Anarchy - Part 2 — Lisbon, Portugal http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/jrcormack/world_trip/1125587640/tpod.html http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/jrcormack/world_trip/1125587640/tpod.html#comments Travel Blogs http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/jrcormack/world_trip/1125587640/tpod.html Sat, 24 Sep 2005 13:57:56 -0400 Off to get some Milk in Nambia, Morocco, Egypt, Jordan, France, UK..... be back shortly....
Lisbon, Portugal

24 hours post the festival we are on the move again, tomato still present in my ears and other places not to mention!! This time to Seville for a night and then onto Lisbon, Portugal. At this stage I am not really sure why we agreed to fly into Barcelona and then out of Lisbon. Sounded like a good plan at the start.

Out of the 50 train carriages that are attached to this train, we end up with the one with broken air-conditioning. Surprise frick'n Surprise. But it does not matter, we are on the way to Seville. Only a mere 7 hours away.

Ahhh Seville, had heard great things about her (assuming it was a her) and she shone through with flying colours. Little winding streets full bars, great tapas and beautiful boutique shops. The people were so friendly and if only it was not 43 degrees it would have been perfect.

Up early the next day, Katie and I put our tourists caps back on again and stumble across some great places. As the day came to an end we glimpsed a sign telling us to see a local flamingo show!? What a great way to end a great day. What worked out the best was it would be finished just before our midnight bus departed.

I had to admit, my expectations of the show was going to be very "touristy" but it was a well welcomed surprise when we walked in, to find the small "cabaret" type room full of local Spaniards. And the show - was just amazing, full of passion and power and music. All the whirling, shoe tapping and sweat on the stage made my eyes blurry - could have done with the 2 jugs of Sangria already consumed.

As the show ended and everyone cheered we worked our way to the bus station and after some minor worry about missing the bus due to stopping for that last jug of Sangria - we were off to Portugal, pissed but full of smiles- YEAH!

And that is where the happiness ended!

As the Sangria wore off and the hang-over kicked in, the air-conditioning on the bus decided to break down and with the space between each seat the size of a needle eye - the trip was becoming quite painful. At 5am the only saviour was ice-cream from a petrol station.

I would actually write more about the bus journey, but I believe that my brain has taken on its self to remove that memory.

6am - we arrive at the bus station and after successfully tracking down the metro we find it is not yet open! Now we are both at our ends-limit and as quickly as you can say "I just want some sleep" - we are in a cab and on our way to our pre-booked accommodation. Oh yes, I can feel the comfort of that pillow on my dear head! Ahhhh


Now bear with me here this could drag out for a while... Also I have taken the liberty of translating this conversation from Portuguese to English - just in case you are not as fluent in languages as I am...

Time: 6:23am (Very Dark Outside)
Us: [Knocking on the Hotel Door]
Receptionist At Hotel: [Opens the door with a nice Portuguese smile]


Us: "Hello, we have a reservation under the name Katie"

Her: "Ah yes, here it is... check in is at 2pm... you can leave your bags in the room around the cor...."

Us: "Sorry? Can we just check in now? Is there anyone in the room?

Her: "No, check in is at 2pm .... Umm no there is not anyone in the room... you could buy another night for these for hours... "

Us: "Well why don't you let us have the room now, since it is 6am and you are not going to sell the room.... What about some customer service .. Blah blah..."

OK - you can see where this conversation was going - nowhere. Now you have to imagine Katie and I are standing there smelling and looking very ordinary - killer hangovers from that stupid Sangria and this woman will not let us check into a room that we have already paid for!!

So this conversation goes back and forth for a while, at one stage I ask her to call her manager. She picks up the phone and speaks Portuguese to someone (could be a friend for all I know) and still the answer is NO. Katie and I meander our way to the luggage room and find that it is a miniature lounge room - couch, TV and magazines.

After 5mins of just about bursting into a fierce ranging maniac, I decide to just pay for another night. It is only money! As she punches into her keyboard she then has the audacity to tell me that the price of the room for 8 hours is almost double what we are paying already!!

I do believe there was steam coming from my head!! Now we are two Maniac Tired People (known as MTP) - ranting and raving like lunatics. Before we actually murder the girl I come up with a cunning plan. Attempting to drag Katie from the other side of the counter (and remove the knife from her hand) we head back to the "luggage room" where I explain my little plan...

"If they are not going to GIVE us room, we will MAKE one!!"

And with that, we are off:
- Coffee table and magazines are moved to the wall
- TV is moved into the corner
- All the seating cushions from the couch are put on the floor.
- Old smelly clothes are bunched up to create a make-shift pillow

And here is the best...... The room has a lock that can only be 'unlocked' from the inside!
CLICK, CLACK!

7:23am - Asleep!

10:15am - Urgent Rattle at the door. The door is still locked. Ha Ha - Who's the
boss now!!

11:15am - Dying for the toilet I sneak out. As I am coming back to the room in
front of me is a somewhat irate Hotel Manager.

I am not going to bore you again with the heated conversation [was very similar to the previous one]. But as we finish cleaning up the room and ensuring that it is as exactly as we found it - the manager walks past the luggage room and sticks his head in.

Time 11:26am
Him: "Oh you can check in now...."
Us: "You are kidding??"
]]> Tough Tomatoes — Brunol, Spain http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/jrcormack/world_trip/1125521280/tpod.html http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/jrcormack/world_trip/1125521280/tpod.html#comments Travel Blogs http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/jrcormack/world_trip/1125521280/tpod.html Wed, 21 Sep 2005 07:37:46 -0400 Off to get some Milk in Nambia, Morocco, Egypt, Jordan, France, UK..... be back shortly....
Brunol, Spain

The giant slowly picks himself up from the ground as his shoulder length dreadlocks fall to the side of his head. Staggering to his feet he gains his full height again. My brain registers - at least 6" 2', possibly more - GULP!

My eyes start to take in the bigger picture, a tattoo; a full fire breathing tattoo of a dragon, wrapped and holding a naked woman. The dragon stretches from his neck across his massive frame passing down his chest, then as quickly as it appears; it dives back behind his back somewhere. GULP GULP!

His stare is piercing. I am frozen to the ground not sure how to move or how to try and run. I force my brain not to accept the 'images of my short life' to flash right past me. He takes a step towards me and raises his right arm above his shoulder, pulling his arm as far as it can go behind his head - I can see that I am in all sorts of trouble... Oh shit, this it.

I can't move, still frozen to the spot. I cannot believe he is going to retaliate with all the energy left in him. I want to tell him that when I hit him, it was not deliberate hit, a mistake, just friendly-fire!

Yet before I can think of my next thought - his stare breaks into a superbly friendly Spanish smile as he launches a fresh tomato straight at me - I try to swerve it, but my timing is out - SPLAT!. Into my chest the fruit explodes, sending tomato shrapnel everywhere, I take a dive like a shot soldier being hit by a piercing bullet. MEDIC! MEDIC! I shout as my enemy bellows out a laugh as loud as the dragon inked on his chest.

My Spanish giant meanders his way over to me and slaps my tomato covered back (leaving a hand print as a souvenir of his friendship) and then moves onto his next prey!

Back on my feet, googles lowered - Right who is next.....?


* * * * * * * * *

In the past 3 years or so since I left home, I have had some amazing experiences, a lot of them different. But the La Tomatina festival was just amazing.

Established as a festival for the end of the picking season, the years have seen it grown bigger and bigger. This year some 40,000 people and 140 tonnes of tomatoes, this was going to be one of the biggest food fights in the world and I loved the idea of being part of it.

The little town of Brunol, which is about 40 min train ride from Valencia, was full of people from all breeds of the world. Some still trying to nurse hangovers from the night before. As we arrive into Brunol you can feel the excitement in the air and it just builds as you grab your first Sangria for the day at 9am!

As the crowds walk the couple of kilometers to the town, there are stalls selling anything that this event could need, clean t-shirts, swimming goggles (yes goggles!) and of course beer! As we arrive into the main street it is an awe-inspiring sight. A small and peaceful town all year around, yet this town comes alive for this day. 20,000, people / 30,000 people and more cram into the little streets and it is only 10am.

As the 11am time starts to creep closer there is "something in the air" that is giving everyone chills up and down their spine. By 10:30am the excitement of throwing something is all too much and before you know it there are t-shirts, shorts and anything else that can be thrown whizzing past your ears! At the other end of the street, hundreds are drowning each other in water from all directions, including the little old ladies watching from the safety of their balcony.

Then sharply at 11am, there is an almighty crack, a firework bang perhaps! The cheer from the crowd is deafening and your hairs on your body stand up to attention once again. Then you see it, just a glimpse as it rounds the old town corner. The first of the 40 tonne dump trucks - full of Ripe Roma Tomatoes! Another roar goes up and the chant of "Tomatina" is screamed at the top of everyone's voice. As the truck nears our patch you get your first view of the 20 or so 'truck throwers' in the back of the dumpster - an amazing site to see them already covered in a blood red stain.

The truck blares on the horn, trying to part a wave through the sardines of humans that stand in front. Then the truck stops in its tracks - not sure what is going to happen in this madness already. The dumping tray begins to make its' vertical climb' and thousands of tomatoes start to fall from the back it onto the street below. Luckily it was not mushrooms in the truck, because with all the people there would not be "Mush-Room"

Anyway.... back to the story.

Before you can say, who is making the "Bloody Mary's" there are tomatoes being launched from any and every direction. Already up the street I can see the next dump truck making its way down the ill fated street - that will be the 2nd of 6 trucks to pass through in the next hour.

Carnage and exhaustion are the only two words I can use to describe the scene (and hopefully the photos make it more clearer) but for the next hour, there are thousands of people laughing, slipping and diving in tomato 'pulp'! Amazing.

BANG! 11am hits and the throwing is over. Some people have said to me, "only an hour" and trust me when I say this - once you have experienced this hour, the excitement, adrenaline and pure exhaustaion take its' toll on you.

Also, over the past hour I believe I have tomoato in every orifice possible and probably some I did not know I had!

The streets are now flowing with blood red water, unlike a war move everyone is laughing and "swimming". The majority of people are now seeking the friendly faces of locals, who have their water hoses out, spraying down strangers wanting to be clean once again.

As Katie and I wonder aimlessly for a while, seeking a) a hose and b) a beer. We take photos of the carnage of this little town. Already the locals and organized groups are starting to begin the clean up process.

After securing a wash and securing the most powerful sangria every consumed we lay in the sun and bask. Later we would release that we have become human sun-dried tomatoes but for now there is nothing to do except lay in the sun and smile!

I strongly urge anyone who has the opportunity to visit this festival to do so. And if you do and in by any chance you see a Spanish man with a dragon tattoo across his chest, make sure to say hello from me and make sure to throw the biggest tomato you can find at him!!!

Until next time - Jay
]]> Accommodation Anarchy - Part 1 — Valenica, Spain http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/jrcormack/world_trip/1127162760/tpod.html http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/jrcormack/world_trip/1127162760/tpod.html#comments Travel Blogs http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/jrcormack/world_trip/1127162760/tpod.html Wed, 21 Sep 2005 06:34:33 -0400 Off to get some Milk in Nambia, Morocco, Egypt, Jordan, France, UK..... be back shortly....
Valenica, Spain

Katie: 'This has to be one of the most frustrating days of our travels!! Grrr'

Jay: 'Ditto, now can you please concentrate on your hitch-hiking skills and make sure the cars can see your thumb!'


I promise I am not turning into one of those "train-spotter crazy people" but I really do love some train travel. Jumping on a train and watching the world go by via overland travel is so much better than air-travel as you can watch the landscape change in front of you.

Son onto a train from Barcelona, Katie and I had an idea to stop a couple of towns before Valencia and spend a night in the little sleepy village of Castellon. Oh it was going to be great!

GREAT!?! GREAT!?! What was I thinking GREAT! It could not have been a little "sleepy" town because if it was a "sleepy" little town it would have beds and therefore accommodation!!

Katie and I wondered the streets for hours trying to find somewhere to dump our stuff and explore this little town!! But noooo, and the only place we thought might up come up with goods (which was given to us by some Spanish where English is not the 2nd language, but the 100th language!) was not only full but we were greeted by a very rude Spaniard, very suprising!

4 hours later, we spun on our heels (still carrying these stupid packs) and headed towards Valencia. Yes a city of charm, people and what we did not expect more accommodation issues!!

The 45 min trip to Valencia was a breeze and a sigh of relief came across us when the word "sleepy" and Valencia were not going to be in the same sentence, as a hustling and bustling city lay upon us.

'Let's get a Cab Katie' I shouted as I skipped across the road. As we jumped into the cab and the driver greeted us and we used our 3 paragraphs of Spanish and resorted back to English.

"Hotel Valencia" we pointed to the address on the print out. He looked and frowned, and then went to his map. After 2-3 mins we were off. We looked at each other and smiled. This was going to be great... until we pulled onto the Motorway!

What the? Being cool and trying not to be one of those "manic tourists" we were patient and small talked between each other. When the meter hit 15 euros, we started to panic. Where are we going - back to Barcelona? A couple of minutes we found the hotel!!! And in the words of Dorthy in the Wizard of Oz - "We were not in Kansas anymore!!!"

After we finished laughing and crying it became clear as why I had booked so far out. As the original plan was to have a car, we had no problems being a little bit out of the city... but since dumping the car idea it was all starting to be a nightmare. In a time of crisis, we took a couple of big breathes and went to work. Well actually I went to sleep and Katie organized new accommodation actually in Valencia City!

An hour later we had accom and were back on track. Well except for "how do we get to the city for drinks? Because at this stage we wanted... no needed a drink!! Ahh the local bus service, that will work. Well except that it only comes every 1.5 hours!

In desperate times, one has to do what one has to do. No I did sell my body to the local spanish people - that is for very very desperate times!! For those who remember my France trip a couple of years ago I had a little practice on the skill known as "hitch-hiking". Out came "Tom Thumb" (thats me) and then quickly joined by Tina Thumb (that would be Katie) and we waited. And waited. And watched. And waited. Then like the gods got bored, a car stopped! A lift or murderer? What is Spanish for HELP?

Running upto the car and jumping in the back-seat before they could say "Where is..." or drive off - we greeted them with a BIG Hola! Luckily for us the couple who picked us up were great - though the tattos on him did have a murder feeling to them.

He could speak a little English and her nothing. And so for the 15 min drive to the city, we learnt that he had spent sometime in Australia and that they were expecting their child (though and he and she continued to smoke in the car!). Dropping us off in the city, we waved goodbye to our never to be seen really close Spanish friends... umm what was their names?

If by any chance they come across this travel log - I just wanted to say Thank you again!

Into the town of Valanecia and some serious bar work was completed as we just chilled and watched the world go by. Tomorrow was going to be the highlight of the trip, the La Tomatina Festival in Brunol.!!
]]> Brilliant Barcelona — Barcelona, Spain http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/jrcormack/world_trip/1125088140/tpod.html http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/jrcormack/world_trip/1125088140/tpod.html#comments Travel Blogs http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/jrcormack/world_trip/1125088140/tpod.html Tue, 20 Sep 2005 09:05:51 -0400 Off to get some Milk in Nambia, Morocco, Egypt, Jordan, France, UK..... be back shortly....
Barcelona, Spain

A simple trip is all it started out to be, a simple idea, very little amount of research and the result would be a Thelma & Louise trip into the heart of Spain.

With a good friend of mine Young Miss Katie, visiting her parents in Madrid for a couple of days over the last of the UK Bank holidays, it was an idea for me to perhaps swing across and meet her in Barcelona - easy.

Being me, I thought I would over complicate things by suggesting that perhaps we get the return leg of the flight from Lisbon, yes Lisbon, Portugal. And whilst I was on a role, I suggested that perhaps we hire a car and drive across and to complete this little excursion in just on 8 days.

So with this knowledge and these few points:-

1. 1244 miles as the crow flies, is the approx mileage from Barcelona to Lisbon
2. Katie does not have a license
3. 8 days and 36 degrees heat is a little bit silly...

It all became a little too hard and with new news arising that The La Tomatina Tomato Festival (yes, that tomato fight thing in Spain that happens each year) was going to happen, smack bang in the middle of our trip, we changed plans very quickly.

Unfortunately the flights from Lisbon were already booked and paid for, so this still made for an interesting trip! So kick back and enjoy another little tale to entertainment and feel free to laugh at my expense!


"The High Mile Club"

Oh you are paying attention now aren't we!! Sorry to inform that I was not a participant of this little activity.

Not sure if it is me that attracts "these" type of people or it happens to every Joe that travels, but as I boarded my Easy Jet flight (accidentally wearing a bright orange T-Shirt, which made me look like on the Air Hostess staff!!!) I find that there are two seats next to me spare.

Yes, in the back of my mind I hope that perhaps two young, single and prepared to settle down with an "Aussie Guy" super-models will sit next to me, but noooo I get a "fondling and grouping" couple.

As soon as their bums hit the cloth of the seat, their lips did not cease to inter-lock for the next 2 hours! I have got no problems with that at all. Just starts to get to me when his elbow and arse keeps knocking into me as he attempts to mount his "girlfriend" / "prey".

So, into Barcelona and as I have already had the privilege of being here before, I feel an air of confidence as I walk through the airport "hola-íng" the security guards like they are my long lost mates. As the train slows into the city area and I alight to work my way my hostel, I take a moment to thank my "other self".
Just as I was leaving the office in London to catch my flight, that little voice in my head said:-

"Hey, Jay have you got directions and the address to your hostel in Barcelona?" I choose to ignore this little voice for some reason until the last minute, ran back to my computer and spat out the directions and map.

And thank god, because here I am with directions and map in Barcelona and have still have NO IDEA where I am. After about 40 mins of wondering aimlessly I stumble across this residence which I will begin to call home for a couple of nights.

Next morning and hear the familiar Aussie female del-tones of someone who has just caught a night train from Madrid to Barcelona, Katie. All greetings completed and coffees ordered, we hit the Barcelonan Streets! As it all comes back, you release what a great city it is. The vibe, the people and especially bars that don't close at 11pm!

One of the things that were not expected on this day out in Beautiful Barcelona was rain!!! When it came down it really came down and like the travel gods were looking after us, they led us into a amazingly cool tapas bar, so we could:-

1. Drink fine red wine until the stock ran out
2. Watch the people outside get saturated and laugh!
3. Eat some of the best and freshest tapas around!!!

Brilliant!

After a few days in Barcelona it was time to move on and as mentioned earlier the purpose of this trip originally was a trip across the country, but since finding out that the Tomatina Festival was on the 31st August, our priorities changed. Unfortunately this meant we had to stay East of Spain for a lot longer than expected. This would then hurt us later. So from Barcelona, we were off to Valencia with a night staying in the sleepy town of Castellon.
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