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07 maggio Ipanema Beach and beyondFirst of all apologies for no recent updates. I did write something in Sao Paolo bus station but the computer timed me out before I could post on the web :-(
Sorry i should start from the beginning like any good story. We left for Rio last Friday evening so have been in Brazil for just over a week now. So what did we get up to?
First experience on arrival was trying to get hold of some Reias, no mean feat in Rio airport, no ATMs we could see, only one currency exchange before Customs and in the arrivals hall nothing. Eventually we were guided by a helpful tout to his friend the porter who was able to exchange dollars at a preferential rate to him in a shady deal in a darkened corner of the airport, our currency woes did not end there but more of that later! A taxi got us relatively cheaply to Ipanema beach our base for the next three days.
Next lesson learnt, economy in Brazilian hotels means exactly that! Our room was the size of a shoe box with the shower over the toilet! Still at leadst it had air con. The first day we spent relaxing on Copacabana and Ipanema beaches, the weather was perfect, nol uck with currency exchange though a guy we met in a restaurant promised a more favourable rate than the porter but subsequently pulled out of the deal, still no sign of any official currency exchanges. A chance meeting with local fixer Tony allowed me to find out about the forthcoming Rio derby at the Marcarana stadium the following afternoon. Tony organises everything for a small mark up!
The morning of Sunday we went to see Christ the Redeemer in glorious sunshine.
In the afternoon it was off to the football with Tony. Flamengo plaed Botofog in the first final of the Rio State championship (it seems like it is much bigger than the Senior Cups in the UK). The game finished 2-2 we three sendings off. Monday we had our third experience of currency exchange. Using the logic that banks must have money we visited a branch of a well known UK high street retail bank, after lengthy discussions with bank officials we discovered that banks in Brazil don´t do currency exchange but we were pointed in the direction of an official place finally!! In the evening we went to Sugar Loaf mountain to view io by night (Gosia´s photos to follow due to my battery running out at the worst possible moment).
After three days in Rio it was on the road again and off to Ihla Grande a tropical island to the south of Rio. Three days of lazing around on the beach was the perfect way to relax. Fortunately we chose the first day of rain to move on and took the boat and bus to Paraty.
Next lesson learnt a place advertised at the bus station as ´best place, best price´ is not necessarily either. Paraty is a beautiful little colonial town with the habit of flooding making its streets more like Venice. We had an afternoon wandering around the streets taking pictures (more to follow.. no cable to upload here!) Paraty also turned out to be a party town in-spote of its apperance, the band across the street finished at about 4am and these colonial buildings certainly don´t come with double glazing.
Without any particular plan in mind next it was off to Sao Paulo, another lesson learnt, don´t take the seats next to the toilet on long distance buses. It stands to reason at least one of the passengers will have shifting bowels! I also renewed my love of rubbish movies shown on buses. First up the Hollowman which allowed to learn also sorts of useful Portugese swear words on the subtitles. Next movie didn´t have a name but wasn´t much better. Still better than Greyhound in Australia though.
We made it to Sao Paulo and fortunately found that there was a bus leaving in the next couple of hours to Foz do Igacu our next destination. A sixteen hour bus journey ahead of us we wisely reserved seats further away from the toilet! The bus was more like a moving bedroom with super plush seats, complimentary food adrink and a blanket and pillow. It cost a fair bit but that did´t stop there being a man on board with shifting bowels. Needless to say the toilet got locked down by the driver in the end or it may have been environmental health. Unfortunately the smell didn´t.
And so here we are now in Foz do Igacu, just about to leave to Argentina. Not sure where yet, that will depend on where the bus takes us. PArt of the fun I guess. Yesterday was glorious when we visited the Igassu falls. At 2.7km wide they really are a sight to behold. All that flowing water makes you need the toilet though!
So not sure when the next update will be or if there will eb any pictures until when we get back so Adios ..... and see you soon. 25 dicembre Merry Christmas one and allMerry Christmas, wherever you are in the world reading this.
Am off on my travels again in a few days, Minsk and Moscow here I come.
Stay tuned for more updates. 16 giugno FIFA WM 2006 - DeutschlandIn 6 hours time I will be boarding a Lufthansa plane at Edinburgh airport to whisk me off to 10 days in Germany to enjoy sun, beer and football, not necessarily in that order. My travelling partners are Kev and Matt and together we will spend time in Munich, Stuttgart and Berlin, taking in Croatia v Australia and Tunisia v Ukraine live with the potential to part with some hard earned cash in Munich to see Brazil (fatty Ronaldo and all) v Australia.
I will try to keep this blog updated and there might even be some pictures posted if Matt our resident photographer comes suitably equipped.
So look out for my observations from the mainland as I report back on Ingerlund fans on tour, encounters with Polish hooligans and no doubt a whole host of other adventures 26 gennaio Devil's Island25 January
We left Melbourne to fly to Hobart arriving at the International Airport around 2. Again Jetstar served up a good service. Only one flight left so fingers crossed.
We spent the day exploring Hobart and the environs. Battery Point (which I thought was so called because it resembled a battery) was definitely worth a visit. Unfortunately the 2k trek to the supermarket was not so beautiful. We dined aboard a fish and chip restaurant in the harbour. A bit different to cod and chips at home. I ate Blue Eye.
26 January
The morning was spent conquering Mount Wellington, those of you have heard of my previous mountain expeditions will be disappointed to hear that this was via bus. At 1,270m it is pretty impressive that you can get from sea level to the top in air conditioned comfort. Due to the bush fires and thestrong winds the views weren't the best but still pretty spectacular.
The afternoon we hopped on board a boat for a trip around the harbour with afternoon tea. Very civilised! Off to Wineglass Bay tomorrow then to Launceston before hitting the mainland once again.
25 gennaio MelbourneInstead of providing a day by day account of Melbourne adventures I will just give you a list of did's and did not's
I did not ...
stay in a youth hostel
visit Ramsay Street
go to the beach and sun bathe
freeze to death
I did
go to the Australian Open
get my photo taken with Sir Donald Bradman
go past Shane Warne's house
chucked a shrimp on the barbie
sweeted in 43C heat
Big thanks to Anna, Gary and Kaitlin and Suzanne and Travis our hosts in Melbourne
Taz adventures to follow Great Ocean Road Part Deux v 2This is the second time I have tried to type this as the last version got lost down an electronic hole. Here goes... again.
I omitted in my last entry to mention the highlight of day 1 of our trip down the Great Ocean Road which was an encounter with Larry the Giant Lobster. To be frank it was a bit run down but if any of you budding entrepenuers out there fancy giving Larry a fresh lick of paint Larry and the attached visitors centre is available either freehold or leasehold. I did not enquiry as to the price.
19 Jan
From Robe it was onwards along the coast taking in the Blue Lake at Mount Gambier (spot that in the Part 2 photos if you can) and the giant sink hole, where I spotted my first wombat of the trip. From there we had our first chance to swim in the Southern Ocean at Bridgewater Bay. It was pretty cold more like going for a swim in the North Sea at Scarborough in August than Australia at the heart of Summer.
Our final stop was Port Fairy where we stayed in a stable, the only room at the inn was for drinkers and even after a couple of cold drinks I didn't see any fairies.
20 Jan
We started the day at Tower Hill (which was more a crater than a hill) which was a national park where we spotted some Koalas and Emus. I didn't get too close this time.
The highlight of our trip so far was a trip to Cheeseworld. This is basically a factory shop at a cheese factory in the middle of nowhere. they sell chocolate cheese and have a museum that resembles a jumble sale and contains no cheese. How Lonely Planet could have omitted it from their guide I will never know.
After all that excitement it was on to the main event the Great Ocean Road. The photos speak for themselves to be honest but I was lucky enough toi take a swoop over the 12 (well technically 11) Apostles in a helicopter.
We ended the day with a walk through a temperate rainforest ending up in Appolo Bay for an overnight stop. A name check to Christopher and Paddy who managed to stay up till 4am consuming a box of sweet white wine (that's 5 litres folks) at the total cost of $9 AUS (which is about 3p).
21 Jan
The final day of the trip we took in Lorne and Bells Beach before arriving in Melbourne before bidding farewell to our drivers and fellow travellers. Andre was most disappointed that the bus didn't drop him off personally at Hotel Bakpak. He must have thought it was his own personal taxi service.
Mum just for you another weather check. On arrival into Melbourne it was 40C which is even more in Farenheit and also everso hot. We spent the day trying to find air conditioned locations, before catching up with an old colleague Suzanne for the evening. 24 gennaio Part 3 photos onlineUpdates on Great Ocean Road and Melbourne to follow. Off to Hobart in two hours. 21 gennaio Life on the Ocean Road18 January
We picked up the Wayward Bus in Adelaide on Wednesday morning for a three and a half day journey to Melbourne taking in among other things the Great Ocean Road.
First a cast list:
Bill - NZ aka "The Driver"
Matty - AUS aka "Co pilot"
Robert - NL
Christopher- F
Kelly - F
Andre - SUI
Paddy - IRL
Liam - IRL Also starring the bus which was brand spanking new.
In total we were 24 travellers plus 2 drivers. We piled into the bus and headed off at around 8.30 to the German town of Hahndorf, for the first of numerous coffee stops. The German influence hadn't left Hahndorf and there was a full selection of Kuchen to dine upon. We had to return to Hahndorf shortly after departing as Liam had forgotten his glasses. Fortunately he found them again.
From Hahndorf it was onto an Aboriginal Visitor's Centre where we were treated to a bush walk and some traditional foods including kangaroo balls.
From there it was onwards to Meninge then onto Robe via some beaches, sand dunes and a giant lobster. Bill and Matty did what Aussies do best and served up some top tucker from the barbie.
The rest of the diary will follow but as you may have already noticed the next set of photos have already been uploaded (thanks to Gosia once again!)
STOP PRESS: Watch out for me at the Australian Open on Monday 23 January on a TV near you. 17 gennaio Farewell to the East Coast17 Jan
Our last trip on Greyhound took us from Airlie beach to Cairns. You know when you have been on too many Greyhound buses when you recognise the driver and can call all his jokes on the in bus commentry.
Greyhound saved the worst till last when it came to in-bus movie entertainment.
Ella the Enchanted starring all sorts of people including Eric Idle's and Steve Coogan's voices. Plot: a poor rip off of Cinderella. OK so I didn't actually watch this movie but I did hear the audio which was enough. We all knew the ending anyway they all lived happily ever after. Rating 0 stars
It seems that Greyhound have some kind of tie up with the studio distributors to force people into viewing movies that they would under no other circumstances choose to watch.
We arrived in Cairns at 6.25am the supposed tourist gateway to the Great Barrier reef. A few comments/observations on Cairns.
All I have to look forward to now is a trip on an Aussie Budget airline, elbows at the ready to bag the best seat!
Jetstar was surprisingly efficient. They even have inflight entertainment provided you pay. We didn't get too much time to look around Adelaide, so we headed down Rundle Mall to Rundle Street where all the parties are at. For a Tuesday night it was pretty busy as it was the first night of the Aussie bike tour. The YHA in Adelaide was also excellent. We depart Adelaide early on the 18th to complete a three day tour of the Great Ocean Road.
Australian - English dictionary. Apologies for not updating sooner so 2 for the price of 1 today.
heaps adv a lot (e.g. thanks heaps), n more than one pile
joey n baby kangaroo/koala, star of Friends and "Joey"
16 gennaio Hero's in a half shell ...... turtle power
15 Jan
The overnighter from Noosa dropped us at Airlie Beach. Greyhound was Airlie for a change! After a false start on the camp site. The place we booked had no spaces as it had on going contruction works for the past 12 weeks we checked in at Koala's beach resort.
The day was pretty chilled, we hung out at the lagoon, walked along the costal path and set up for our first night camping. I don't think my tent was used to the conditions as it is normally used in the summers of Scotland. It was no doubt delighted to get wet with a few bursts of rain.
Aussie Weather update. My Mum has complianed that I have provided no weather updates whatsoever on these pages. Suffice to say today in Airlie was very hot, probably in the region of 32C, light showers in the evening.
16 Jan
Early start today as we'd booked a tour on the Mantary around the Whit Sunday Islands. After breaking camping and cleaning the geckos off the tent we headed out to Able Point Marina to pick up our boat for the day. We set sail at 8.30 and headed first to Whitehaven Beach which is probably the most spectacular beach in Australia (photos to follow). We spotted our first turtles of the day here. We bush walked to Hill Inlet for a view over the beach and then headed down to the beach for some swimming with Stingrays.
After lunch we headed out to Luncheon Bay on Hook Island for some snorkelling on the Reef. I've just realised this sounds a bit like a Famous Five Adventure. Enid Blyton eat your heart out! We got an underwater camera so there should eventually be some spectacular pics from the reef we also had fun swimming up close with a turtle who wasn't really interested in us, rather his dinner (deep fried jelly fish).
Just heading for our final Greyhound bus (sob) to Cairns eta 6.25am
Stay tuned 15 gennaio There's a noosa loosa ...about this hoosa....
Friday 13th
From Brisbane it was back on the road to the costal resort of Noosa Heads. Suncoast Pacific wasn't the quickest service ever and there wasn't even a video to keep us entertained. Noosa was defiitely a place for chilling on the beach, dipping in the sea and occassionally chowing down an ice cream. In the evening we went on a bit of a trek to Hell's gate and back. Beautiful scenery, plenty of wildlife and a near full moon made for some great shots. A quiet night followed in the YHA which is the best hostel i've stayed in, in a while even the rowdy German's playing cards to the wee small hours did not dampen the mood.
Saturday 14th
Was a bit of a right off when it came to doing anything. We spent the morning at Noosa doing much the same as the prevous day minus the costal walk. We hooked up with our old friend Mr Greyhound at 12.20 for the bus north to Airlie Beach. We had a change in the imaginatively titled Matilda (not sure if she was a waltzing one) Roadhouse, near the more immaginatively titled Gympie. The second bus took us through the night to Airlie.
Greyhound Film review - The Son of the Mask - starring ??? - 0 stars
Possible the biggest load of garbage Greyhound has served up to date. I ended up covering my eyes with my cap to save me having to watch this bilge.
No Aussie A-Z today I left my dictionary at home.
Hope you liked the photos and that you can tie them into the blogs. Photo credits to Gosia, my pics will have to wait until Bots develop them on my return. 12 gennaio Kid KoalaThurs 12 Jan
Today we headed further up the coast to Brisbane, capital of the sunshine state. We crossed the border into Queensland and the clocks went back, weird huh, seemingly they don't need summertime round here as it is summer all the time.
Quiz question: What do I have in common with the Queen Mother, Australian premier John Howard and Rocker Marilyn Manson?
Answer: We've all cuddled a Koalal
We spent part of todayat the Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary where we had a great time feeding Kangaroos and stroking Wallabies as well as cuddling Koalas. Unfortuntely I thought it would be a good idea to tease Emus and much like Rod Hull I was at the end of a bit of a beating.
Still just to prove I am still alive here is a link to a picture of me cuddling a Koala.
We also managed to fit in a river trip and walking tour of Brisbane and passed through the suburb of Inderooloopie (it all seems to be intact Chantal).
Australian - English Dictionary
galah n - parrot, idiot (as in flamming galah made famous by Alf off Home & Away) Everybody going surfing ...... surfing Byron Bay
Wed 11th Jan
Thanks to Greyhound Australia we arrived in Byron an hour and a half later than planned which was good as it meant we didn't have to wait around so long to find a place to stay. My brilliant idea of camping back fired as the campsite was full as all Aussie kids seem to be on holiday. Still chilling on the beach whilst phoning all the contact numbers in Lonely Planet seemed to be a couple of hours well spent and we eventually found a place to stay.
We spent the day cruising around the beaches of Byron, didn't pluck up the courage to try surfing yet but am keen at the next beach stop which will be Noosa Heads.
We also climbed up to Byron Lighthouse and the most Easterly point of Australia where East truly is East. We walked back into the Bay through some awesome costal rainforest and even managed to spot a wallaby crossing in front of us.
The evening was pretty chilled out, we hung out at the hostel to enjoy a typical "barbie" had another walk to the beach and hit the hay pretty early.
Australian - English Dictionary
footy - n. Australian rules football, part of the body attached to your leggy
11 gennaio An afternoon with Barry ......McGuigan
Tuesday 10th
Today after an early walk pelican spotting around the Wangi Wangi penisula, we headed out with Morv's folks to the Hunter Valley on a wine tasting mission. We found ourselves at the McGuigan Winery tasting a wide selection of whites, reds and even a rose (not Origin a perenial Edinburgh party fave!) I always thought that the McGuigan brand was in someway related to Irish boxer Barry but it seems that Brian is the main man and Barry is noting more than a boxing pundit and not a wine guru.
We caught the overnight bus this evening up to Byron Bay.
Al's in bus film review: Terminal - rating ***
Well I think that was what it is called, quite a few outloud giggles and certainly an improvement on the last movie.
I have travelled pretty extensively by public transport and had my fair share of bizarre experiences but Greyhound has now got the chance to take the trophy for strangest moment at 2am award. The journey passed without incident (other than some rather heavy roadkill) to Port Macquarie. However, that was all to change. We developed what British Rail would describe as "Technical Problems" and what I would describe as a breakdown. We limped along at half speed with a few stops where the driver tried to do running repairs using noting other than sticky backed plastic and used Fairy bottles. At Coombs Harbour we turned off the road and entered a garage. Yes that's right folks a bus load of passengers in a garage full of broken down trucks and buses at 2am. The on call mechanic fixed things up, we did a quick circuit of the block to test it out and then continued the journey.
We made Byron Bay 1 hour late and there the story ends.
Australian - English Dictionary update
esky - n portable ice box, essential item on a sailing trip with Captain Birds Eye Aye Aye Captain!Monday 9th
Whilst living with Morv, I became convinced that Morv's dad, John, is a ringer for Captain Birdseye (the old school one not the young buck they used in recent years). John didn't disappoint apart from the lack of fish fingers he was indeed a real captain and we were lucky enough to go sailing with him on his yacht Ingeborg (a 35 footer) on Lake Macquerie.
We sailed down to Toronto (not the Canadian version) to collect Morv and also managed to have dinner on board as well as a bit of local champagne. My role was pretty much cabin boy but I did take the helm for a while and didn't manage to "stuff up" too badly.
Another evening was spent chewing the fat with Morv and her folks on the balcony accompanied by fine food and wine and a bit of bird watching.
Australian - English Dictonary - brought to you in association with my wardrobe
dag - n matted sheep turd, term of endearment or mild abuse
H'away the ladsSunday 8th Lazy day spent at Mima's in the morning, long lie in, jet lag kicking in. Caught up with Claire & Stevie briefly as they were headed over to Stevie's boat for a sailing session.
A trip in to town followed and then it was hopping onto our first Greyhound Bus to Newcastle. Was surprised on approaching the outskirts of this coal town to spy signs for such places as Jesmond, Stockton, Hexham and Wallsend. No kids in Shearer shirts so I knew that despite crossing a replica of the Tyne Bridge on the way that I wasn't in Geordieland.
Al's in bus film review: 3 Musketeers staring Jack "24" Bauer rating * Strange how everyone in France has American accents even worse than Robin Hood Prince of Thieves.
We were met at Newcastle by Morv and Mum and she had kindly agreed to have us to stay for a couple of days the day before. All those nights Morv stayed on my floor in Edinburgh were now being reeled in!
Morv and her parents live in Wangi Wangi which backs onto Lake Macquerie. They have a pool in their garden, a balconoy with a huge barbie and a well stocked bar full of local wines from the Hunter Valley. Life doesn't get much better than this.
We chilled for the evening with Morv and her folks enjoying the hospitality.
Australian - English update - dedicated to Cockney rhyming slang Captain Cook (have a) - v slang look (have a), a great travel agent and sometime explorer of these parts.
08 gennaio I predict a riot ...Landed in Sydney on Friday at 9.30pm. Went through all the formalities without a problem, even my Wife Biscuits purchased in Hong Kong didn't cause Aussie Customs to bat an eyelid. Mima met us at the airport but we were too shattered to do anything other than sleep. We have been staying for the last two nights with Mima and her parents in Cronulla, which recently made the international newswires due to racist riots. More later ...
Saturday 7th ... Cronulla was a cool hang out for the first few days. Cronulla beach witnessed my first sun burn of 2006! We also chanced upon a few old friends that we weren't expecting to see. Sisters Flett were both in town not sure who was more shocked to see whom.
In the evening we headed over to the suburb of Cammeray to hang out with Ellie, Adrian and friends and their little celebrations. The trip to Cammeray taught me one lesson, I know the Sydney surburbs as well as the Sydney cabbies. We got a discount as he got so lost! Also had my first trips over Sydeny Harbour Bridge and saw approximately 1/4 of Sydney Opera House the rest will have to wait.
After consuming muchos champgne we caught up with Mima in the Dolphin Hotel. Here I discovered the drink of choice out in the sticks on the border between Victoria and NSW is Red Bull and beer! Not a scratch on Red Bull and Jaeger though!
06 gennaio Another day another early start ...Yesterday was a long long day. Showing my inexperience of long distance flying I failed to get sufficient sleep leaving me cream crackered . Still I managed to see some of the sights and sounds of Hong Kong.
Highlights included a trip on the Star ferry, a journey up the Peak tram for smog ridden views over the city and getting photographed with the great Bruce Lee.
Useless fact of the day: My hands are the same size as Jackie Chan's, photographic evidence to follow!
Last night was we stayed in the imaginatively titled Dragon Hostel. I didn't see any dragons but two of his mates were playing bongo drums and electric guitar till the wee small hours. Which would have been fine except for a 5am start this morning.
For those of you following my Aussie - English dictionary will be delighted to see its return today with the letter B.
billabong n. pond, brand of Australian clothing often seen in its natural habitat the Walkabout.
Just about to board my plane downunder .....
Stay tuned. 05 gennaio Mong Kok callingAfter
leaving home at 4.45am yesterday, randomly meeting my boss at Edinburgh Airport
and three hours twiddling my thumbs at T3 (T5 better be an improvement
Clarkey), I have now touched in Hong Kong, well the place I am staying in goes under the name of Mong Kok. The flight was pretty uneventful, obviously Cathay in their wisdom had placed me in a row between the people that recline their seats for the whole flight and the kicking squealing toddler, still the inflight entertainment drained out most of the noise. Off exploring as it's too hot to be inside (now that makes a change from Edinburgh). |
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