THE END!
Monday, January 21, 2008
Samantha's final thoughts
Well, where do I start? Summing up this year is a difficult task.
Firstly, I never thought we would actually do this. We have spent years discussing taking a gap year and travelling the world. But in 2006 when we finally starting reading the lonely planet and formulating a route, I started to believe it was going to happen.
I have had a truely amazing year and I'm still not a great fan of flying. I have visited the most fabulous places, done incredible things and met awesome people who I am fortunate enough to call friends.
To tell you where the best place is or even my favourite place is, is impossible for me. However, the places that surprised me the most are China, Guatemala and to some extent New Zealand - but that's only because they are 2 very different islands which are known as one country.
I have challenged myself climbing glaciers, snorkelling the great barrier reef and climbing the great wall. These are the few that will always stick out in my mind although I know there are plenty more examples.
I have probably tasted more local beers and wines in this year than I ever will again.
I am grateful to our families and friends for their support and emails. Keeping in touch helped me immensely when I was homesick.
I have thoroughly enjoyed keeping this travel blog and look forward to reading through it again when I get home.
And finally to Alan, well what a companion you've been. Generally you've been awesome but at times you did my head in, but to be honest the world tour 2007 wouldn't have been the same without you x
Firstly, I never thought we would actually do this. We have spent years discussing taking a gap year and travelling the world. But in 2006 when we finally starting reading the lonely planet and formulating a route, I started to believe it was going to happen.
I have had a truely amazing year and I'm still not a great fan of flying. I have visited the most fabulous places, done incredible things and met awesome people who I am fortunate enough to call friends.
To tell you where the best place is or even my favourite place is, is impossible for me. However, the places that surprised me the most are China, Guatemala and to some extent New Zealand - but that's only because they are 2 very different islands which are known as one country.
I have challenged myself climbing glaciers, snorkelling the great barrier reef and climbing the great wall. These are the few that will always stick out in my mind although I know there are plenty more examples.
I have probably tasted more local beers and wines in this year than I ever will again.
I am grateful to our families and friends for their support and emails. Keeping in touch helped me immensely when I was homesick.
I have thoroughly enjoyed keeping this travel blog and look forward to reading through it again when I get home.
And finally to Alan, well what a companion you've been. Generally you've been awesome but at times you did my head in, but to be honest the world tour 2007 wouldn't have been the same without you x
Alan's final thoughts
Well the world tour is now over and can categorically say that this has been the best year of my life. We have seem some of the best places, met some really great people and had some unreal experiences.
Even when things have looked bad we were always ready, willing and able to turn them round and make them into positive. Even when we had to return home to replenish fund we lined up new jobs to start in February and I passed my final exam and finally qualified as an accountant.
I think my top three places on the tour were Guatemala, Hawaii and the best place being New Zealand, I can't wait for the opportunity to go back there.
This year has left me with some really great memories, a really long list of place I want to visit or revisit around the world and some really great new friends all over the world.
I would like to thank Samantha for accompanying me on this amazing journey and everyone at home that have helped us and read the blog over the last year.
I would like to thank Samantha for accompanying me on this amazing journey and everyone at home that have helped us and read the blog over the last year.
Our final days
Could we find enough things to do to fill our 4 days in San Jose?
Well, day 1 was spent getting up rediculously early because Lauren had told us her friend was taking her to a fabulous sovenier market. So 7 of us took taxi's to the San Pedro mall when Laurens friend met us, we then took a bus to the Artisan market. This market turned out to be a 10min walk from our hotel. We bought a few pressies for both ourselves and for family back home.
We spent day 2 moving to Costa Rica Backpackers, which is this really cool little hostel in the centre of San Jose. We also did a little more shopping and having a look around the city centre.
On day 3 we went to the zoo, which was very small but some of the animals were in incredibly small cages with no real cover for them to hide from people. Also some stupid people were feeding some of the animals cheese puffs, which we were not impressed by. As it was a sunday, we chilled out by the hostel pool and read our books whilst topping up the tan.
Our last day in San Jose and we tried to find the museum of criminology only to find that it closed down 2 years ago. So we have had an unexpectedly relaxing day by the pool, chilling our, reading a book and looking forward to flying home tomorrow.
We spent day 2 moving to Costa Rica Backpackers, which is this really cool little hostel in the centre of San Jose. We also did a little more shopping and having a look around the city centre.
On day 3 we went to the zoo, which was very small but some of the animals were in incredibly small cages with no real cover for them to hide from people. Also some stupid people were feeding some of the animals cheese puffs, which we were not impressed by. As it was a sunday, we chilled out by the hostel pool and read our books whilst topping up the tan.
Our last day in San Jose and we tried to find the museum of criminology only to find that it closed down 2 years ago. So we have had an unexpectedly relaxing day by the pool, chilling our, reading a book and looking forward to flying home tomorrow.
Goodbye Tucan Tour
When we booked our central america tour with Tucan, we factored in 3 days in San Jose at the end. Even though people have repeatedly told us that San Jose isn't all that nice. So we were left with a little dilemma when we actually found out we had 4 days in the city.
Do we continue on with the tour to La Fortuna, following the great friends we had made, even though it would only be for 36hrs before we had to come back to San Jose?
Well, we agonised over this decision but finally concluding that we were both too tired to contemplate a 4hr bus ride to and from La Fortuna.
The hardest part was telling everyone that Friday night dinner would be our last, after the group had got so excited that we might be staying with them for a little longer. There were tears, hugs and photos!
After dinner we said our goodbyes, exchanged email addresses and promised that we would see them all again.
Do we continue on with the tour to La Fortuna, following the great friends we had made, even though it would only be for 36hrs before we had to come back to San Jose?
Well, we agonised over this decision but finally concluding that we were both too tired to contemplate a 4hr bus ride to and from La Fortuna.
The hardest part was telling everyone that Friday night dinner would be our last, after the group had got so excited that we might be staying with them for a little longer. There were tears, hugs and photos!
After dinner we said our goodbyes, exchanged email addresses and promised that we would see them all again.
Do you know the way to San Jose?
The term "Adventure Tour" started to wear a bit thin after getting off the chicken boat expecting to jump straight onto the bus to San Jose and then finding that they didn't have our booking. This lead to a two and half hour wait by the side of the road not knowing if there would be a bus that we could get on. After hassling the bus company rep a lot she guaranteed that we would get on the 9:20am bus, which didn't arrive until after 10am just as we were started to get really annoyed.
After 45 minutes on the bus we reached the Costa Rica border and unlike the other borders where we pretty much rocked straight through, we all had to get off the bus, line up and get our passport stamped individually. Doesn't sound too bad but we were slow off the bus and this meant we were near the back of the queue and it took us almost an hour to get through. We were pained, by watching some of the others sitting in the cafe on the other side with food and cold drinks (it was really hot and the cold drinks looked so good!).
Once we crossed the border it was a nice five hour bus ride to San Jose. Luckily most of the films they played were in English, which was good except for that fact they showed Evan Almightly which we've seen on this trip about 10 times before.
When we arrive at the hotel thinking our travelling had finished, we were told that we had been booked into their sister hotel just around the corner. So gathering up our bags we all marched around to the new hotel. The only saving grace was that our new hotel was nicer than the original.
We rounded out the day with a really good meal and several beers at Cafe Mundo just across the road from our hotel.
After 45 minutes on the bus we reached the Costa Rica border and unlike the other borders where we pretty much rocked straight through, we all had to get off the bus, line up and get our passport stamped individually. Doesn't sound too bad but we were slow off the bus and this meant we were near the back of the queue and it took us almost an hour to get through. We were pained, by watching some of the others sitting in the cafe on the other side with food and cold drinks (it was really hot and the cold drinks looked so good!).
Once we crossed the border it was a nice five hour bus ride to San Jose. Luckily most of the films they played were in English, which was good except for that fact they showed Evan Almightly which we've seen on this trip about 10 times before.
When we arrive at the hotel thinking our travelling had finished, we were told that we had been booked into their sister hotel just around the corner. So gathering up our bags we all marched around to the new hotel. The only saving grace was that our new hotel was nicer than the original.
We rounded out the day with a really good meal and several beers at Cafe Mundo just across the road from our hotel.
Sunday, January 20, 2008
Ometepe
Ometepe - apparently the worlds largest freshwater island, also containing 2 fairly active volcanos and its found in the middle of Lake Nicaragua. We were spending 2 days/2 nights on this lovely little island. We got on a "chicken" boat for the hour crossing to the island but the crossing wasn't as awful as the one to Roatan.
When we arrived at our cabin accomodation (we got a beautiful cabin right on the beach with an awesome view), we were quickly informed that unless you wanted to do the 8hr climb up a volcano or horseriding then there wasn't alot to do here. That really didn't bother me too much as I had my books and suncream.
However, on the second day I thought it might be nice to go for a little horse trek along the beach. Alan signed up as well to keep me company but take a good look at the photo below because 2 minutes after that was taken, I got off the horse and didn't get back on. I've never riden a horse independently before so got a bit scared when the horse decided to go for a little walk around the yard.
So instead of a ride along the beach, Alan and I went for a little walk along the beach instead and saw lots and lots and lots of lizards and and a couple of heron. We also got passed by the horse riding group.
Our time on Ometepe was a truly relaxing experience and we were thoroughly recharged by the time we left. We left the same way we arrived but this time we were in the skoda range of "chicken" boats, seriously the one we arrived on was like a ferrari in comparison. This boat was slightly unstable to be fair - but I had one eye on the life jackets and the other eye on the massive waves threatening to come into the boat. It's an adventure tour!
When we arrived at our cabin accomodation (we got a beautiful cabin right on the beach with an awesome view), we were quickly informed that unless you wanted to do the 8hr climb up a volcano or horseriding then there wasn't alot to do here. That really didn't bother me too much as I had my books and suncream.
However, on the second day I thought it might be nice to go for a little horse trek along the beach. Alan signed up as well to keep me company but take a good look at the photo below because 2 minutes after that was taken, I got off the horse and didn't get back on. I've never riden a horse independently before so got a bit scared when the horse decided to go for a little walk around the yard.
So instead of a ride along the beach, Alan and I went for a little walk along the beach instead and saw lots and lots and lots of lizards and and a couple of heron. We also got passed by the horse riding group.
Our time on Ometepe was a truly relaxing experience and we were thoroughly recharged by the time we left. We left the same way we arrived but this time we were in the skoda range of "chicken" boats, seriously the one we arrived on was like a ferrari in comparison. This boat was slightly unstable to be fair - but I had one eye on the life jackets and the other eye on the massive waves threatening to come into the boat. It's an adventure tour!
Granada
After leaving Roatan we spent pretty much two full days travelling, only broken by an overnight stay in the Honduran capital Tegucigalpa.
When we finally reached Granada we found we were staying in the nicest hotel of the trip so far, but before we could get excited we were told the whole town had no water (this was particularly bad because everyone felt minging after a whole day of travel).
After our group orientation walk around town, we escaped from the group to grab a pizza and have a quiet evening.
The next day we opted for a slow day wandering around Granada. After breakfast we headed to the market only to find it wasn't the kind of market we expected, it was a local local market with fruit and veg, very dodgy looking meat and ropey clothing.
After leaving the market we decided to hit the tourist hghlights, that considered of a church tower with citywide views and lake Nicaragua.
On our second day we ventured out on a tour to see the Masaya volcano and the Masaya market. The volcano was quite impressive, consisting of five craters. The largest crater produced so much sulphur gas you couldn't see the bottom. It stank so badly they gave out Darth Vader style masks to people with asthma and other breathing problems.
When we finally reached Granada we found we were staying in the nicest hotel of the trip so far, but before we could get excited we were told the whole town had no water (this was particularly bad because everyone felt minging after a whole day of travel).
After our group orientation walk around town, we escaped from the group to grab a pizza and have a quiet evening.
The next day we opted for a slow day wandering around Granada. After breakfast we headed to the market only to find it wasn't the kind of market we expected, it was a local local market with fruit and veg, very dodgy looking meat and ropey clothing.
After leaving the market we decided to hit the tourist hghlights, that considered of a church tower with citywide views and lake Nicaragua.
On our second day we ventured out on a tour to see the Masaya volcano and the Masaya market. The volcano was quite impressive, consisting of five craters. The largest crater produced so much sulphur gas you couldn't see the bottom. It stank so badly they gave out Darth Vader style masks to people with asthma and other breathing problems.
The market was full of amazing stuff however the traders were not willing to bargain much if at all, limiting our fun and our purchases.
We rounded off the day and our time in Granada with a horsedrawn carriage ride around the city. On our ride we stopped at the oldest house in the city (which looked much like the others to be honest), the fortress where we got ripped off for an entrance fee the guard then pocketed, before visiting the lake (for another exciting look).
We rounded off the day and our time in Granada with a horsedrawn carriage ride around the city. On our ride we stopped at the oldest house in the city (which looked much like the others to be honest), the fortress where we got ripped off for an entrance fee the guard then pocketed, before visiting the lake (for another exciting look).
Roatan
Roatan was going to be our 3night/2 and a half day mini break in the carribean ocean and we were looking forward to it. To get there we had a 5.30am start, 3hr bus ride and then about a 2hr ferry crossing to get there.
The ferry crossing was not good, in fact it was nauseating! I have never seen so many people vomit continuously on a ferry trip. I didn't feel quesy because I have the good sense to take a travel sickness pill before even getting on the boat, but the violent lurching of the boat made me feel dizzy.
Once we arrived on Roatan, we recovered quickly because it looked like paradise. Aquamarine waters and white sandy beaches - just the place to relax and recharge our batteries.
Allison informed us of all the optional activities we could do whilst on Roatan, snorkelling, diving, dolphin show, hiking, fishing and kayaking. Alan signed up for the snorkelling excursion whereas I signed up for sunbathing around the pool and reading my book - very strenuous!
So I enjoyed a very peaceful 3hrs reading and trying my hand at topless sunbathing (shocking!) whilst Alan went snorkelling. He came back delighted at seeing an eagle ray (a bit like a sting ray) and I had less white patches then before.
We spent every evening as a group at the Sundowners Bar, drinking happy hour beers and cocktails whilst watching the most gorgeous sunsets. Unfortunately this can happen when you've had one to many.............
The ferry crossing was not good, in fact it was nauseating! I have never seen so many people vomit continuously on a ferry trip. I didn't feel quesy because I have the good sense to take a travel sickness pill before even getting on the boat, but the violent lurching of the boat made me feel dizzy.
Once we arrived on Roatan, we recovered quickly because it looked like paradise. Aquamarine waters and white sandy beaches - just the place to relax and recharge our batteries.
Allison informed us of all the optional activities we could do whilst on Roatan, snorkelling, diving, dolphin show, hiking, fishing and kayaking. Alan signed up for the snorkelling excursion whereas I signed up for sunbathing around the pool and reading my book - very strenuous!
So I enjoyed a very peaceful 3hrs reading and trying my hand at topless sunbathing (shocking!) whilst Alan went snorkelling. He came back delighted at seeing an eagle ray (a bit like a sting ray) and I had less white patches then before.
We spent every evening as a group at the Sundowners Bar, drinking happy hour beers and cocktails whilst watching the most gorgeous sunsets. Unfortunately this can happen when you've had one to many.............
Copan Ruins
The ruins at Copan are located about 1km outside the town itself and as we had to walk there, we had an early start to avoid the heat of the day.
As this was our third visit to Mayan ruins on the tour we weren't that enthusiastic about it so it was going to take something good to capture our interest and as we reached the gates it started well. They had a whole family of semi-tame Macaw parrots sitting on the fence and in the surrounding trees that caught our attention.
After Saul had finished showing us around we decide we seen enough ruins and headed back to town.
We spent the some time walking around Copan looking around the street market and shops before enjoy a lazy afternoon.
As this was our third visit to Mayan ruins on the tour we weren't that enthusiastic about it so it was going to take something good to capture our interest and as we reached the gates it started well. They had a whole family of semi-tame Macaw parrots sitting on the fence and in the surrounding trees that caught our attention.
As we walked around the site our guide Saul gave us the history of the site and told us about all the archeological excavations that are still taking place. He made it as interesting as he could but my attention soon began to flag.
When we stopped to look around one of the structures, Karen noticed an open tunnel and said we should have a look inside. So Karen and I waited until the security guards looked the other way and then made a dive into the tunnel. Unfortunately I got spotted and stopped before I got down the steps but Karen made it quite far down the tunnel before being pulled out by the same guard (the brief exitement brightened up my day).
When we stopped to look around one of the structures, Karen noticed an open tunnel and said we should have a look inside. So Karen and I waited until the security guards looked the other way and then made a dive into the tunnel. Unfortunately I got spotted and stopped before I got down the steps but Karen made it quite far down the tunnel before being pulled out by the same guard (the brief exitement brightened up my day).
After Saul had finished showing us around we decide we seen enough ruins and headed back to town.
We spent the some time walking around Copan looking around the street market and shops before enjoy a lazy afternoon.
Sunday, January 06, 2008
Our New Group
In Antigua we said goodbye to Vivian and Denise and picked up 10 new people.
We are now 7 Aussies, 4 Brits, 3 Irish, 1 Kiwi and a German.
Tomorrow in Tela I think we are picking up another person to make us 17!
We are now 7 Aussies, 4 Brits, 3 Irish, 1 Kiwi and a German.
Tomorrow in Tela I think we are picking up another person to make us 17!
Antigua to Copan
This was going to be a 6hr travel day from Guatemala to Honduras, but the roads this time were quite bus friendly and thankfully not windy so 6hrs went very quickly.
We arrived in Copan by lunchtime and we had a little look around the town. Basically Allison showed us where the bottle shop, restaurants and bars were.
We were picked up by Jesus at 4pm and driven 45mins out of Copan to a hot springs waterfall and pools. We changed into our swimmers and walked across the quite fast flowing river to the waterfall. This pretty waterfall was boiling hot! We sat in this rockpool where the hot water and the freezing water from the river mixed and kind of made a pleasant spa. I say kind of pleasant because the hot, hot water and the freezing water didn't actually mix all that well.
After about 30 mins we walked back across the river and went and sat in the manmade pools, which the locals pumped the hot water into. It wasn't as hot as the waterfall but it was still very nice and even more so when someone cracked open the esky full of corona!
Jesus was in charge of the bbq and once it was dark we had chicken, beef, salsa, roasted veg and garlic bread - it was delicious. The perfect end to a travel day.
We arrived in Copan by lunchtime and we had a little look around the town. Basically Allison showed us where the bottle shop, restaurants and bars were.
We were picked up by Jesus at 4pm and driven 45mins out of Copan to a hot springs waterfall and pools. We changed into our swimmers and walked across the quite fast flowing river to the waterfall. This pretty waterfall was boiling hot! We sat in this rockpool where the hot water and the freezing water from the river mixed and kind of made a pleasant spa. I say kind of pleasant because the hot, hot water and the freezing water didn't actually mix all that well.
After about 30 mins we walked back across the river and went and sat in the manmade pools, which the locals pumped the hot water into. It wasn't as hot as the waterfall but it was still very nice and even more so when someone cracked open the esky full of corona!
Jesus was in charge of the bbq and once it was dark we had chicken, beef, salsa, roasted veg and garlic bread - it was delicious. The perfect end to a travel day.
Friday, January 04, 2008
Antigua - Pacaya Volcano
Even before we got to Antigua we were told the main thing to do there was, the Pacaya Volcano climb. Pacaya is one of the two active volcano's that surround Antigua city and it was my chance to get really close to molten lava.
We had to leave at 6am for the climb and I was up dress and ready to go by 5.45am (Yes I was a little excited). It took an hour to reach the base of the volcano and when we stepped out of the van it was freezing.
As we stood around taking our photos the guide stuck his walking stick into the lava and put out some molten lava which quickly set fire to stick.
It was a really amazing sight and I think it beats both the Hawaii and Tenerife Volcano's hands down.
My day was finished in style when we experience a mini earthquake whilst out at dinner.
When we arrived in Antigua Samantha was a little unwell and decided she did not feel well enough to go on the climb so I had to go alone but luckily most of the rest of the group decided to come with me.
The walk upto the lava was supposed to take three hours and be gentle for the first two hours however, it was actually a hard uphill walk for the first hour and then about another 45 minutes until we reached the lava.
There was a spectacular river of lava flowing down the volcano side, and as we approached you could feel the heat blowing up through cracks in the solidified lava. When we reached the lava flow, I managed to get within two feet of the molten rock but it was so hot my legs were burning.
As we stood around taking our photos the guide stuck his walking stick into the lava and put out some molten lava which quickly set fire to stick.
My day was finished in style when we experience a mini earthquake whilst out at dinner.
New Years Day
We had a lovely lazy start to our New Years day. We went for breakfast at one of the lovely waterfront restaurants and were given one of there best tables overlooking Lake Atitlan. As we had arrived under the cover of darkness the night before, we were stunned at the magnificant view - I could quite happily spend the next 30mins raving about it.
Panajachel is one of about 4 towns that surround Lake Atitlan. Surrounding the lake and these towns are 3 dormant volcanos, which are equally awesome and magnificant to look at.
After breakfast we had a wander around the town stopping to look at some of the stalls, although we had already decided to do most of our shopping in Chichicastenango (aka the chicken market). We found a painting we both quite liked and the guy bargained himself down whilst we were deciding whether to put in an offer. We bought the painting after the same guy chased us up the road once he had thought about our offer.
Our main plan for the day was ziplining across a gorge. There was 6 of us that rode in the back of the pick-up truck out to the ziplining centre. Once we got there we had to sign to say we didn't mind if we got injured and then it was off to get kitted up in harnesses and stuff. I have to say we looked very attractive in our helmets and harnesses.
We then had a 75 metre uphill climb to the first wire, which was the highest. Alan wanted me to go before him but I lost my nerve right at the last minute and decided that ziplining really wasn't for me. Alan went and loved it, I on the other hand was forced to go tandem with our second guide. I was trying to tell the guide I really didn't mind walking back down, when he shouted for me to SIT and then we were off on the wire. I don't think a breathed at all on the first wire but by the time we had completed all 8 wires I was loving it.
I think that has to be our best New Years day ever!
Panajachel is one of about 4 towns that surround Lake Atitlan. Surrounding the lake and these towns are 3 dormant volcanos, which are equally awesome and magnificant to look at.
After breakfast we had a wander around the town stopping to look at some of the stalls, although we had already decided to do most of our shopping in Chichicastenango (aka the chicken market). We found a painting we both quite liked and the guy bargained himself down whilst we were deciding whether to put in an offer. We bought the painting after the same guy chased us up the road once he had thought about our offer.
Our main plan for the day was ziplining across a gorge. There was 6 of us that rode in the back of the pick-up truck out to the ziplining centre. Once we got there we had to sign to say we didn't mind if we got injured and then it was off to get kitted up in harnesses and stuff. I have to say we looked very attractive in our helmets and harnesses.
We then had a 75 metre uphill climb to the first wire, which was the highest. Alan wanted me to go before him but I lost my nerve right at the last minute and decided that ziplining really wasn't for me. Alan went and loved it, I on the other hand was forced to go tandem with our second guide. I was trying to tell the guide I really didn't mind walking back down, when he shouted for me to SIT and then we were off on the wire. I don't think a breathed at all on the first wire but by the time we had completed all 8 wires I was loving it.
I think that has to be our best New Years day ever!
New Years Eve - What a Blast
Our new years eve didn't get off to a great start. The plan was, once we'd crossed the border into Guatemala
Sunday, December 30, 2007
San Cristobal
After Palenque it was off to San Cristobal which is only 100 miles away, but unfortunatley over mountians so it took 5hrs to get there. San Cristobal is also approx 6000ft above sea level so the bus has to do alot of climbing.
We arrived in San Cristobal in late afternoon, the sun was still nice and warm, although we were warned in advance that because we were at altitude the temperature drops quickly at night - they weren´t wrong.
Our first night was spent celebrating Grahams birthday, we all went to a resturant which served food from Thailand, Vietnam, Greece etc but not Mexico. The owner plied Graham with 3 Tequilas and a jug of Sangria (which he shared with the rest of us). The group bought Graham a very nice chocolate birthday cake -yum!
Our first whole day in San Cristobal and we started with a little lie in - our alarm was set for 8am. We opted to do the Mayan village tour, these actually weren´t really villages more like self sufficiant towns. The people speak there own language, dress traditionally, practise there own version of catholism (they allow chickens in the church and then they kill them also in the church) and they have there own police and justice system, but there is little or no crime there because the community looks out for each other.
It was very interesting to learn about the indiginous indians and walk around there community but it was quite dirty due to the amount of rubbish lying around. Most of it was bio-degradable fruit peelings but there was alot of plastic bottles too.
When we got back to San Cristobal, the group went for lunch at Salsa Verde and we had the best tacos I´ve tasted on this trip. The salsa verde wasn´t too bad in moderation - quite spicy! We decided to take it easy for the rest of the afternoon/evening - Alan and I had a bit of a movie session and chill out!
Sunday was our free day and we started with a lovely long lie in to recharge our batteries - we also had 3 fleecy blankets on the bed and it was lovely and warm! We had decided that today would be our mooch around the market and all the shops day, I bought this pink headscarf to keep the sun off my head.
Tonight is our last night in Mexico as tomorrow we are crossing the bordering into Guatamala, so the plan is to go to a Salsa club for dinner and maybe a bit of salsa dancing. Alan has now finished his antibiotics and is back on the beer and Tequila tonight!!!!!!!
We arrived in San Cristobal in late afternoon, the sun was still nice and warm, although we were warned in advance that because we were at altitude the temperature drops quickly at night - they weren´t wrong.
Our first night was spent celebrating Grahams birthday, we all went to a resturant which served food from Thailand, Vietnam, Greece etc but not Mexico. The owner plied Graham with 3 Tequilas and a jug of Sangria (which he shared with the rest of us). The group bought Graham a very nice chocolate birthday cake -yum!
Our first whole day in San Cristobal and we started with a little lie in - our alarm was set for 8am. We opted to do the Mayan village tour, these actually weren´t really villages more like self sufficiant towns. The people speak there own language, dress traditionally, practise there own version of catholism (they allow chickens in the church and then they kill them also in the church) and they have there own police and justice system, but there is little or no crime there because the community looks out for each other.
It was very interesting to learn about the indiginous indians and walk around there community but it was quite dirty due to the amount of rubbish lying around. Most of it was bio-degradable fruit peelings but there was alot of plastic bottles too.
When we got back to San Cristobal, the group went for lunch at Salsa Verde and we had the best tacos I´ve tasted on this trip. The salsa verde wasn´t too bad in moderation - quite spicy! We decided to take it easy for the rest of the afternoon/evening - Alan and I had a bit of a movie session and chill out!
Sunday was our free day and we started with a lovely long lie in to recharge our batteries - we also had 3 fleecy blankets on the bed and it was lovely and warm! We had decided that today would be our mooch around the market and all the shops day, I bought this pink headscarf to keep the sun off my head.
Tonight is our last night in Mexico as tomorrow we are crossing the bordering into Guatamala, so the plan is to go to a Salsa club for dinner and maybe a bit of salsa dancing. Alan has now finished his antibiotics and is back on the beer and Tequila tonight!!!!!!!
Palenque
We had a nine hour bus ride from Merida to Palenque,which by the end seemed like an epic ordeal, with everyone irritable and totally bored.
The next morning we had an early start to visit the Palenque mayan ruins. When we arrived, the early morning mist was just lifting and the ruins surrounded by dense jungle looked more impressive than Chichèn Itza's.
Our guide, Fransico told us the history of the site that dates back to 100 BC and was ruled by King Pakal. After looking inside the tomb of the red queen, Fransico led us through the jungle to see other ruins that have not yet been excavated, they looked like no more than rocky hills. Seeing the state they were in, it amazed me that they ever actually discovered the remains in the first place.
The site consisted of many buildings but the largest of which was King Pakal´s plaza which included flushing toilets.
Our guide, Fransico told us the history of the site that dates back to 100 BC and was ruled by King Pakal. After looking inside the tomb of the red queen, Fransico led us through the jungle to see other ruins that have not yet been excavated, they looked like no more than rocky hills. Seeing the state they were in, it amazed me that they ever actually discovered the remains in the first place.
The site consisted of many buildings but the largest of which was King Pakal´s plaza which included flushing toilets.
After leaving the ruins we went on an optional exursion to Misol-ha and the Agua Azul nature reserve. These were a waterfall and the blue pools.
At Misol-ha we had a walk round the waterfall to get some picture before Denise, Alison, Graham and I went for a quick swim over to the waterfall.
The trip between Misol-ha and the Agua Azul was a very windy and twisty vomit inducing bus ride. However the sight of the waterfalls and amazing blue water soon made me forget the bus ride.
At Misol-ha we had a walk round the waterfall to get some picture before Denise, Alison, Graham and I went for a quick swim over to the waterfall.
The trip between Misol-ha and the Agua Azul was a very windy and twisty vomit inducing bus ride. However the sight of the waterfalls and amazing blue water soon made me forget the bus ride.
The bad news was when we left Palenque the next morning our bus to San Cristabal took the same twisty, windy road.
Wednesday, December 26, 2007
Happy Birthday Jessica
We would just like to wish our neice Jessica a very happy 9th birthday. We hope you have a great day and a fabulous time at the pantomine.
Happy birthday to you
Happy birthday to you
Happy birthday to Jessica
Happy birthday to yoooooooooooooooooooooooou!
Happy birthday to you
Happy birthday to you
Happy birthday to Jessica
Happy birthday to yoooooooooooooooooooooooou!
Tuesday, December 25, 2007
Merry Christmas
We would like to wish all our avid blog readers a fantastic christmas!
Our plans for today include having a look around Merida and then meeting up with our tour group for dinner and secret santa this evening.
Hope its a good one and we will see you all soon.
Our plans for today include having a look around Merida and then meeting up with our tour group for dinner and secret santa this evening.
Hope its a good one and we will see you all soon.
Chichen Itza
Goodbye Cancun!
Then it was off to Chichen Itza - a mayan temple/city/pyramid. It took us 3hrs on a freezing air-conditioned bus to get there and it was a relief to get into the warm sunshine for 10 minutes. We put all our luggage into storage and had our crisp sandwich lunch and then it was off into the grounds.
Julien was our guide for the next 2hrs and he told us alot about the history of the Mayan people and about how the city and temple came about. If you´ve watched the film Apocalypto - its alot like that, although apparently Mel Gibson blended the practices of both the Mayans and the Aztecs.
It was incredibly hot, with very little shade, so my multi-coloured hat came out after a while to protect me from the sun. But I still managed to get dehydrated and started to feel very dizzy and ill. Alan bought me a litre of cold water and after I drank all of it, I felt much better. Alan´s only comment to that was "and your supposed to be the nurse?"
Chichen Itza was pretty amazing and the ruins are well preserved and restored in places. Unfortunately for Alan and fortunatley for me, you no longer allowed to climb the main pyramid due to safety reasons - 7 people broke limbs and 1 person died all in one year.
At 5pm we got on the bus to Merida ( the capital of the Yucatan), another 2hr freezing cold journey - the mexicans love their air-conditioning. We arrived at the hotel quite late so Allison gave us a quick orientation around the plaza (where we saw Santa Claus) and the cathedral. Then we ate pizza and drank beer on the hotel rooftop - an awesome end to Christmas eve.
Then it was off to Chichen Itza - a mayan temple/city/pyramid. It took us 3hrs on a freezing air-conditioned bus to get there and it was a relief to get into the warm sunshine for 10 minutes. We put all our luggage into storage and had our crisp sandwich lunch and then it was off into the grounds.
Julien was our guide for the next 2hrs and he told us alot about the history of the Mayan people and about how the city and temple came about. If you´ve watched the film Apocalypto - its alot like that, although apparently Mel Gibson blended the practices of both the Mayans and the Aztecs.
It was incredibly hot, with very little shade, so my multi-coloured hat came out after a while to protect me from the sun. But I still managed to get dehydrated and started to feel very dizzy and ill. Alan bought me a litre of cold water and after I drank all of it, I felt much better. Alan´s only comment to that was "and your supposed to be the nurse?"
Chichen Itza was pretty amazing and the ruins are well preserved and restored in places. Unfortunately for Alan and fortunatley for me, you no longer allowed to climb the main pyramid due to safety reasons - 7 people broke limbs and 1 person died all in one year.
At 5pm we got on the bus to Merida ( the capital of the Yucatan), another 2hr freezing cold journey - the mexicans love their air-conditioning. We arrived at the hotel quite late so Allison gave us a quick orientation around the plaza (where we saw Santa Claus) and the cathedral. Then we ate pizza and drank beer on the hotel rooftop - an awesome end to Christmas eve.
Pre-departure
The tour is divided into 2 sections: Cancun to Antigua and Antigua to San Jose.
There are 9 of us on this first section of the tour including our Canadian tour leader Allison. We are the only Brits! There are 4 Aussies, 1 Kiwi and 1 French-Canadian.
We went for dinner and drinks on night 1 in Cancun to get to know each other.
There are 9 of us on this first section of the tour including our Canadian tour leader Allison. We are the only Brits! There are 4 Aussies, 1 Kiwi and 1 French-Canadian.
We went for dinner and drinks on night 1 in Cancun to get to know each other.
Cancun
When we booked to spend our first five days in Cancun, we expected it to be like mini America because of it reputation. Driving from the airport to our hotel we thought we had been proved right as we passed hotels, bars and restaurants that looked as though they were straight out of Vegas. It wasn´t until we ventured into downtown Cancun the next day that we found that there is a mexican side to the city.
We´ve come a long way since our stay in Mexico City in January where we were too afraid to get on the metro (underground), as on our first day in Cancun we thought nothing of jumping on a public bus, using our pigeon spanish, to get to downtown.
I was slightly worried when we booked our budget hotel in Cancun that it would be a little grotty and the all inclusive food would be less than appetising, however to my pleasant surprise the hotel was really nice and the food was great.
We spent most of our time relaxing and chilling out, although when I received my exam results we had to jump on the bus again and venture to Wal-mart to find some champayne to celebrate. However in Mexico you can´t just pick up a bottle off the shelf and pay for it, you have to take a ticket to the checkout, pay for it, then wait what seems like an eternity for some bloke to wander the whole store looking it.
After completely relaxing it was time to start the adventure and we headed downtown to join the tour.
We´ve come a long way since our stay in Mexico City in January where we were too afraid to get on the metro (underground), as on our first day in Cancun we thought nothing of jumping on a public bus, using our pigeon spanish, to get to downtown.
I was slightly worried when we booked our budget hotel in Cancun that it would be a little grotty and the all inclusive food would be less than appetising, however to my pleasant surprise the hotel was really nice and the food was great.
We spent most of our time relaxing and chilling out, although when I received my exam results we had to jump on the bus again and venture to Wal-mart to find some champayne to celebrate. However in Mexico you can´t just pick up a bottle off the shelf and pay for it, you have to take a ticket to the checkout, pay for it, then wait what seems like an eternity for some bloke to wander the whole store looking it.
After completely relaxing it was time to start the adventure and we headed downtown to join the tour.
Sunday, December 23, 2007
Our Tour Itineray
Here is the day to day tour itinerary and the answer to the question "where will you be xmas day?" - Merida.
Day 1 - Cancun
Day 2 - Merida via Chichen Itza
Day 3 - Merida
Day 4&5 - Palenque
Day 6,7&8 - San Cristobal
Day 9 - Quetzaltenango (we enter Guatamala)
Day 10&11 - Panajachel
Day 12 - Antigua via Chichicastenango
Day 13 - Antigua
Day 14&15 Copian Ruinas ( we enter Honduras)
Day 16 - Tela
Day 17 - Tela, La Ceiba, Roatan
Day 18&19 - Roatan
Day 20 - Tegucigalpa
Day21,22&23 - Granada (we enter Nicargua)
Day 24&25 - Ometepe Island
Day 26&27 - San Jose (Costa Rica)
Day 1 - Cancun
Day 2 - Merida via Chichen Itza
Day 3 - Merida
Day 4&5 - Palenque
Day 6,7&8 - San Cristobal
Day 9 - Quetzaltenango (we enter Guatamala)
Day 10&11 - Panajachel
Day 12 - Antigua via Chichicastenango
Day 13 - Antigua
Day 14&15 Copian Ruinas ( we enter Honduras)
Day 16 - Tela
Day 17 - Tela, La Ceiba, Roatan
Day 18&19 - Roatan
Day 20 - Tegucigalpa
Day21,22&23 - Granada (we enter Nicargua)
Day 24&25 - Ometepe Island
Day 26&27 - San Jose (Costa Rica)
Wednesday, December 19, 2007
Ode to Flying
I was very excited about going on the world tour part 2, so much so I only got 3 hours sleep the night before - but that was partly because I hadn´t packed for the trip or sorted out my bedroom.
However, once we got to check-in things became slightly different. Gatwick airport was freezing and I get extremely irritated when I am cold, so when each person in front of me is taking 5 bags on holiday with them I was getting cross.
When we finally reached the departure gate, I had a little crisis and decided that actually I didn´t want to go to cental america afterall and would Alan mind if I just stayed behind. I couldn´t breathe and I was adament my inhalers weren´t working despite the fact that I was shaking like a leaf, I had taken so much ventolin. But the ever patient Alan handed me a tissue and said that I was fine and I was getting on the plane.
I was fine once we had taken off and bought my mini bottle of Fish Eye merlot. The very considerate American woman who was sitting in front of me then decided she would recline her seat crushing me in the process. I politely asked her not too and she said that she couldn´t possibly not recline her seat for 10hrs. The air steward then came and informed me that it was the American woman´s right to recline her seat, regardless of the fact it would crush me - I was not chuffed, so I dug my knees into her back and went to sleep.
We finally got to Houston, where we had to change planes to get to Cancun. Unfortunatly we had to clear U.S Immigration for our 2hr stay in Houston Airport. We met the grumpiest immigration officier who insisted on grilling us separately about our plans - we are going to Mexico! But we now have another U.S stamp in our passports and will get another one on the way home.
We finally got to Cancun at 4am (UK time) or 10pm (Mexiacan time) and were exhausted but you´ll be pleased to hear we managed to stay awake long enough for a drink at the bar.
However, once we got to check-in things became slightly different. Gatwick airport was freezing and I get extremely irritated when I am cold, so when each person in front of me is taking 5 bags on holiday with them I was getting cross.
When we finally reached the departure gate, I had a little crisis and decided that actually I didn´t want to go to cental america afterall and would Alan mind if I just stayed behind. I couldn´t breathe and I was adament my inhalers weren´t working despite the fact that I was shaking like a leaf, I had taken so much ventolin. But the ever patient Alan handed me a tissue and said that I was fine and I was getting on the plane.
I was fine once we had taken off and bought my mini bottle of Fish Eye merlot. The very considerate American woman who was sitting in front of me then decided she would recline her seat crushing me in the process. I politely asked her not too and she said that she couldn´t possibly not recline her seat for 10hrs. The air steward then came and informed me that it was the American woman´s right to recline her seat, regardless of the fact it would crush me - I was not chuffed, so I dug my knees into her back and went to sleep.
We finally got to Houston, where we had to change planes to get to Cancun. Unfortunatly we had to clear U.S Immigration for our 2hr stay in Houston Airport. We met the grumpiest immigration officier who insisted on grilling us separately about our plans - we are going to Mexico! But we now have another U.S stamp in our passports and will get another one on the way home.
We finally got to Cancun at 4am (UK time) or 10pm (Mexiacan time) and were exhausted but you´ll be pleased to hear we managed to stay awake long enough for a drink at the bar.
Monday, December 17, 2007
World Tour 2007 part 2
Having had to return to the UK due to lack of funds at the end of September, we always maintained that we would finish the tour. That time has come, if a little later than planned, we leave the UK tomorrow for Part 2.
After much deliberation on how to finish the tour, we decided to visit more of Central America. Mexico opened our eyes to the region and with the aid of Tucan Travel we are going back to visit more of Mexico and the rest of Central America.
We have booked a tour that will start on the 23rd December from Cancun where we will be holiday for five days before that. The tour itself takes us from Cancun through the centre of Mexico, down through Guatamala and into Honduras then on through Nicaragua and ending in Costa Rica.
In answer to the most asked question, we have no idea where we are going to be on Christmas day. The map above is all we have to go by so (we have no itinerary currently), we are thinking Chichen Itza maybe.
I think we will be celebrating Christmas a little early anyway, as our first five days will be spent in an all inclusive hotel next to the beach in Cancun. All we can eat and more importantly, drink. A nice holiday after our 11 weeks of hard work (we don't like to over do it).
Thursday, September 27, 2007
Beijing Roundup
Well, with the China tour now finished and pretty much everyone flying home on Monday, it was just me and Alan left in Beijing until Saturday. Luckily for us the hotel room is huge (so we can spread ourselves out), there is an internet place over the road, a bakery (which we visit at least twice a day, for brekkie and an afternoon cake) and supermarket next door and the Pearl Market, 5mins walk away.
With Tiananmen Square, the Forbidden City and the Great Wall all checked off, we had to dust off our lonely planet guide to find out what else there was to see and do in Beijing.
Monday - Sleep, we'd had a very hard weekend so spent most of the day resting. Then in the late afternoon we decided we'd better go out for a little walk and maybe get a cake, but we stumbled into the Pearl Market and bought a little gadget for about £12 to watch our "genuine" dvd's on.
Tuesday - We went to the Temple of Heaven. The sky was quite clear so at the highest point in the temple, we could see for a couple of miles. Beijing has its own London Eye - I can't imagine what you would be able to see up there when its smoggy.
Wednesday - We spent most of the day getting our blog up to date, as we have been behind for quite a while now. We also went to the Pearl Market again and haggled for a few personal trinkets - Alan had to get a matching wooden samurai sword, but the woman recognised him and made him pay the same price as the first one. Oh and we got a cake!
Thursday - We have been out and about all day! We rode the underground to the Lama Temple, which is still a working Tibetan buddist monastery. It was very colourful and there were monks wandering around and lots of people praying. We found a huge shopping centre and had some really cheap but nice chinese food for lunch. And we got a cake!
Friday - Our last day in Beijing and the last day of the World Tour 2007 (part 1)! I was up at 5am because I wasn't very well, I woke Alan up and he went downstairs to find out if there was a Dr available and he was informed that this was a hotel not hospital. How rude!! Anyway in Beijing you can buy antibiotics for about 60p so he went out to get me some and came back with breakfast from the bakery as well - what a star.
The Pearl Market is like a magnet for Alan so once we had saved enough money for the taxi to the airport and dinner, we took our remaining yuan and went shopping. Alan drove a hard bargin but managed to convince this woman to sell him 2 webcams for £6.
We are coming home!
With Tiananmen Square, the Forbidden City and the Great Wall all checked off, we had to dust off our lonely planet guide to find out what else there was to see and do in Beijing.
Monday - Sleep, we'd had a very hard weekend so spent most of the day resting. Then in the late afternoon we decided we'd better go out for a little walk and maybe get a cake, but we stumbled into the Pearl Market and bought a little gadget for about £12 to watch our "genuine" dvd's on.
Tuesday - We went to the Temple of Heaven. The sky was quite clear so at the highest point in the temple, we could see for a couple of miles. Beijing has its own London Eye - I can't imagine what you would be able to see up there when its smoggy.
Wednesday - We spent most of the day getting our blog up to date, as we have been behind for quite a while now. We also went to the Pearl Market again and haggled for a few personal trinkets - Alan had to get a matching wooden samurai sword, but the woman recognised him and made him pay the same price as the first one. Oh and we got a cake!
Thursday - We have been out and about all day! We rode the underground to the Lama Temple, which is still a working Tibetan buddist monastery. It was very colourful and there were monks wandering around and lots of people praying. We found a huge shopping centre and had some really cheap but nice chinese food for lunch. And we got a cake!
Friday - Our last day in Beijing and the last day of the World Tour 2007 (part 1)! I was up at 5am because I wasn't very well, I woke Alan up and he went downstairs to find out if there was a Dr available and he was informed that this was a hotel not hospital. How rude!! Anyway in Beijing you can buy antibiotics for about 60p so he went out to get me some and came back with breakfast from the bakery as well - what a star.
The Pearl Market is like a magnet for Alan so once we had saved enough money for the taxi to the airport and dinner, we took our remaining yuan and went shopping. Alan drove a hard bargin but managed to convince this woman to sell him 2 webcams for £6.
We are coming home!
Saturday, September 22, 2007
The Great Wall of China
When Vicky told us, we needed to be downstairs and ready to go at 5:30am for our trip to the Great Wall, the whole group simultaneously groaned. Having just come off an overnight train this was more than a little harsh.
Everyone made it up for 5:30am but I'm not sure how many people were actually awake. Once we were all on the bus I think it took about twenty seconds for most people, including me to go straight back to sleep.
After two hours on the bus we caught our first glimpse of the Great Wall, it looked amazing but scary as it tracked almost vertically along a mountainside.
It wasn't long after that, that we arrived at the entry point for our walk. The section that we were walking was not the normal tourist route and this was evident as we were the only people there. Having got our tickets we set off on our 10km walk. We were soon joined by a group of locals that would escort us along much of the Wall.
I originally had a local man walking with me and Samantha had a woman, however they seemed to swap round when it appeared Samantha needed help on the rougher sections. Both of them spoke amazingly good english and I even got another Chinese lesson as we walked along.
Everyone made it up for 5:30am but I'm not sure how many people were actually awake. Once we were all on the bus I think it took about twenty seconds for most people, including me to go straight back to sleep.
After two hours on the bus we caught our first glimpse of the Great Wall, it looked amazing but scary as it tracked almost vertically along a mountainside.
It wasn't long after that, that we arrived at the entry point for our walk. The section that we were walking was not the normal tourist route and this was evident as we were the only people there. Having got our tickets we set off on our 10km walk. We were soon joined by a group of locals that would escort us along much of the Wall.
I originally had a local man walking with me and Samantha had a woman, however they seemed to swap round when it appeared Samantha needed help on the rougher sections. Both of them spoke amazingly good english and I even got another Chinese lesson as we walked along.
The Wall itself was a spectacular sight, snaking across the mountain tops as far as the eye could see. The scenery either side of the Wall was also breathtaking. We found out that the Wall used to lie along the boarder between China and Mongolia, but that boarder is now 1000km's away, although the local people with still consider themselves Mongolian.
By the time we hit the harder section of the walk Samantha and I had separated, as I was keeping pace with Paul and the two South Africans near the front and Samantha was with Vicky and Sinéad further back. As they were quite far behind the group their guide took them on a different route that missed out the steepest part of the wall to help them catch up. This, in the end put them about 10 minutes ahead of us.
When we had finished the walk and had left the wall the group celebrated with a nice cold beer whilst we waited for Vicky, Samantha and Sinéad not knowing they were waiting for us in the restaurant down the road. After a while Paul and I were just about to go and try and find them when Vicky appeared looking for us.
We then revived ourselves with a nice cold drink and some food at the local restaurant before our bus back.
On the way back totally knackered and dying for a nice shower the bus had a blowout and we ended up standing on the side of a Chinese motorway for nearly an hour, not the best way to finish the day.
By the time we hit the harder section of the walk Samantha and I had separated, as I was keeping pace with Paul and the two South Africans near the front and Samantha was with Vicky and Sinéad further back. As they were quite far behind the group their guide took them on a different route that missed out the steepest part of the wall to help them catch up. This, in the end put them about 10 minutes ahead of us.
When we had finished the walk and had left the wall the group celebrated with a nice cold beer whilst we waited for Vicky, Samantha and Sinéad not knowing they were waiting for us in the restaurant down the road. After a while Paul and I were just about to go and try and find them when Vicky appeared looking for us.
We then revived ourselves with a nice cold drink and some food at the local restaurant before our bus back.
On the way back totally knackered and dying for a nice shower the bus had a blowout and we ended up standing on the side of a Chinese motorway for nearly an hour, not the best way to finish the day.
Beijing; Tiananman Square and Forbidden City
We reached Beijing, our final destination of the World Tour ( part 1) and it feels very strange to be here as a week today we fly home to England.
We were absolutely shattered from our last overnight train journey from Xi'an to Beijing. Luckily the hotel allowed us to check-in straight away so we could have a shower and little rest before heading out to Tiananman Square and the Forbidden City.
There were alot of people/tourists in the square and lots of clourful flower displays celebrating and promoting the forthcoming Beijing Olympics. It was hard to believe that 17yrs ago, in 1989, Tiananmen Square was the site of a huge massacre, in which 1000's of people are still missing including the famous fella carrying the shopping bags right up to a tank.
Whilst we stood in the square listening to the historical information Vicky was giving us, she was constantly looking over her shoulder. Tiananmen square has a heavy police/guard presence and Vicky could have been arrested for inciting polical hatred.
After we left the Square we walked over the road to the Forbidden City.
Its's called the Forbidden City because for 500yrs it was off limits to the ordinary chinese people. It was home to the Ming and Qing emperor dynasties and they didn't like to leave their santuary unless they really had too.
We found the Forbidden city very unimpressive, it wasn't very colourful and there was still alot of scaffolding up around some of the inner temples. It was also very hot in the grounds with little or no shade. The Imperial gardens at the far end of the Forbidden City were far nicer.
We spent the rest of the day recovering from the overnight train and taking it easy as we had a big day tomorrow.
We were absolutely shattered from our last overnight train journey from Xi'an to Beijing. Luckily the hotel allowed us to check-in straight away so we could have a shower and little rest before heading out to Tiananman Square and the Forbidden City.
There were alot of people/tourists in the square and lots of clourful flower displays celebrating and promoting the forthcoming Beijing Olympics. It was hard to believe that 17yrs ago, in 1989, Tiananmen Square was the site of a huge massacre, in which 1000's of people are still missing including the famous fella carrying the shopping bags right up to a tank.
Whilst we stood in the square listening to the historical information Vicky was giving us, she was constantly looking over her shoulder. Tiananmen square has a heavy police/guard presence and Vicky could have been arrested for inciting polical hatred.
After we left the Square we walked over the road to the Forbidden City.
Its's called the Forbidden City because for 500yrs it was off limits to the ordinary chinese people. It was home to the Ming and Qing emperor dynasties and they didn't like to leave their santuary unless they really had too.
We found the Forbidden city very unimpressive, it wasn't very colourful and there was still alot of scaffolding up around some of the inner temples. It was also very hot in the grounds with little or no shade. The Imperial gardens at the far end of the Forbidden City were far nicer.
We spent the rest of the day recovering from the overnight train and taking it easy as we had a big day tomorrow.
Xi'an and the Terracotta Warriors
We arrived in Xi'an in the early evening after our suprisingly good flight with China Eastern Airways, even though everyone had expected the flight to be a white knuckle ride.
The first day we had there was a free day and with both of us feeling a little under the weather, a 13km bike ride round the city wall or a city trek didn't appeal so we opted for the expensive option (or at least by the time we finished) the muslim quarter market.
We once again put our hard bargaining skills into action and picked many of the items we wanted (we just wonder now how Tesco will react to our skills when we return).
I picked a Mont Blanc pen (real Mont Blanc is very, very, very expensive) and the trader said to us whilst negotiating "more money, it's Mont Blanc" we both turned to him and had to point out, "it's not Mont Blanc, it's fake!". It's gone down as our quote for China because the guy said it like he really believed it.
Day two was the reason for the tour stopping in Xi'an and our number two reason for coming to China, the Terracotta Warriors.
Back in 1976 a group of local farmers discovered the hidden warriors whilst digging a well. Only one of them actually realised there importance, he is now really quite famous and very rich.
Pit one was the main excurvation site and contains hundreds of terrecotta statues. It was enclosed in what looked like a massive aircraft hanger and had about 11 trenches that held the remains and restored warriors.
The first day we had there was a free day and with both of us feeling a little under the weather, a 13km bike ride round the city wall or a city trek didn't appeal so we opted for the expensive option (or at least by the time we finished) the muslim quarter market.
We once again put our hard bargaining skills into action and picked many of the items we wanted (we just wonder now how Tesco will react to our skills when we return).
I picked a Mont Blanc pen (real Mont Blanc is very, very, very expensive) and the trader said to us whilst negotiating "more money, it's Mont Blanc" we both turned to him and had to point out, "it's not Mont Blanc, it's fake!". It's gone down as our quote for China because the guy said it like he really believed it.
Day two was the reason for the tour stopping in Xi'an and our number two reason for coming to China, the Terracotta Warriors.
Back in 1976 a group of local farmers discovered the hidden warriors whilst digging a well. Only one of them actually realised there importance, he is now really quite famous and very rich.
Pit one was the main excurvation site and contains hundreds of terrecotta statues. It was enclosed in what looked like a massive aircraft hanger and had about 11 trenches that held the remains and restored warriors.
The other pits were smaller with not as many statues but was no less impressive.
There was a 360 degree cinema that told the story of why the terracotta army was built and how they were destroyed during the peasants revault.
On the way out there were loads of hawkers trying to sell replica warriors and despite having already bought some in Xi'an, I still tried to bargain them down to 2RMB (13p) but the lowest they would go was 3RMB so we left empty handed (much to Samantha's delight).
There was a 360 degree cinema that told the story of why the terracotta army was built and how they were destroyed during the peasants revault.
On the way out there were loads of hawkers trying to sell replica warriors and despite having already bought some in Xi'an, I still tried to bargain them down to 2RMB (13p) but the lowest they would go was 3RMB so we left empty handed (much to Samantha's delight).
Yangtze River Cruise Day 3
The last day of the cruise and our final excursion was the Fengdu or Ghost City. Fengdu links the mortal world with the afterlife/heaven or hell.
We had to climb 600 steps to get to Fengdu, which was of course situated at the top of a steep hill. I climbed the steps with the aid of some red bull, which we had to haggle for because the woman wanted 2 quid for it (this is China not England), we paid around 50p for it in the end.
Our guide told us that it would take about 30mins to climb all 600 steps and reach the top, but he then shot off like a rocket whilst the rest of us wheezed, panted and sweated behind him, trying to keep up. The result was we reached the top in less than 15mins.
Once we reached the top there were 3 tests that had to be completed which would determine if you were a good person and go to heaven.
1st test - Run up a flight of stairs in one breath
2nd test - Walk through the ghost corridor looking straight ahead. Men had to enter left foot first and women right foot first.
3rd test - Balancing on either left foot (men) or right foot (women) for at least 3secs whilst looking straight ahead at the temple of the underworld.
Luckily me and Alan passed all these tests and can go to heaven.
There were also 2 bridges that had to be crossed and these had special meanings.
Bridge 1 - Had to be crossed in 9 steps - left side for men and right side for women. If you are married and want to be together in the afterlife as well, then you crossed the bridge together holding hands. Me and Alan crossed the bridge side by side.
Health or Wealth bridges - Depending on what you most desired you crossed the bridge in as many steps as possible. We both chose to cross the health bridge.
Back on board ship, we had a relaxing rest of the day. The evening entertainment was a cabaret show with performances by each of the tour groups. Our group didn't participate as mostly our group consisted of accountants in many shapes and forms and they are not known for their talents. We were kept very entertained by the Americans singing "Old Macdonald had a farm".
We had to climb 600 steps to get to Fengdu, which was of course situated at the top of a steep hill. I climbed the steps with the aid of some red bull, which we had to haggle for because the woman wanted 2 quid for it (this is China not England), we paid around 50p for it in the end.
Our guide told us that it would take about 30mins to climb all 600 steps and reach the top, but he then shot off like a rocket whilst the rest of us wheezed, panted and sweated behind him, trying to keep up. The result was we reached the top in less than 15mins.
Once we reached the top there were 3 tests that had to be completed which would determine if you were a good person and go to heaven.
1st test - Run up a flight of stairs in one breath
2nd test - Walk through the ghost corridor looking straight ahead. Men had to enter left foot first and women right foot first.
3rd test - Balancing on either left foot (men) or right foot (women) for at least 3secs whilst looking straight ahead at the temple of the underworld.
Luckily me and Alan passed all these tests and can go to heaven.
There were also 2 bridges that had to be crossed and these had special meanings.
Bridge 1 - Had to be crossed in 9 steps - left side for men and right side for women. If you are married and want to be together in the afterlife as well, then you crossed the bridge together holding hands. Me and Alan crossed the bridge side by side.
Health or Wealth bridges - Depending on what you most desired you crossed the bridge in as many steps as possible. We both chose to cross the health bridge.
Back on board ship, we had a relaxing rest of the day. The evening entertainment was a cabaret show with performances by each of the tour groups. Our group didn't participate as mostly our group consisted of accountants in many shapes and forms and they are not known for their talents. We were kept very entertained by the Americans singing "Old Macdonald had a farm".
Yangtze River Cruise Day 2
Our second day on the boat started with an earlier morning than the previous day, for our boat ride up the Shennong stream.
For our trip up the stream we had to transfer into two different boats. The first of which was a fairly large boat that carried a number of groups including ours.
As we travelled along the stream we saw some of the best scenery that the Xiling gorge had to offer. The main sight was the hanging coffins, these were coffins that had been lodged in crevices in the gorge walls and that date back two thousand years. Many of the coffins have been removed ready for the dam flooding next year.
At the top of the stream we changed into a much smaller boat that only accommodated our group. These boats were paddled upstream by a five strong crew until the river got shallow enough for them to jump out and pull the boats. Traditionally the crew would have dragged the boats in the buff to prevent chaffing but thankfully due to tourists influence our guys were fully clothed, also some other crew only wore pants and shirts.
We had a ready nice guide would spoke very good english and told us all about the Tujia minority people and the stream. On the way back she sung for us and tried to sell us her local CD of songs.
After getting off the boat there was a small market where we pick up some small pressies and in line with my mission to pay less than other people, we did managed to pay less than Becs one of our fellow travellers (however a couple days later Paul got some cheaper, doh).
For our trip up the stream we had to transfer into two different boats. The first of which was a fairly large boat that carried a number of groups including ours.
As we travelled along the stream we saw some of the best scenery that the Xiling gorge had to offer. The main sight was the hanging coffins, these were coffins that had been lodged in crevices in the gorge walls and that date back two thousand years. Many of the coffins have been removed ready for the dam flooding next year.
At the top of the stream we changed into a much smaller boat that only accommodated our group. These boats were paddled upstream by a five strong crew until the river got shallow enough for them to jump out and pull the boats. Traditionally the crew would have dragged the boats in the buff to prevent chaffing but thankfully due to tourists influence our guys were fully clothed, also some other crew only wore pants and shirts.
We had a ready nice guide would spoke very good english and told us all about the Tujia minority people and the stream. On the way back she sung for us and tried to sell us her local CD of songs.
After getting off the boat there was a small market where we pick up some small pressies and in line with my mission to pay less than other people, we did managed to pay less than Becs one of our fellow travellers (however a couple days later Paul got some cheaper, doh).
Back on the cruise boat we had a really nice lunch before our afternoon of chilling out.
Yangtze River Cruise Day 1
The Yangtze river cruise was one of the things I was most looking forward too when we booked this tour through China.
The first day of the cruise started at 7am, when we went up to the top deck to watch the ship enter the first gorge - Xiling (said shilling) gorge. We were offered green tea and coffee to help wake us up as it was so early.
At 8.30am it was time to go ashore for our first excursion - the three gorges dam. We got a very close view of the outside of the dam, unfortunately the turbines are now enclosed so we were unable to see any of the inner workings of the hydroelectric dam. The dam wasn't supposed to be finished for at least another 2/3 years, but the efficiency of the chinese workers means that the dam should be finished and fully operational by the end of 2008.
The three gorges dam is an amazing feat of engineering and it is huge. It encorporates a 5 step ship lock and very soon with have a working ship elevator. It takes on average 4hrs to pass through all 5 steps of the ship lock.
When we got back on the ship it was lunch time. The buffet style meals were fantastic, with a wide variety of chinese food. We ate a lot, trying everything that was on offer.
After lunch, we entered the ship lock and our cabin got quite dark because the walls of the lock were very high. I took this opportunity to catch up on my sleep and had a 4hr nap! I was very refreshed when I woke up later and ready for the afternoon lecture on the Yangtze river.
The lecture didn't really tell us anything interesting about the Yangtze, just that it was foreign explorers that named it the Yangtze and that local chinese people know it as the "long river".
The Captain held a welcome banquet before dinner which our tour went too. We were given champayne and there were some nibbles. Unfortunately the Americans, Dutch and Germans on the ship polished off the nibbles before we could even get close, so our tour just made do with the endless champayne refills - lovely jubbly!
There was some evening entertainment in the bar - a fashion show of all the lovely silk clothes that were sold in the lobby area. The clothes were fantastic but totally made in delicate, chinese lady style, not tall, western lady style.
Thursday, September 13, 2007
Longsheng
Throughout our travels we've seen some good driving, some bad driving and some damned awful driving. Our bus driver from this leg of the journey definitely fell into the last category, with all his honking, dodgy overtaking moves and general rubbish driving. But he did manage to top all that when we started on the steep section up to the rice terraces of Longsheng by getting the bus stuck on a particularly steep section and rolling backwards repeatedly towards a sheer drop. At this point virtually everyone on the bus was shouting to get off and all I could think of was the final scene of the Italian Job (the original, of course). Once the driver listened, everyone got off and he made it up that section easily.
Once at the top we were met by a larger group of so called porters who would carry our bags on the twenty minute uphill walk to our hotel. They were actually women about the size and age my granny. We were both horrified at thought of these women carrying our heavy backpacks, but we were told this is what they do to earn money and they would be highly offended if we didn't allow them to do so.
After dinner we were treated to a cultural show by the locals that consisted of singing and dancing before they plied us with rice wine (it wasn't that nice, very sweet and yeasty). People who were only sipping their wine were helped to drink quickly it by singing women.
After the wine it was time to play the local party type games, one which resembled blindman's buff and another was a kind of dancing thing, most bizarre.
The following morning we had an early start for our hike through the rice terraces. The scenery was simply breath-taking acentuated by the mist that kept rolling in and then clearing. Along the hike we saw some really cute puppies and lots locals with things to sell. We gave in to some of them and bought some postcards and a Chinese table set.
Further along the walk we were met by a group of local women, who for a small fee would let down their hair which was about 5-6 feet long.
Following the walk we had a rest and some dinner before the shame of have our bags carried back to the bus by the same little old ladies. Thankfully though a new bus with a new driver awaited us.
It was then onto our second overnight train of the trip to get to Wuchang on our way to Licheng and the Yangtze river boat cruise.
Once at the top we were met by a larger group of so called porters who would carry our bags on the twenty minute uphill walk to our hotel. They were actually women about the size and age my granny. We were both horrified at thought of these women carrying our heavy backpacks, but we were told this is what they do to earn money and they would be highly offended if we didn't allow them to do so.
After dinner we were treated to a cultural show by the locals that consisted of singing and dancing before they plied us with rice wine (it wasn't that nice, very sweet and yeasty). People who were only sipping their wine were helped to drink quickly it by singing women.
After the wine it was time to play the local party type games, one which resembled blindman's buff and another was a kind of dancing thing, most bizarre.
The following morning we had an early start for our hike through the rice terraces. The scenery was simply breath-taking acentuated by the mist that kept rolling in and then clearing. Along the hike we saw some really cute puppies and lots locals with things to sell. We gave in to some of them and bought some postcards and a Chinese table set.
Further along the walk we were met by a group of local women, who for a small fee would let down their hair which was about 5-6 feet long.
Following the walk we had a rest and some dinner before the shame of have our bags carried back to the bus by the same little old ladies. Thankfully though a new bus with a new driver awaited us.
It was then onto our second overnight train of the trip to get to Wuchang on our way to Licheng and the Yangtze river boat cruise.
Wednesday, September 12, 2007
Yangshou
WOW - China is amazing!
We overnight train'd it to Guilin and then got a bus to Yangshou. We were both shattered from not sleeping to well on a train but the scenery was enough to keep me awake. It was lush and green with lots of craggy, mountains appearing from no where.
When we arrived in Yangshou, there was just enough time for a shower and breakfast before our chinese lesson. This lesson was 1hr long and we were taught a few words and phrases in Mandarin (chinese). Alan can order us a 2 bottles of cold beer - which is very important.
Alan and I spent the afternoon browsing the market stalls and wandering down to the river. The scenery there was amazing, water buffalo grazing on the other side of the river and little chinese people sailing down the river on bamboo rafts.
We had an early night because we had an early start in the morning. Vicki wanted us all up at 5.30am for a 6am bike ride around Yangshou. I think we were up before the birds.
It was quite hard going in some places because the nice, smooth road turned to stoney, uneven dirt track very quickly, once we got out of town. But the views and scenery were stunning! I spent quite alot of time being worried that I was going to fall off my bike, but I was ok. The only minor incident I was involved with was when Anne-Marie (South African) rode her bike up an incline trying to pass me and fell off her bike into me - not chuffed!
Our bike ride was approx 3hrs in total, we did stop briefly for some brekkie but we did cycle for 3hrs. We arrived back in Yangshou absolutely shattered but it was so worth the effort and the early start.
We overnight train'd it to Guilin and then got a bus to Yangshou. We were both shattered from not sleeping to well on a train but the scenery was enough to keep me awake. It was lush and green with lots of craggy, mountains appearing from no where.
When we arrived in Yangshou, there was just enough time for a shower and breakfast before our chinese lesson. This lesson was 1hr long and we were taught a few words and phrases in Mandarin (chinese). Alan can order us a 2 bottles of cold beer - which is very important.
Alan and I spent the afternoon browsing the market stalls and wandering down to the river. The scenery there was amazing, water buffalo grazing on the other side of the river and little chinese people sailing down the river on bamboo rafts.
We had an early night because we had an early start in the morning. Vicki wanted us all up at 5.30am for a 6am bike ride around Yangshou. I think we were up before the birds.
It was quite hard going in some places because the nice, smooth road turned to stoney, uneven dirt track very quickly, once we got out of town. But the views and scenery were stunning! I spent quite alot of time being worried that I was going to fall off my bike, but I was ok. The only minor incident I was involved with was when Anne-Marie (South African) rode her bike up an incline trying to pass me and fell off her bike into me - not chuffed!
Our bike ride was approx 3hrs in total, we did stop briefly for some brekkie but we did cycle for 3hrs. We arrived back in Yangshou absolutely shattered but it was so worth the effort and the early start.
Start of the Hong Kong to Beijing tour
After a great 11 days resting with Alan's Auntie and Uncle, it was time for our final tour! We were both a bit apprehensive about this tour as so many people had told us alot of horrible stories about China, and the horrible habits of the chinese people. But we decided to go with our minds open and our expectations low.
Our tour leader is Vicki, a fellow Brit working in the Far East.
Our tour group consists of 10 Irish, 4 Brits, 2 South Africans and 2 Aussies. 8 of them came as one group which to us spelt trouble from the start, as large groups within a large group can split the group overall.
Everyone seemed very nice, but unfortunately nobody appeared to want to go out for a "getting to know you" session on the first night.
Our tour leader is Vicki, a fellow Brit working in the Far East.
Our tour group consists of 10 Irish, 4 Brits, 2 South Africans and 2 Aussies. 8 of them came as one group which to us spelt trouble from the start, as large groups within a large group can split the group overall.
Everyone seemed very nice, but unfortunately nobody appeared to want to go out for a "getting to know you" session on the first night.
Further Honkers
We had to pick our visas on the Wednesday, so we figured whilst we were out we would have another crack at making it to the botanical gardens.
With visas collected, we started making our way to the gardens, however the map in the lonely planet guide gave no indication of the steep hill we had to climb to get there (I think they should mark hills in future). We arrived out of breath and dying for a drink, our saviour lay in the small cafe just inside the gates. A nice cold drink and a half hour sit down was heaven.
The main reason for visiting the botanical gardens weren't the flowers and trees (they're all a bit boring), it was the animals as they have a small zoo (with free entry!). There were avaries full of exotic birds like toucans and also a jaguar (not the car) in one section and in another section they had frisky tortoises and lots of different types of primates. I'm sure there were a few familar faces amongst the primates (mum, dad, Helen....etc).
Uncle Tom and Auntie Valerie took us out in the evening to a Chinese restaurant called the American Club which was a bit of a weird name. The food their was amazing, we shared quite a few dishes including minced pigeon with nuts which actually really nice.
With visas collected, we started making our way to the gardens, however the map in the lonely planet guide gave no indication of the steep hill we had to climb to get there (I think they should mark hills in future). We arrived out of breath and dying for a drink, our saviour lay in the small cafe just inside the gates. A nice cold drink and a half hour sit down was heaven.
The main reason for visiting the botanical gardens weren't the flowers and trees (they're all a bit boring), it was the animals as they have a small zoo (with free entry!). There were avaries full of exotic birds like toucans and also a jaguar (not the car) in one section and in another section they had frisky tortoises and lots of different types of primates. I'm sure there were a few familar faces amongst the primates (mum, dad, Helen....etc).
Uncle Tom and Auntie Valerie took us out in the evening to a Chinese restaurant called the American Club which was a bit of a weird name. The food their was amazing, we shared quite a few dishes including minced pigeon with nuts which actually really nice.
We then experienced the Wan Chi area at night which looks totally different when all the bars are open with their neon signs illuminated. As it was ladies night the bars were full of Cantonese women and some of them gave it a seedy Phuket feel.
We were told by my Auntie that one of the Island's main attractions was the peak. So we decide to visit on what turned out to be the merkiest day of our whole time in Hong Kong. My Auntie was quick to remind me what she had said when we first arrived and we realised she wasn't exaggerating at all.
Having made the trip up the peak we decided to spent some time walking around, but after an hour we gave up as you could not even see across the harbour (lesson learnt always listen to those that know best).
My Auntie took us to Stanley on the other side of Hong Kong Island on Saturday to see the greener, more chilled out Hong Kong. It was a complete change to all the skyscrapers of the harbour area. There was a cool little market we had a look round with the hope of finding some rugby shirts but they had sold out of All Black shirts.
On our last night we took the whole family out for a meal at the Chilli Club, a nice Thai resturant to say thank you for having us.
We were told by my Auntie that one of the Island's main attractions was the peak. So we decide to visit on what turned out to be the merkiest day of our whole time in Hong Kong. My Auntie was quick to remind me what she had said when we first arrived and we realised she wasn't exaggerating at all.
Having made the trip up the peak we decided to spent some time walking around, but after an hour we gave up as you could not even see across the harbour (lesson learnt always listen to those that know best).
My Auntie took us to Stanley on the other side of Hong Kong Island on Saturday to see the greener, more chilled out Hong Kong. It was a complete change to all the skyscrapers of the harbour area. There was a cool little market we had a look round with the hope of finding some rugby shirts but they had sold out of All Black shirts.
On our last night we took the whole family out for a meal at the Chilli Club, a nice Thai resturant to say thank you for having us.
Disneyland HK
There comes a time in every 27/28 year olds life when they just have to spend the day at Disneyland. Lucky for us there is one in Hong Kong.
We arrived in style on a train with Mickey Mouse windows, which was very exciting and really got us in the mood for visiting the magical wonderland.
As soon as we were through the gates we saw our first celebrities; Mickey and Minnie Mouse. We could hardly contain ourselves but we carried on to our first ride which was the Jungle River cruise (which we went on twice). That was pretty awesome and we got a bit wet from the special effects.
Unfortunately Hong Kong weather is unpredictable and the heavens opened twice and everywhere got a soaking. Luckily we found shelter in the 3D cinema cartoon show, the carosel and the Winnie the Pooh ride.
We watched the superb Lion King Show, which was 30mins and a short recap with songs of the Lion King story. It was excellent. The Golden Mickeys (or Mikeys if your cantonese) was a little strange, because the whole performance was in cantonese with english subtitles on a television screen and all the songs the performers sang were in english.
We had a great day all in all, we went on all the rides at least twice and got soaked in Mickeys mid day parade. We stayed right until the end to watch the fireworks at Sleeping Beauty's castle - these were spectacular and set to music from Beauty and the Beast, Aladin and Mulan. We videoed the whole thing.
We arrived in style on a train with Mickey Mouse windows, which was very exciting and really got us in the mood for visiting the magical wonderland.
As soon as we were through the gates we saw our first celebrities; Mickey and Minnie Mouse. We could hardly contain ourselves but we carried on to our first ride which was the Jungle River cruise (which we went on twice). That was pretty awesome and we got a bit wet from the special effects.
Unfortunately Hong Kong weather is unpredictable and the heavens opened twice and everywhere got a soaking. Luckily we found shelter in the 3D cinema cartoon show, the carosel and the Winnie the Pooh ride.
We watched the superb Lion King Show, which was 30mins and a short recap with songs of the Lion King story. It was excellent. The Golden Mickeys (or Mikeys if your cantonese) was a little strange, because the whole performance was in cantonese with english subtitles on a television screen and all the songs the performers sang were in english.
We had a great day all in all, we went on all the rides at least twice and got soaked in Mickeys mid day parade. We stayed right until the end to watch the fireworks at Sleeping Beauty's castle - these were spectacular and set to music from Beauty and the Beast, Aladin and Mulan. We videoed the whole thing.
Hong Kong
After 21 years of saying I wanted going to Hong Kong to visit my Auntie and Uncle, I finally made it. We had a short ride on the airport shuttle before we were met by my Uncle Tom, the first familiar person we'd seen in quite some months.
A few hours after arriving at my Auntie and Uncle's apartment, they took us up onto the roof of their building to see Hong Kong at night, it was a totally amazing view. My auntie insisted that we were lucky to see it so clear, as it was usually misty, but we thought she was exaggerating.
A few hours after arriving at my Auntie and Uncle's apartment, they took us up onto the roof of their building to see Hong Kong at night, it was a totally amazing view. My auntie insisted that we were lucky to see it so clear, as it was usually misty, but we thought she was exaggerating.
Our first day started out with arranging our Chinese visas, which took us to the Wan Chi area. Where we had a look around the harbour area and some of the shops.
In the evening Auntie Valerie took us to their football club to watch my cousin Tom play football. He was very good and scored two goals in their 5-1 victory.
The next day we made our way to central Hong Kong to explore the area, however it was more office buildings and shops than anything to see. So we jumped on the harbour circular ferry and spent an hour seeing Hong Kong from the water. On the ferry we were approached by a local artist who gave us a Chinese painting of our names (for free).
On our third day we had planned to go to the botanical gardens, unfortunately as soon as we had made it down the driveway towards the bus it started raining. Hoping and praying it was only a shower we continued on, caught the bus and then the tram but when we arrived at Central it was raining more than ever, so we abandoned the gardens and caught the tram back again.
Not wanting to give up on the whole day, we bought a cheap umbrella from the 7eleven and walked around the Causeway Bay area and got some lunch in a very Cantonese restaurant (Cantonese food isn't that great).
Follow the disaster of the previous day we opted for an indoor option, so we ventured over to the mainland of Kowloon and visited the space museum. The space museum was surprising good with lots of excellent displays and some cool interactive exhibits to have a go on.
After we had finished at the museum we made our way down to the Temple Street night market. We had fun bargaining in the market for a few small nik-naks for the family back home and for Samantha.
Friday, September 07, 2007
Phuket
Unfortunately due to the fact I was a little unwell we had to change our plans for getting to Phuket, instead of taking the overnight train we ended up flying (much to Samantha delight).
Anyway after a doggy taxi right we arrived in Patong beach where we were staying. Our first impressions weren't too bad it seemed fairly nice however within a few hours our view had changed. It would seem that for single men all they had to do was hire a moped and they got a free Thai lady to sit on the back and take around. The whole place was fill with expat bars and young Thai girls... well seedy.
However the hotel was nice even though we appeared to be the only ones there and their restaurant was only open for breakfast.
On our last day in Phuket we met up with Louise from our tour, she had been up to Chang Mai and come down to Phuket for a few days. We showed her the highlights of Patong beach (that took all of 30 seconds) and we went for dinner.
For the return journey to Bangkok we did manage to go by train although I think we had a learner driver judging by the way he crashed the train around.
Anyway after a doggy taxi right we arrived in Patong beach where we were staying. Our first impressions weren't too bad it seemed fairly nice however within a few hours our view had changed. It would seem that for single men all they had to do was hire a moped and they got a free Thai lady to sit on the back and take around. The whole place was fill with expat bars and young Thai girls... well seedy.
However the hotel was nice even though we appeared to be the only ones there and their restaurant was only open for breakfast.
On our last day in Phuket we met up with Louise from our tour, she had been up to Chang Mai and come down to Phuket for a few days. We showed her the highlights of Patong beach (that took all of 30 seconds) and we went for dinner.
For the return journey to Bangkok we did manage to go by train although I think we had a learner driver judging by the way he crashed the train around.
End of the tour
The last day of the tour. All good things have to come to an end and we have had the most amazing time and made so many good friends.
After only 6hrs sleep we dragged ourselves out of bed as we had arranged to go and see the Grand Palace and Emerald Buddha with Dan and Laura. The best time to go is early, before it gets too hot although the heat was still incredibly overbearing when we got there at 9am.
The Emerald Buddha is quite hard to see as it's 9ft high in the air. We watched people praying to it for a while and then I bought the 4 postcards of the buddha in his 3 seasonal outfits.
The grounds of the Grand Palace were bright and colourful. It was an astonishingly beautiful place but because most of the buildings were painted white, it made it very, very hot!
After only 6hrs sleep we dragged ourselves out of bed as we had arranged to go and see the Grand Palace and Emerald Buddha with Dan and Laura. The best time to go is early, before it gets too hot although the heat was still incredibly overbearing when we got there at 9am.
The Emerald Buddha is quite hard to see as it's 9ft high in the air. We watched people praying to it for a while and then I bought the 4 postcards of the buddha in his 3 seasonal outfits.
The grounds of the Grand Palace were bright and colourful. It was an astonishingly beautiful place but because most of the buildings were painted white, it made it very, very hot!
Bangkok
We arrived in Bangkok at 6.30am after an interesting night on the train. I think I woke up everytime the train stopped, which felt like every 10 mins. So its fair to say we were both pretty tired.
Our first stop of the day was at the floating market, this was an amazing market that was both on land and on the canals. We were taken by boat along the canals to look at the floating stalls first, this was only supposed to take 40 mins max, but ended up being almost an hour because we got caught in a gridlock situation. I bought a purse and new handbag at the market - I haggled hard and managed to buy my bag 10baht cheaper than Becci and Laura. I could have bought lots of things but thankfully I don't have the room for them.
We were then dropped off at the hotel and I went for a little snooze to recharge my batteries, as we had a BIG last evening planned!
We went for dinner at a street cafe, the food was delicious. We were then picked up from the cafe and taken to the Calypso hotel for the ladyboy show.
The ladyboy show was cheesy and fabulous! It consisted of post-op transexuals and pre-op transvestites and they looked absolutely amazing. They mimed ( sometimes really badly) to all the songs including "I am what I am" - a Shirley Bassey classic I think, and danced or pranced around the stage in some very skimpy little numbers. The show was well worth going to see and we got to have a few photos with them after - most of the fellas didn't seem too keen on having there pictures taken with the ladyboys.
Debs then took us to one of her favorite places for a beer - a Shell garage. Oh yes, we were all nervously sipping beer and cocktails by the petrol pumps (although we are not sure if it was an actual working petrol station) with candles on the tables. After a couple of drinks we trundled off down into the Khao San road area and ended up in a club shaking our stuff.
Our first stop of the day was at the floating market, this was an amazing market that was both on land and on the canals. We were taken by boat along the canals to look at the floating stalls first, this was only supposed to take 40 mins max, but ended up being almost an hour because we got caught in a gridlock situation. I bought a purse and new handbag at the market - I haggled hard and managed to buy my bag 10baht cheaper than Becci and Laura. I could have bought lots of things but thankfully I don't have the room for them.
We were then dropped off at the hotel and I went for a little snooze to recharge my batteries, as we had a BIG last evening planned!
We went for dinner at a street cafe, the food was delicious. We were then picked up from the cafe and taken to the Calypso hotel for the ladyboy show.
The ladyboy show was cheesy and fabulous! It consisted of post-op transexuals and pre-op transvestites and they looked absolutely amazing. They mimed ( sometimes really badly) to all the songs including "I am what I am" - a Shirley Bassey classic I think, and danced or pranced around the stage in some very skimpy little numbers. The show was well worth going to see and we got to have a few photos with them after - most of the fellas didn't seem too keen on having there pictures taken with the ladyboys.
Debs then took us to one of her favorite places for a beer - a Shell garage. Oh yes, we were all nervously sipping beer and cocktails by the petrol pumps (although we are not sure if it was an actual working petrol station) with candles on the tables. After a couple of drinks we trundled off down into the Khao San road area and ended up in a club shaking our stuff.
Koh Pha Ngan
We had four days on the island of Koh Pha Ngan and our first impression of the area we were staying in was pure paradise. Upon arriving we all gathered in the restaurant where we were given a welcome coconut drink.
The weather was really hot on the island so we made a bee line straight for the beach and just like in Fiji the best place to sit was in the sea. After we'd been sitting in the sea chatting for a while Laura and Samantha decide we should all get buckets (these are buckets of cocktails containing whisky, redbull and coke) from the beach bar. As the buckets went down things deteriorated into drinking games, never good.
The weather was really hot on the island so we made a bee line straight for the beach and just like in Fiji the best place to sit was in the sea. After we'd been sitting in the sea chatting for a while Laura and Samantha decide we should all get buckets (these are buckets of cocktails containing whisky, redbull and coke) from the beach bar. As the buckets went down things deteriorated into drinking games, never good.
Our second day was spent mostly chilling out sunbathing and recovering from the buckets the day before. The highight was to be a sunset fishing tip that everyone had signed up for, except we found when we went to pay just before the trip they had doubled the price and as much as Debs tried they wouldn't take us for the original price.
The third day was the most energetic day of the whole tour (at least for the boys). The boys spent the whole morning playing bat and ball on the beach and in the sea, once suitably knackered it was time for lunch. Meanwhile the girls were very busy lying on the beach and reading. After lunch thought Samantha did come out kayaking with us although we shared a twin kayak and I think most of the momentum came fron me.
On our last full day on the island the heavens opened and the day was a bit of a wash out however we did manage a few social games of cards sat in the restaurant area.
By the evening the weather had drying out a little and we all decided to meet up for happy hour and then and evening meal.
The next morning we were all very sad to be leaving as everyone thought Koh Pha Ngan was the highlight of the tour.
The third day was the most energetic day of the whole tour (at least for the boys). The boys spent the whole morning playing bat and ball on the beach and in the sea, once suitably knackered it was time for lunch. Meanwhile the girls were very busy lying on the beach and reading. After lunch thought Samantha did come out kayaking with us although we shared a twin kayak and I think most of the momentum came fron me.
On our last full day on the island the heavens opened and the day was a bit of a wash out however we did manage a few social games of cards sat in the restaurant area.
By the evening the weather had drying out a little and we all decided to meet up for happy hour and then and evening meal.
The next morning we were all very sad to be leaving as everyone thought Koh Pha Ngan was the highlight of the tour.
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