TravelStream™ news feed for member maninthefield on TravelPod's free travel blogs service http://www.travelpod.com/syndication/rss/maninthefield en-us Copyright ©2009 TravelPod.com Fri, 27 Feb 2009 20:40:42 -0500 http://www.travelpod.com http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/maninthefield/2/1230857880/tpod.html http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/maninthefield/2/1230857880/tpod.html#comments Travel Blogs http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/maninthefield/2/1230857880/tpod.html Fri, 27 Feb 2009 20:40:42 -0500 New Year at Lake Taupo, New Zealand

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Taupo, North Island, New Zealand

One of the main reasons for going on this trip - despite just wanting to get away - was to give Silla the chance to do a Bungy jump. What better time to do this than on the morning of the new year!?!?!We turned up early and then had to go get a coffee due to the Taupo Bungy centre not being open. That done, we came back and did the jump.Silla was the first jumper for 2009 - awesome! And I was number 5-6 due to needing to be elsewhere than the queue to capture the photos and video film.Needless to say we loved it. If you get the chance, you MUST do a bungy! The anticipation, the free fall and the rush once it's done. It's definately a Must Do!Following the Bungy, we tried out the Huka Jetboat. That was high on Claire's (Michael's wife) to do list and that was also a cool experience. Rushing past the trees at a breakneck pace was a real thrill. Again, if you get the opportunity, you have to do this!Following that we paid a vvisit to Taupo Adventure Park. It's not Disneyland but by New Zealand standards, it's OK.This brought us to the end of all of our planed activities. We then had the choice of going home or staying one more night and then driving home tomorrow morning. We made the decision to miss the traffic and head back that afternoon.We got home around 9-10pm amazed at how much we had done in the few short days.
]]> http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/maninthefield/2/1230769920/tpod.html http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/maninthefield/2/1230769920/tpod.html#comments Travel Blogs http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/maninthefield/2/1230769920/tpod.html Fri, 27 Feb 2009 20:39:49 -0500 New Year at Lake Taupo, New Zealand

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Taupo, North Island, New Zealand

New Years Eve. We agreed to meet Ben and Jazz and spend some time out on the lake with the biscuit. Although I've water skiied before, this was the first time for me on the biscuit and I loved it!With water skiing, if it's your first time, you have to spend a while learning to stand up. No such thing on the biscuit. As soon as you're on there, the driver can rev the boat and hit some high speeds. Infact, we went fast enough that although I'm weighing in at around 109-110kgs, I still managed to get airbourne.Ben, Eli and I could have stayed out there all day, but Ben and Jazz were heading up north and we eventually ran low on fuel.Post biscuiting it was back to the tent for a BBQ lunch and then we farewelled Ben and Jazz as they headed up north.We decided to check out Huka Falls and Aratiatia rapids. They're always impressive and well worth the time if you're driving through.As we were leaving Huka Falls, I saw this guy in a car drivee past and pull the fingers. After that second of WTF? I recognised him as my mate Michael and his wife Claire, who I knew was going to be in Taupo but I did not know how we were going to meet up. What an excellent co-incidence!We had a brief chat and agreed to meet up for tea and then head into Taupo for the New Year festivities.It was good catching up over the BBQ and then we walked into Taupo town where there was a free concert. The rain threatened to put a damper on things at about 11.40pm-ish but come the midnight hours, things were well.Now that we were in 2009, it was timee to walk back to the campsite and crash out.
]]> http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/maninthefield/2/1230698760/tpod.html http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/maninthefield/2/1230698760/tpod.html#comments Travel Blogs http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/maninthefield/2/1230698760/tpod.html Fri, 27 Feb 2009 20:32:22 -0500 New Year at Lake Taupo, New Zealand

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Taupo, North Island, New Zealand

We woke up early, had breakfast then started on the 45 minute or so drive to Turangi to raft the Tongariro River. Arrived at te rafting centre around 8.40am when my brother called saying that he was in Taupo as well. So we agreed to meet up later and then we hit the river.In summary, this was a really good, fun trip. Being a former raft guide myself I was watching the operation and the river and the River Rats company gets top marks for safety and customer service.The river itself had about 7-10 grade 3 and 3+ rapids with the remainder being 2 and 2+ but given we had Eli it was spot on. Silla wanted some larger rapids but hey, that just gives us an excuse to go again on another day.Overall, it was an awesome activity and well worth the money and time.Post rafting we had Burger King and organised to meet up with my brother Ben and his partner Jazz. We met up at the motel they were staying at and they hooked us up with a camping fridge and 2nd airbed that they had brought but did not need so that was cool. To say thanks we shouted them a BBQ dinner and played cards till it got dark. I was able to record a 1st and 2nd in last card but no such luck with Gin Rummy where Jazz took out all of the games (with Silla's help).Another excellent day with options of Taupo Adventure Park or a ride in Ben's boat tomorrow.
]]> http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/maninthefield/2/1230559200/tpod.html http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/maninthefield/2/1230559200/tpod.html#comments Travel Blogs http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/maninthefield/2/1230559200/tpod.html Sun, 28 Dec 2008 14:57:35 -0500 New Year at Lake Taupo, New Zealand

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Paraparaumu, North Island, New Zealand

We got off a tad later than we'd have liked, but that happens when you have a late night and opt to sleep in. Despite that, we hit the road at about 9.30, all packed and ready to go.After stopping for travel supplies and a failed attampt to get Road User Chares in Levin (due to queuing at NZ post - they need to work on that) we reached Gravity Canyon at about 11am.We completed the flying fox and it was pretty awesome! If you get a chance to do it, you should!Gravity Canyon took about 2 hours so after that it was across the desert road and onto Taupo.When we reached Taupo it was tipping down with rain which is never good for putting up a tent but we managed and the final product was very livable. Had a late dinner of Chinese as the BBQ was not recommended to be used inside a tent and then crashed in preperation for white water rafting tomorrow.A good albeit wet start to the trip!
]]> http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/maninthefield/1/1199574240/tpod.html http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/maninthefield/1/1199574240/tpod.html#comments Travel Blogs http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/maninthefield/1/1199574240/tpod.html Fri, 10 Oct 2008 20:01:55 -0400 South East Asia 2007-8

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Paraparaumu, North Island, New Zealand

Flight time was good for the flight to Auckland but I'm not looking forward to the cold! We chilled in Auckland but got stung NZ$100 for extra baggage  - actualy a bargain as we were over by at least 28 kgs which should translate into NZ$140, but I damned if I'll argue with them. Also, the pictures had to go as check-on baggage, which you have to sign a liability waiver for. I will need to remember this for next time and arrange a courier at Auckland Airport.We landed in Wellington on schedule and were picked up by Mum & Dad. Sef and Diana picked up Eli and she looked glad to see her dad.Got home after a visit to Mitchell's (who was using my DVD recorder to record the programmes we've missed while away) and Pak n Save for a shop, then home.Total transit time was 27 hours, 58 mins and 4 seconds. What a day! What a trip! Did not want it to end and have not taken any photos now that we're home. Till the next trip...
]]> http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/maninthefield/1/1199487540/tpod.html http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/maninthefield/1/1199487540/tpod.html#comments Travel Blogs http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/maninthefield/1/1199487540/tpod.html Fri, 10 Oct 2008 20:01:46 -0400 South East Asia 2007-8

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Singapore, Singapore

If you're interested in coming to Phuket or Southern Thailand in general and looking for itineraries, here is what I'd recommend.Day 1 - Arrive Koh SamuiDays 2-4 - Koh SamuiDay 5 - Travel to KrabiDay 6-8 -KrabiDay 9 - Travel to PhuketDays 10-14 - PhuketDay 15 - Travel home We were up at 5.45am, had breakfast and then out and to the airport. We are tracking at about 83kgs of weight in the suitcases but managed to get the bags checked straight through to Wellington so will hopefully avoid any excess weight charges.The flight to Singapore was fine and killing eight hours in Singapore is surprisingly easy (albeit easier still with a laptop). I will get one before my next trip!We managed to get lost in the new terminal section after taking a train there and got back to where we were meant to be by taking a further two trains - all within the airport! The airport is huge! It's also very well thought out and gets top marks for free Internet access and clean toilets.We also took the opportunity to buy Eli an Olympia 795 camera (waterproof to 10 metres and shockproof to 1.5 metres) along with a 1gig memory stick and a 4 gig flash drive for NZ$606 - which at the time of writing is a very good deal!Flight from Singapore to Auckland was alright. Managed to get some sleep and watched a couple of movies however it would again be better with a laptop.
]]> http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/maninthefield/1/1199400960/tpod.html http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/maninthefield/1/1199400960/tpod.html#comments Travel Blogs http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/maninthefield/1/1199400960/tpod.html Fri, 10 Oct 2008 20:01:38 -0400 South East Asia 2007-8

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Patong, Thailand

Silla woke us up at 8am for breakfast, we got to breakfast at about 9am. Once done it was back to the room for the second to last bag check and carry-on luggage organisation.Finished at about 12 noon, then into town with the cameras for some last shots. We finally took up the offer of a foot massage - and it was awesome! We so should have done this earlier! So will go again tonight for a full body Thai massage.Got photos of all of our key people and places, had lunch and scored a couple of last minute bargains before we came back to the room for a rest. We got out at about 6.30-7pm, Silla bought a lady t-shirt and shorts and we also got a back scratcher for Eli and Budda for Lua.Had dinner at The Orchid, again , very nice, then on to pay and collect the paintings where we found out that my credit card had been stopped because I did not tell them (the bank) that we were out of the country. After logging into internet banking and then doing an ATM run, were able to pay for and collect the pictures - but what a last minute hassle!Got a traditional Thai massage on the way home (200 baht pr hour) and it was excellent! Wish we had done it sooner, will definately do it more often when we come back. Eli enjoyed it too, despite cracking up through most of it.Got back to the hotel, packed bags and got to bed in time for 5.5 hours sleep.We really do not want to go home.
]]> http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/maninthefield/1/1199313840/tpod.html http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/maninthefield/1/1199313840/tpod.html#comments Travel Blogs http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/maninthefield/1/1199313840/tpod.html Fri, 10 Oct 2008 20:01:30 -0400 South East Asia 2007-8

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Patong, Thailand

Up at 6am for a snorkling trip around the Phi Phi Islands.Got picked up at 7.30am then off to the Royal Phuket Marina to catch our speedboat. The ride out was fast, albeit a bit bumpy and wet from the spray.Got to Phi Phi Don and Maya Bay where "The Beach" was filmed. This area is beautiful but won't stay that way as it was over run with tourists who have no idea about being eco-friendly; dropping rubbish and standing all over the coral is spelling disaster for this otherwise idyllic area.From there to another spot for some snorkling where there was some excellent coral and abundant sea life but again under threat from ignorant tourists. I even went up to some Chinese people and told them not to stand on the coral but that was only effective until I swam off and even more disappointing is that their tour leaders were doing nothing about it. Time for my rant, the Thai Government really needs to put some controls around who can operate tours and also some thought to implementing some Park Rangers with power to fine tour operators who let their tourists endanger the natural environment. OK, rant over.After snorkling it was lunchtime at Phi Phi Lay. A nice spread with more than enough to go round. After lunch we had an hour or so to relax which was nice but again, tourists who are ignorant to Thai customs frustrate me.After lunch we had a brief photo stop at a picturesque rock (I don't do it justice, check the photos) then onto our last stop of Khai Island. Apparently there were some reef sharks to see but by the time I got out far enough to see them the current was stronger and I was encountering one or two too many jellyfish for my liking so I headed back in.Again, a very nice spot but it will be ruined in a few years due to ignorant tourists. From here it was a 30 min boat ride to Phuket Island and then a further 30 mins to the hotel.Overall it was a good day but if I was to do it again I would do a dive charter as that would be alot more eco-friendly. Our tour guides were OK on that count as they issued alot of reminders about how to effectively trat the coral.After a shower it was out to dinner for our second to last night here. Silla and Eli got their hair done and look very nice. Second to last night. Really do not want to go home.
]]> http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/maninthefield/1/1199227260/tpod.html http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/maninthefield/1/1199227260/tpod.html#comments Travel Blogs http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/maninthefield/1/1199227260/tpod.html Fri, 10 Oct 2008 20:00:52 -0400 South East Asia 2007-8

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Patong, Thailand

Woke up at 8am, it was overcast and cloudy and a bit chilly for a swim but we went anyway. Turned out to not be so chilly once we were in the water so all good.Silla and Eli went to get the laundry while I was swimming as Eli did not want to get up for a swim. Once done we had breakfast then attacked the bags in preparation for the flight home. It's looking good, should come in under 60kgs or close to it.Went out to change some of yesterdays clothes that did not fit exactly right and had a nice walk around town and lunch at The Orchid. Then it was back to the room for a crash and then out for dinner and a munchies shop in prep for tomorrow's snorkling trip.With this being our third to last day I'm not too keen on going home yet. Want to stay on tour...indefinately.
]]> http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/maninthefield/1/1199146440/tpod.html http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/maninthefield/1/1199146440/tpod.html#comments Travel Blogs http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/maninthefield/1/1199146440/tpod.html Fri, 10 Oct 2008 20:00:47 -0400 South East Asia 2007-8

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Patong, Thailand

Silla was up at 7am to take the washing to get laundered...she's good like that :) Once she was back we went for breakfast then back to the room for a chill.Out at 11.30am to check out the main commercial mall in Patong. It was nice but pretty pricey, better off going to the bargaining shops.Walked back in the hope of getting the pool and free internet lunch but they were closed so we headed back to a place near where we got the laundry done that offered free pool. Had a game or two of pool with Eli and then back to the room for a crash.Up at 3pm and decided to go for a walk and exchange some t-shirts that we bought yesterday that were too small. Ended up buying alot more than we intended, but it's all good as the exchange rate is being kind to us at present.Got back to the room at about 5pm then chilled before getting showered and the hotel's New Years Eve celebration. Dinner and New Years was good, did the countdown at the dinner then headed to the beach.Fireworks and Thai lanterns galore. A real sight to behold, pity we did not take a camera. Eli did not like the fireworks - they were too loud and too close for her, but she did help us send off a Thai Lantern.Crashing now as tired and I'm keen to start 2008 off as I intend to carry it on with a healthy breakfast and some exercise, in today's case a swim.New Years Eve at Patong Beach is wicked! If you get the chance, it should be considered a bit of a must-do!
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