sabarod's TravelStream™ — Recent TravelPod.com entries TravelStream™ news feed for member sabarod on TravelPod's free travel blogs service http://www.travelpod.com/syndication/rss/sabarod en-us Copyright ©2009 TravelPod.com Tue, 17 Nov 2009 09:27:52 -0500 http://www.travelpod.com Margs — Margaret River, Western Australia, Australia http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/sabarod/the_big_rtw/1167861540/tpod.html http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/sabarod/the_big_rtw/1167861540/tpod.html#comments Travel Blogs http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/sabarod/the_big_rtw/1167861540/tpod.html Tue, 17 Nov 2009 09:27:52 -0500 Into the Wild Blue Yonder
Margaret River, Western Australia, Australia

One of the many things Western Australia is known for is its wine production and there's a small region down south called Margaret River (<i>Margs to the locals) that I decided to check out for my last few days on the West Coast.&nbsp; It was hard to leave the Perth gang, but it had to be done.&nbsp; I can't remember any other city/location on this trip where I spent nearly two full weeks &amp; I fully enjoyed every minute! &nbsp; Anyway, a few years ago I did a similar kind of tour while in South Africa so I knew what I was getting myself into.&nbsp; Although Margs isn't really comparable to that tour in Stellenbosch, I still had a good time.&nbsp; Just getting there and away was more of an effort than I had really bargained for.&nbsp; All my Perth mates kept telling me that it was only ~4 hours by car down to the area and that some did the round-trip in a day.&nbsp; I, of course, was relying on public transportation -&nbsp;2 trains plus 3 buses - which stop at every turn in the road to give the drivers breaks or to pick up additional passengers.&nbsp; I ended up spending approximately 13 hours in transit for my little 6-hour winery tour.&nbsp; The region is known for its whites and I now know why - a few of them were really quite good and to my taste.&nbsp; The reds, unfortunately, were more than bad.&nbsp; They really sucked and I chose not to even taste the reds from the last few stops. &nbsp; I was kicking myself a bit for making the decision to hit The River until I met a great guy from Melbourne who was touring the Perth area on holiday.&nbsp; Drinks flew and we had a great night out on the town.&nbsp; Unfortunately, the timing won't work out for us to see each other again while I'm in Melbourne - that's life! &nbsp; I apologize if this entry is a bit....off.&nbsp; I'm typing it from Melbourne at 10AM after getting in at 4:30AM this morning.&nbsp; I met up with Jake last night (we travelled together in Israel) and we really made a dent in this town!&nbsp; WHEW!
]]> Xmas Down Under — Perth, Western Australia, Australia http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/sabarod/the_big_rtw/1166759040/tpod.html http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/sabarod/the_big_rtw/1166759040/tpod.html#comments Travel Blogs http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/sabarod/the_big_rtw/1166759040/tpod.html Tue, 17 Nov 2009 09:27:22 -0500 Into the Wild Blue Yonder
Perth, Western Australia, Australia

What a culture shock - back to the first world!&nbsp; After making it through immigration in Perth I proceeded through customs and out into the arrivals area of the airport.&nbsp; I immediately started laughing hysterically! There wasn't a single person there offering transport - shouting at me or knocking me down trying to sell me something.&nbsp; No one even took notice of me!&nbsp; It still makes me giggle.&nbsp; I had become so used to being bombarded upon arrival that I guess I was expecting it here too.&nbsp; Arrived at the hostel and booked a 16-bed dorm room for a week for $100AUD.&nbsp; They gave a good discount for paying for a week and I took advantage.&nbsp; It's freakin' expensive here; it's like being at home!&nbsp; I bought a <i>small bottle of water in the airport for $3.50AUD - I'm used to paying less than that for a night's accomodation!!&nbsp; I am enjoying the creature comforts of western society, though.&nbsp; My hostel has good showers with hot water 24/7 - all toilets are westerns (no squat) in private rooms - there's a pool out back, a proper kitchen and a media room. Even more remarkable is that I can easily walk around and "fit in."&nbsp; After working diligently on my tan I look just like any other Ozzie.&nbsp; I hadn't really thought about it before but there's some comfort in anonymity.&nbsp; For ages I've stuck out...anyone and everyone could look at me and know I was a foreigner.&nbsp; It's nice to slip into a shop, restaurant or club and not turn heads. Perth is the most remote city of its size on the planet and is not on the traditional Oz route for backpackers.&nbsp; Most fly into Sydney and head north along the Eastern coast for diving and partying along the Great Barrier Reef.&nbsp; I decided to come here to see friends.&nbsp; I know Nate from home - he was based in NYC working as a consultant and recently returned to his home in Perth with his new wife and son.&nbsp; I was graciously invited to Nate's for a Xmas Eve party where I met many of his friends and family before heading out to a local pub to really celebrate.&nbsp; <i>East Bay is the traditional Xmas Eve party place in Perth &amp; I think 75% of the population aged 18-35 was present.&nbsp; Good times!&nbsp; I'm headed back to Nate's for X-mas dinner tonight.&nbsp; Thanks again for adopting the filthy American backpacker!! &nbsp; Sean is one of the fabulous Vang Vieng crew in Laos who is back home in Perth over the holidays before moving on to NZ to live with his girl.&nbsp; Sean and&nbsp;I hooked up fairly quickly after my arrival and he's done an outstanding job of playing cruise director.&nbsp; We've been out a few nights to a great, swanky place and spent a full day waterskiing about an hour south of Perth with&nbsp;Sean's best mate.&nbsp; We're hooking up again on Boxing Day for a day of&nbsp;sightseeing and beach! &nbsp; I originally met Sam while waiting for the minibus to the base of Mt. Sinai.&nbsp; He was staying across the street from my hostel in Dahab and we ended up traveling Egypt together for a few weeks.&nbsp; His trip has since ended and he's returned to his real life in Perth.&nbsp; He's been working a lot, but I hope to catch up with him tomorrow night for a few beers.&nbsp; I wonder if we can find a Luxor Beer in Perth? &nbsp; Merry Christmas to all from Perth....where the forecasted high is 38C!!&nbsp; I'm off to the beach to darken up before Xmas dinner!
]]> Rockin' NYE — Perth, Western Australia, Australia http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/sabarod/the_big_rtw/1167354720/tpod.html http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/sabarod/the_big_rtw/1167354720/tpod.html#comments Travel Blogs http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/sabarod/the_big_rtw/1167354720/tpod.html Tue, 17 Nov 2009 09:26:51 -0500 Into the Wild Blue Yonder
Perth, Western Australia, Australia

I love Perth! &nbsp; Perth has nearly everything I look for in a city.&nbsp; People are always outside -&nbsp;parks are full of runners and rollerbladers, beaches are stocked full of sunbathers and there is tons of live music being played each night in venues that are open to the outside or have large outdoor areas.&nbsp; We all know how I like each of these things! &nbsp; It has been great to catch up with my Perthian Peeps while I'm here as well.&nbsp; Sean went waaaay beyond the call of duty and basically adopted me for two weeks.&nbsp; I've been referring to him as "Julie the Cruise Director", but the Ozzie's must never have had <i>The Love Boat.&nbsp; He's moving to New Zealand in about a week to be with his girlfriend (Caro, who I also met in Laos).&nbsp; Luckily for me, and perhaps unluckily for them, I'll get to see them on my way through to South America. &nbsp; Oh - bought tix departing Sydney on 1/23...spending a week in Northern NZ.&nbsp; I decided to skip the Cook Islands as it was going to add over $1000USD to my airfare.&nbsp; I'll&nbsp;save the money for something special, like the Galapagos. &nbsp; Nate and family graciously adopted me over Xmas and I could not have felt more at home or welcomed.&nbsp;&nbsp;I left with a belly that was fuller-than-full after&nbsp;wonderful hours of chatting. &nbsp; So, just returned from Swanbourne Beach after a day of relaxation.&nbsp; I've visited nearly every beach in the region now...I just can't get enough.&nbsp; The kicker is that the northern end of Swanbourne is the nude beach of Perth.&nbsp; Nudity on the beach is a good thing &amp; Americans are waaaay too freakish about their bodies.&nbsp; I dutifully applied sunscreen to my few remaining white regions and let things fly, as it were.&nbsp; The beach wasn't too crowded and the weather was good.&nbsp; We actually had pretty strong surf for the first time. &nbsp; I actually met more than a few great people on the beach today.&nbsp; It seems that the nude beaches I've been to have been, by-and-large, full of great people.&nbsp; It's like meeting fellow travellers - they're mostly open-minded and you know you'll get along.&nbsp; There are always the few, creepy exceptions to the rule, but they are usually shoo-ed away fairly quickly. New Year's Eve was quite a spectacular event.&nbsp; Sean and I were invited to a friend's house for a small gathering of about 10-15 people.&nbsp; Juanita, our host, lives well outside Perth in a large house and had prepared MUCHO food for us.&nbsp; Serious food.&nbsp; The turnout for the party ended up being about 6 people, but all were fun and we had a great evening, at least I'm told I did.&nbsp; I have a small memory loss of about 10 hours (during which time I was awake and apparantly partying) that I can't account for! &nbsp; Haaaaaaappy 2007!
]]> Back to Perth to Fly OUT — Perth, Western Australia, Australia http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/sabarod/the_big_rtw/1167959340/tpod.html http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/sabarod/the_big_rtw/1167959340/tpod.html#comments Travel Blogs http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/sabarod/the_big_rtw/1167959340/tpod.html Tue, 17 Nov 2009 09:26:18 -0500 Into the Wild Blue Yonder
Perth, Western Australia, Australia

Perth
]]> Great Ocean Road — Melbourne, Victoria, Australia http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/sabarod/the_big_rtw/1168212780/tpod.html http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/sabarod/the_big_rtw/1168212780/tpod.html#comments Travel Blogs http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/sabarod/the_big_rtw/1168212780/tpod.html Tue, 17 Nov 2009 09:25:43 -0500 Into the Wild Blue Yonder
Melbourne, Victoria, Australia

Melbourne (pronounced <i>Melbun) is a city that I had heard a lot about before arriving and I'm proud to report that it didn't disappoint.&nbsp; On the southern coast of Oz, Melbourne is a vibrant, young city with tons of nightlife and outdoor activities.&nbsp; The weather here is a bit strange with high temperatures flip-flopping from day to day between 70F and 100F.&nbsp; I'm never really sure what to wear. &nbsp; The great nightlife means I've waaay overblown the budget in Melbourne, and Oz for that matter.&nbsp; In my three weeks here thus far I've easily spent more than the past&nbsp;2 months in SEA.&nbsp; That said, the money all went to good use!&nbsp; Melbourne's gay scene is great, although I'm constantly reminded by locals that it is nothing when compared to Sydney's.&nbsp; I quickly found the trendy/hip/gay district and went out several times among the young and beautiful.&nbsp; How did I get in, you ask?&nbsp; It was close a few times...&nbsp; &nbsp; One club in particular was loads of fun with a great sound &amp; light system on the dance floor.&nbsp; Unfortunately, didn't get to go out there with Jake and crew because Jake (the dumbass) showed up for the evening out in thongs and wasn't allowed in.&nbsp; I met Jake in Jerusalem and we spent a week or so in Tel Aviv living it up.&nbsp; He's only been home for a week or so but he still took the time to meet me for a drink &amp; he and a few of his friends and I went out on a bender one night.&nbsp; It actually turned out to be good that Jake was wearing thongs so I didn't have to pay the $10-$20AUD cover charge at 3-4 different locations.&nbsp; We ended up going to the smaller place nearby each one (that didn't have a cover charge or dress requirements) and still had a great time. &nbsp; My time in Melbourne has continued with more of the same....out every night until 3-6AM and&nbsp;back to the hostel for sleep until about 9AM.&nbsp; On warm days the sun has already heated our rooms to a full sweat and nearly everyone is up.&nbsp; A quick bite and maybe a movie downstairs leads to a few sightseeing or shopping activities in the afternoon followed by a nap from about 5-7PM.&nbsp; Then up!&nbsp; A shower!&nbsp; Dinner and ooooout! &nbsp; Bought my plant ticket to Sydney a few days ago - flying on Wednesday.&nbsp; It's not so far by bus, but I found a ticket for only $86AUD all in! Took a day trip along the Great Ocean Road, which is one of the must-do's while here.&nbsp; The scenery itself was great and I enjoyed the long drive.&nbsp; I was lucky to be in a small enough group that we could fit in a minivan, this speeding up the driving portions of the trip.&nbsp; Unfortunately, the crew I was with were pretty freakin' boring and I spent most of the day alone.&nbsp; I took more pictures than I've taken in a long time tho! &nbsp; Are you one of those people who have always been told you look like someone famous? &nbsp; Well, it has never happened to me before.&nbsp; No one has ever really said that I remind them of <i>anyone as far as I can remember.&nbsp; For whatever reason, that has changed over the last 4-6 weeks.&nbsp; More than one person (from different groups / cities / countries) has told me I look like each of the following: Andre Agassi Moby Phil Collins &nbsp; YOU BE THE JUDGE!
]]> The Blue Mountains — Katoomba, New South Wales, Australia http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/sabarod/the_big_rtw/1168933320/tpod.html http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/sabarod/the_big_rtw/1168933320/tpod.html#comments Travel Blogs http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/sabarod/the_big_rtw/1168933320/tpod.html Tue, 17 Nov 2009 09:24:57 -0500 Into the Wild Blue Yonder
Katoomba, New South Wales, Australia

The following entry is brought to you by the number "9", the letter "e" and Cooper's Pale Ale. &nbsp; <i>Cooper's Pale Ale....Australian Owned, Australian Brewed. &nbsp; Hooking back up with Ben here in Sydney has been tons of fun.&nbsp; I mentioned that I was going to head out of the city for a few days to get some serious hiking in and he was keen to come along.&nbsp; He showed up at the train station with three other mates and we headed off into the mountains. &nbsp; The Blue Mountains are only ~150km from Sydney and, as a result, have been the weekend getaway for city dwellers for a century.&nbsp; There are several national parks in the area but I chose Blue Mountains National Park because of its proximity to some of the main sites and its location close to the rail line.&nbsp; The city of Katoomba is a simple 2-hour train ride from Sydney so we set up camp in a hostel there. &nbsp; Upon arrival we tossed our bags in the room and headed out to the Three Sisters, an outcropping of three limestone towers that has become the postcard for the entire region.&nbsp; The Blue Mountains got their name from the unusually blue haze that hangs across the massive valleys.&nbsp; The blue color comes from the high number of eucalyptus trees within the forest.&nbsp; These trees emit faint amounts of eucalyptus oil into the air, which results in the blue effect.&nbsp; From the Three Sisters, we took a strenuous five hour hike along the bluffs and down through the valleys.&nbsp; The area is quite beautiful and reminds me a lot of being at home in the Ozark Mountains in AR.&nbsp; High limestone bluffs overlook huge forested valleys - it looks like Devil's Den State Park times 100. &nbsp; Our second day was much of the same except we headed out in the opposite direction.&nbsp; The group felt great after all the efforts and we rewarded ourselves with a few brews each night.&nbsp; The small town has a great selection of trendy cafes that urged us on each night.&nbsp; &nbsp; I love Sydney, but the change of the mountains was grand!
]]> The REAL Down Undah! — Sydney, New South Wales, Australia http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/sabarod/the_big_rtw/1168733700/tpod.html http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/sabarod/the_big_rtw/1168733700/tpod.html#comments Travel Blogs http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/sabarod/the_big_rtw/1168733700/tpod.html Tue, 17 Nov 2009 09:24:23 -0500 Into the Wild Blue Yonder
Sydney, New South Wales, Australia

Sydney has treated me very well so far.&nbsp; LOVE the city.&nbsp; I honestly haven't done much more than wander around a few days and spend a few more on some of the local beaches, which ROCK.&nbsp; The nightlife here has been a great change from Asia and I've been partaking a bit too much, ifyaknowwhatimean. &nbsp; One highlight was a mini-reunion with Ben, one of the blokes I survived Laos with.&nbsp; He's from the UK but arrived in Sydney the day before me.&nbsp; I have no real idea how we ended up at some random guys 30th birthday party in a Sydney high rise drinking for free.&nbsp; I had my fill by about 3:30AM and jumped in a cab with a few other randoms and left Ben there with a buddy of his.&nbsp; Their night unfolded by drinking until sunrise and then heading to the casino. &nbsp; I'm glad I jumped ship when I did. &nbsp; Not much else...just having a grand time.&nbsp; I'll probably head out to the Blue Mountains for a few nights before returning to the big city for another weekend. &nbsp; !!&nbsp;
]]> Hott — Sydney, New South Wales, Australia http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/sabarod/the_big_rtw/1169418240/tpod.html http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/sabarod/the_big_rtw/1169418240/tpod.html#comments Travel Blogs http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/sabarod/the_big_rtw/1169418240/tpod.html Tue, 17 Nov 2009 09:23:46 -0500 Into the Wild Blue Yonder
Sydney, New South Wales, Australia

The remaining time in Sydney has been great.&nbsp; The city is wonderful....the beaches are spectacular....the men are hott as all fuck.&nbsp; &nbsp; I could seriously&nbsp;move here. &nbsp; Off to New Zealand and another reunion with some of the Laos gang!!!
]]> Reunited, and it feeeels so gooood! — Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/sabarod/the_big_rtw/1169769540/tpod.html http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/sabarod/the_big_rtw/1169769540/tpod.html#comments Travel Blogs http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/sabarod/the_big_rtw/1169769540/tpod.html Tue, 17 Nov 2009 09:23:11 -0500 Into the Wild Blue Yonder
Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand

I feel sad that my little vacation within my vacation is over.&nbsp; Australia and New Zealand have been just that - a little holiday. First, both countries are like being at home for me.&nbsp; English is obviously spoken everywhere and I've been able to catch up with several friends whom I knew from home or that I have met and traveled with on the road.&nbsp; In many cases I've been spending time in people's homes or crashing on their couches.&nbsp; The simple act of jumping in someone's car with them, running to the grocery and then returning for a home-cooked barbeque among friends is something that I haven't realized I'd missed. ....and let's face it - it's quite difficult meeting gay men on the road.&nbsp;&nbsp;We, as a group, just don't enjoy the type of travel I'm doing, I guess.&nbsp; No real surprise.&nbsp; Oz and NZ have been more like home, though,&nbsp;and I've been able to head out to some fun places and meet some good people. Although I had originally planned to skip NZ altogether (I spent a few weeks here in 2002), I arranged to spend a week here after learning that my flight was stopping here anyway &amp; I could stay by only paying a few more taxes.&nbsp; I fired off e-mails to Sean, Caro and Vanessa (all from the Laos crew) and made plans for 7 fun-filled days.&nbsp; Yes, this is the same Sean that I spent a few weeks with in Perth....he was visiting family and friends for a few weeks before moving permanently to NZ to be with his girlfriend, Caroline.&nbsp; Vanessa is in NZ briefly (also visiting family) before moving to Sydney in a few weeks.&nbsp; Long story - I know. In any case, Sean and Caro picked me up from the airport and we headed south to the city of Hamilton for a few days before returning to Auckland for weekend festivities.&nbsp; Hamilton is a smaller town and I had a good time in the region.&nbsp; I actually strapped on running shoes one morning for a 7km jaunt with the boys.&nbsp; Luckily, all this backpack carrying has kept me in 1/2-way descent shape, although my legs were&nbsp;a bit sore the next day.&nbsp; We then headed up to The Coromandal and enjoyed some time on the heated beach there.&nbsp; New Zealand is known for its geothermal activity and this particular beach gets quite hot in the shallow waters during low tide.&nbsp; We dug out a pit in the sand and allowed it to heat to hot tub levels before leaning back to enjoy the experience.&nbsp; Great fun! Unfortunately, that night included 2 liters of vodka after dinner and ended with Sean completely gutting and filleting a 5-foot shark (without even a scratch to himself).&nbsp; Hours later I woke up spooning him with Caro in the next bed. DRUNKS! We headed north of Auckland another day and spent some wonderful time sunbathing near Goat Island, which is on Cape Rodney.&nbsp; New Zealand really does have spectacular scenery and I'm glad I had the brief stop to visit it with my mates!
]]> Hamilton — Hamilton, Waikato, New Zealand http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/sabarod/the_big_rtw/1169933520/tpod.html http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/sabarod/the_big_rtw/1169933520/tpod.html#comments Travel Blogs http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/sabarod/the_big_rtw/1169933520/tpod.html Tue, 17 Nov 2009 09:22:35 -0500 Into the Wild Blue Yonder
Hamilton, Waikato, New Zealand

Hamilton
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