Back to Aus
What a great few weeks back in Australia. Caught up Linda (missed her bad), friends, Clay and Jacinta. Hopefully, I set up work for when I return, lets hope the bid was successful..
There has been heaps of snow so I drove down to Jindabine to do some skiing. Just like the old days I thought, sleep in the back of the Nissan Patrol and drive up the mountain each morning... Somehow I have grown bigger and my back is not as bendy as it use to be, needless to say I only lasted a couple of days, but the snow was great. The time went so fast I am back off to Thailand on the 17 Sep.
A Year of Experiences in Two Weeks
An exaggeration? I'm not certain.
- Bangkok, and Chutachak markets.
- Chang Rai in northern Thailand.
- Staying at the Mirror Foundation village.
- Teaching English to Thai kids.
- Filling sandbags to repair a road slip.
- Visiting Chang Mai.
- Having elephants cuddle me.
- Watching elephants play soccer and produce beautiful paintings.
- Cuddling tigers who have big teeth & claws.
- Staying in a remote village where no white people have stayed before, sleeping on the floor with the kids and adults watching you sleep. Living in huts with pigs and roosters living under the floor.
- Teaching english to preschoolers who do not even speak Thai, all day without their teacher being there to help or interprate.
- Helping to build an outdoor building.
- Riding on an elephant.
- Cuddling a huge Boa Constricter.
We arrived in Bangkok for two decadent days, massages and shopping. We stayed at Rambutin Plaza Inn right in the centre of the city. On Saturday we went to Chutachak Markets north of the city. I introduced Linda to Co San Road and fish massage while she introduced me to Thai massages and the most huge markets I have seen ( well partially seen). I think it will needs another trip to see it all.
We then traveled to Chang Rai in northern Thailand, the stepping off point for the Mirrior foundation, this NGO foundation is involved in many projects which help the hilltribe people in Thailand who are split into several tribes with different dialects many of who do not have Thai citicinship and do not speek Thai. The volunteers here focus on teaching english (helps the kids with future employment), and helping in construction work. Linda and I will be on the teaching team BUT all are expected to help outside in the manual labour as well.
Chang Rai is a great city much smaller than Bangkok but not many Europeans, although they have lots of problems in the city and surrounds with the highest level of HIV AIDS in Thailand and drugs. We have found a nice guest house with aircon and TV, 350 Batt per night thats about $12 Aust for a double.
Monday 20 Sep we saw the Mirror Foundation village (250 Batt in a tuk tuk), did a tour of the grounds and facilities then returned for a lazy afternoon in Chiang Rai and a good nights sleep. Tuesday, a full day back at Mirror for orientation classes and teacher training before joining the outdoor crew moving buckets and buckets of sand from the pond to make sand bags to mend the collapsed road outside Mirror where a big section of dirt road has collapsed into the creek following monsoonal rain. The temperature is in the low 30’s but the humidity level is extremely high. We have decided to change plans and live out at Mirror with the rest of the staff and volunteers, although we will be seperated (no boys and girls together, we can't hold hands (they think its slutty)), it will be uncomfortable but it will get us more involved and there is lots of preparation work to do for the classes.
On Wednesday we teach at Jalea childcare in a village around three quarters of an hour away from Mirror. Little kids aged 3 and 4. We’ve been practising how to say sit down (nung long), form a circle ( tom pen wan galomb) stand up (yern kun) and form groups of three(sum taew) in Thai.
HOW GOOD WAS THAT! I loved teaching and playing with the little kids. They love my overacting. At the start no one wanted to sit near me. Scary bloke in glasses. Until a little guy jabbed me with a balloon sword. I acted like I was stabbed then they all attacked me, it was great. The kids are great, touching me pulling at the hairs on my arms. But the morning was realy strenuous and I was pooped.
Back at Mirror after a lunch of rice and pork, no rest for the wicked - back into the creek to dig sand for the sandbags. Since the roads collapsed, every one has to help dredge sand from the creek/pond and bag it and haul it onto the van to go down the road to fix the collapsed culvert. Hundreds and hundreds of them. So there we were for ages, passing buckets, filling and tying bags and dodging leeches. I got into the water for ages and helped. Arghh.
A refreshing shower.... cold but refreshing ( no hot water here) and similar plumbing to Greece, where the paper has to go in a bin; all good but... I'm lucky I have a shower where I am, some of the folks use the bucket method (scooping water over one self with a scoop from a large container of water) which is still ok.
Saturday, 25th September
Well it's a bit of a blur of activity but heaps of fun. The guys here (mostly girls) are all great both the indoor and outdoor folks they are so keen and willing, this is certainly not a holiday camp; its lots of work and good companionship.
Linda and have taken over teaching munchikin class (local village kids) in the afternoon. They are great I have them convinced that I am scared of spiders and they keep trying to frighten me, and its working. Linda made a toy spider from black pipe cleaners and attached it to a piece of cotton and when I returned from the toilet they were hiding outside the door with the spider hanging down. I reacted and ran away and they loved it. Now anytime they see me they say 'spider spider!' and point behind me. One day they took my hand and dragged me off, I was a little suspicious but they said 'caterpillar, caterpillar!' until we got there, then they screaked with laughter, there was a huge spider!
Saturday is children's day at Mirror and hoards of kids come here for 'Guides', games, a one hour English lesson, a one hour Japanese lesson (kids soak up language and the more they learn, the better), then lunch (rice and veg and a meat) that Mirror provides and then games afternoon. Stacey is a gorgeous young girl, Japanese heritage. She's done the preparation and all three classes are following the same theme...Global Warming, what causes it and how it affects our world. Linda spends hours drawing up images for me and Stephen's class to colour in.
A two day break at Chiang Mai
After a volunteer roundup of the weeks experiences we are off on a 3 hour trip to Chiang Mai on a very cold (air con turned down extremely low) trip on the VIP bus. Finally we arrive. After spending ages trying to find our hostel (tuk tuk driver has no idea where is was), we shower and hit the markets with Jayden and Lydia who are staying there too. We have a great meal then a terrific time checking out all the stalls.
Sunday morning and Jayden and Lydia join us to see the amazing show and touch the gorgeous elephants at Masei Elephant Camp. The show is brilliant and we cheer on the soccer players and laugh our heads off as the elephant who successfully blocks a goal swings his trunk around and around in celebration and the other elephant dashes in to plonk a goal in the net behind him. Yes, well rehearsed but bloody funny anyway.
When we feed the elephants not one but three touch or drape their trunks over my shoulders, its so funny. We all end up with elephant 'snot' and dirt on us but love it. When Lydia poses with one it snakes its trunk over her torso and gropes her breast! The baby elephant is cute at the 'nursery' too. It steps on Jaydens foot which is also funny.
Because the windows have heavy shutters, this makes the room a total blackout and we sleep till 10am. After a mad scramble we get a red van to Tiger Kingdom and have a coffee and rice breakfast on the verandah in the gorgeous surroundings of lush trees and tropical plants. The verandah over looks the large tiger pens and we can see five tigers dozing and lounging within metres of us. It's captivating, they are so large and beautiful. Two of them are affectionately lolling on each other and cleaning each other's faces and ears.
We decide to visit two cages - the smallest tigers and largest with a photographer - the lot comes to $80 for us both. Expensive for here, but worth every cent. The small tigers are just stunning with amazing markings, soft fur and huge topaz eyes. I loved to cuddle and smell them We get some great shots especially the one where the tiger looks like it is going to lick Linda. They love to have their bellies rubbed. We have read the rules and understand not to touch their heads at all, just stroke their backs or rub their stomach's. If you touch their heads they think you want to play and will curl their paws or playfully bite just like kittens.
Helping out at the remote Lahu Tribe village
After a 3 hour ride in the back of a truck (a little fast for comfort) we arrive at the turnoff. All ok untill we get to the dirt road and the mud and water start. We roar up a steep muddy hill, our truck makes it but the other two have problems. the rain started pouring and the mud was slippery, as the truck got traction great globs of mud were spat out the back covering all - yuck but fun.
It was a muddy sweaty lot who arrived at the Lahu village (the first europeans who had stayed there.) It all seemed a little awkward when we first got there. Some young guys were playing soccer so to break the ice I joined in. It was fun, I heard them saying something about 'Galah'. Unfortunately that's Lahu for foreigner and it suited my playing ability! At one stage they were passing it to the galah (even the opposition). Anyway it broke the ice. The plan was for the teaching team to teach a little english and the outside guys to help build an extension to the preschool.
We had a welcome dinner and the team were split up and farmed out to stay with villagers. Linda and I got to sleep in the village elders house ( on the hard cement floor) others stayed on high set bamboo floors with pigs and roosters underneath.
The next morning we found out that we would be only teaching preschool, and that it would be from 9am to 3pm without the teachers assistance- eek! Somehow we would wing it. Sooo hard, we had not prepped enough because it was a little unknown. But the kids loved it so we were happy.
The second day was similar but we finished early and had a nap. The folks came into the hut to watch us sleep, kind of weird. The other volunteers had similar experiences.
The evening of the third day was a celebration dinner where lots of the villagers came the kids gathered flowers for Lindas hair (basically raided the head mans garden.. mmm.) Linda, was sketching and again the kids were enthralled with it. The other thing they love is if you take a picture of them and show them the results, they are all hams. The villagers then did traditional dancing and some of the volunteers joined in. These guys have so little but seen so happy.
Anyway our time at Mirror finished (so fast) and we are off to Laos...
Wednesday, October 13, 2010
Thursday, September 2, 2010
Bangkok Continued
Bangkok
I chatted to a young lady from Canada and mentioned my concerns with the hookers/pimps approaching me and the ‘old’ men taking advantage of the girls. She provided a more balanced opinion that is probably more reasonable. She sees the girls taking advantage of the men as much as the men taking advantage of them. The girls are looking for money and a possible way out of their situation therefore both parties are gaining from the arrangement.
There was an incident that I have been holding back on writing about, partly because of my own shame at my lack of action. I had seen a bloke the day before and noted him with a young local girl (he was in has 40s she was perhaps in her 20s) I don’t know why he stuck in my mind as it was a common sight. The next night I was walking down Koa San Rd through the markets, it was very crowded, there he was again walking past me and he had a different girl in tow this time, with his hand on her back urging her on, the problem is that she was only a child, and his intent seemed obvious. I felt sick, it was like in a dream he passed me and no one looked, no one seemed concerned. I let them disappear into the crowd, I felt this urge to do something, run after them, front him or follow them and report him to the police. But I did nothing, it was too late I thought (only an excuse), I let it pass. This has been worrying me for some time and I still think of it several weeks later. I have discussed this with Linda and agree that if I did manage to do something right there it would have been unlikely to change anything in the long term, as the same thing would happen the next night... we need to do something that stops this type of thing at the beginning, perhaps indirectly by educating or providing folks with another avenue to survive. However, when I look back I still feel upset and disappointed with myself, something I will have to live with.
Acting under instructions I have had lots of massages
• The foot massage – 30 minutes of luxury where a young lady works on your legs from the hips down,
• The Thai massage – great for the back and shoulders,
• A facial - even with a cucumber pack and the most exhilarating,
• A fish massage - where little fish nibble all the dead skin off your feet. I sat on the edge of this tank with 6 other folks (beer in hand). Well they loved me (the fish), must have been the six weeks in sandals they mostly deserted everyone else, I had hundreds of the little things chomping on me, so very weird it’s a must do.
I had planned to spend a day at Chatuchak Markets before my flight but time got away from me. Left my glasses at the Airport mmmm not good
I chatted to a young lady from Canada and mentioned my concerns with the hookers/pimps approaching me and the ‘old’ men taking advantage of the girls. She provided a more balanced opinion that is probably more reasonable. She sees the girls taking advantage of the men as much as the men taking advantage of them. The girls are looking for money and a possible way out of their situation therefore both parties are gaining from the arrangement.
There was an incident that I have been holding back on writing about, partly because of my own shame at my lack of action. I had seen a bloke the day before and noted him with a young local girl (he was in has 40s she was perhaps in her 20s) I don’t know why he stuck in my mind as it was a common sight. The next night I was walking down Koa San Rd through the markets, it was very crowded, there he was again walking past me and he had a different girl in tow this time, with his hand on her back urging her on, the problem is that she was only a child, and his intent seemed obvious. I felt sick, it was like in a dream he passed me and no one looked, no one seemed concerned. I let them disappear into the crowd, I felt this urge to do something, run after them, front him or follow them and report him to the police. But I did nothing, it was too late I thought (only an excuse), I let it pass. This has been worrying me for some time and I still think of it several weeks later. I have discussed this with Linda and agree that if I did manage to do something right there it would have been unlikely to change anything in the long term, as the same thing would happen the next night... we need to do something that stops this type of thing at the beginning, perhaps indirectly by educating or providing folks with another avenue to survive. However, when I look back I still feel upset and disappointed with myself, something I will have to live with.
Acting under instructions I have had lots of massages
• The foot massage – 30 minutes of luxury where a young lady works on your legs from the hips down,
• The Thai massage – great for the back and shoulders,
• A facial - even with a cucumber pack and the most exhilarating,
• A fish massage - where little fish nibble all the dead skin off your feet. I sat on the edge of this tank with 6 other folks (beer in hand). Well they loved me (the fish), must have been the six weeks in sandals they mostly deserted everyone else, I had hundreds of the little things chomping on me, so very weird it’s a must do.
I had planned to spend a day at Chatuchak Markets before my flight but time got away from me. Left my glasses at the Airport mmmm not good
Friday, August 13, 2010
Bangkok
12 Aug Bangkok
The journey to Bangkok, well what a day (and a half).
Bit sad to be leaving Corfu but also happy (really happy) Hey got my money back on the motorbike rental which was not used, how good is that, it was a little unexpected (loved the bike).
What a saga of a trip
7am bus from Kasiopi to Corfu then taxi to airport (saved 50 Euro on the taxi fare);11:20 flight to Gatwick Bus to Heathrow;7pm flight to Tokyo ( hey that means I have been to Japan does that mean I can get another patch on my bag); and 6pm connection to Bangkok; arrived at motel after midnight so that’s 37 hours or so, very little sleep, there was this guy next to me who on the last leg who maybe had Terets Syndrone poor bloke, but he was twitching all the way and making noises, no sleep, soooo sleepy but couldn’t sleep when I arrived (different time zone I guess.
The Motel room at Rambaturri Village Inn is ok (lots better than the Pensions, aircon double bed luxury), however not as plush as the Viengtai Motel, up the rich end of the street. There is a bit of rain about especially in the afternoon still a bit monsoonal I think.
What a difference from Europe and Greece, drivers are still mad but mainly took took, and scooters. Arrived on a public holiday (day after someone’s birthday (maybe the Queen) I thought this might restrict my entry into some places, but with my Linda luck!! Bumped into a nice local bloke ( they are all so friendly ) who pointed out to me that because of the holiday and to promote tourism a lot of the places had free entry and I had a (Government) took took for about 2 hours for 10 Batt that’s about 30c Aus, how good is that. Although I did help him out by stopping at a couple of shops that gave him a petrol ticket, least I could do. And I saw the lucky Buddha (don’t need it because I now have Linda luck rubbed off on me) and the 45 ft tall Buddha (big golden guy).
The food is sooo good, I don’t know what to eat noodles, curry, heaps of great food off the Machan Carts, so reminds me of my life when I lived in Malaysia, different smells it’s fantastic as I walk around. Oh yeh and tonight I’m going to try some fried grasshoppers and other bugs they look sooo good at the street markets at Koa San Rd (wish me luck). When I was out socialising I met a couple of kids on a world tour, off to an orphanage in Cambodia for 5 weeks first, how good is that, they were only kids but are doing their bit by giving some back. The only problem I have is in the evening in the markets or at night if I’m having a drink I’m targeted, I guess because I’m a middle aged male alone, grrr everyone thinks I want a girl.. .. (both by the girls and their pimps) It’s not right, and it’s sad; I bet the girls who are alone don’t get approached! I need a sign saying I’m attached and I’m really happy.
The plan is to go to spend today seeing the sights in Bangkok and to go to Chatuchak Markets tomorrow before my flight. There is no doubt I want to come back there is so much to see, I want to get out of the city into northern Thailand and perhaps into Laos.
The journey to Bangkok, well what a day (and a half).
Bit sad to be leaving Corfu but also happy (really happy) Hey got my money back on the motorbike rental which was not used, how good is that, it was a little unexpected (loved the bike).
What a saga of a trip
7am bus from Kasiopi to Corfu then taxi to airport (saved 50 Euro on the taxi fare);11:20 flight to Gatwick Bus to Heathrow;7pm flight to Tokyo ( hey that means I have been to Japan does that mean I can get another patch on my bag); and 6pm connection to Bangkok; arrived at motel after midnight so that’s 37 hours or so, very little sleep, there was this guy next to me who on the last leg who maybe had Terets Syndrone poor bloke, but he was twitching all the way and making noises, no sleep, soooo sleepy but couldn’t sleep when I arrived (different time zone I guess.
The Motel room at Rambaturri Village Inn is ok (lots better than the Pensions, aircon double bed luxury), however not as plush as the Viengtai Motel, up the rich end of the street. There is a bit of rain about especially in the afternoon still a bit monsoonal I think.
What a difference from Europe and Greece, drivers are still mad but mainly took took, and scooters. Arrived on a public holiday (day after someone’s birthday (maybe the Queen) I thought this might restrict my entry into some places, but with my Linda luck!! Bumped into a nice local bloke ( they are all so friendly ) who pointed out to me that because of the holiday and to promote tourism a lot of the places had free entry and I had a (Government) took took for about 2 hours for 10 Batt that’s about 30c Aus, how good is that. Although I did help him out by stopping at a couple of shops that gave him a petrol ticket, least I could do. And I saw the lucky Buddha (don’t need it because I now have Linda luck rubbed off on me) and the 45 ft tall Buddha (big golden guy).
The food is sooo good, I don’t know what to eat noodles, curry, heaps of great food off the Machan Carts, so reminds me of my life when I lived in Malaysia, different smells it’s fantastic as I walk around. Oh yeh and tonight I’m going to try some fried grasshoppers and other bugs they look sooo good at the street markets at Koa San Rd (wish me luck). When I was out socialising I met a couple of kids on a world tour, off to an orphanage in Cambodia for 5 weeks first, how good is that, they were only kids but are doing their bit by giving some back. The only problem I have is in the evening in the markets or at night if I’m having a drink I’m targeted, I guess because I’m a middle aged male alone, grrr everyone thinks I want a girl.. .. (both by the girls and their pimps) It’s not right, and it’s sad; I bet the girls who are alone don’t get approached! I need a sign saying I’m attached and I’m really happy.
The plan is to go to spend today seeing the sights in Bangkok and to go to Chatuchak Markets tomorrow before my flight. There is no doubt I want to come back there is so much to see, I want to get out of the city into northern Thailand and perhaps into Laos.
Saturday, August 7, 2010
Kasiopi Adventure?
Kasiopi
The emerald island of Greece (I guess because it’s green). Well it has been a while since I have written I have been winding down into the relaxed stage. Kasiopi is a small fishing village in Corfu, although they mainly survive on the tourist dollar. Mainly the tourists are family’s, couples and younger kids out for a good time.
My routine has settled down a little in between the adventures of scouring the island I have a morning swim in the crystal waters, coffee at Kasiopi corner (more about that later) muddle around, afternoon siesta, afternoon swim then afternoon and evening antics enjoying the terrific food, ample alcohol and fun karaoke singers (not me I’m saving my debut for a duet with Linda). Plenty of time to reflect on my life, and my future life (more about that later as well).
Kasiopi corner
Kasiopi has three main streets (cobblestone, skinny streets lined by shops restaurants and taverns) the two one-way streets are the top of a ‘Y’ and the two-way street at the bottom of the ‘Y’ leads to the small fishing harbour. The streets are full of meandering people, scooters, cars, trucks, and huge busses intermingled like a flowing mass (well perhaps not always flowing). The parked cars cause some interesting problems, in the two-way street cars have to back up for other cars/trucks/busses to pass. At Kasiopi corner busses have two goes at negotiating the bend, without parked cars in the way, and when there is a parked car it all comes to a halt. The bus honks for the person to come out of the shop and move the car, the small cars, scooters and pedestrians in the mean time try to get around the stoped bus causing a bigger jam and the people waiting for the bus try to pile on becoming a solid mass, it’s just so hard to describe (I have tried to sketch it mmm need help). But no one seems to get cranky it is just part of the normal day.
I have been out on my bike for several long trips around the island to see the sandy beaches on the other side and up to the highest point on the Island (why does everyone seem to overtake on blind corners, why are the roads full of potholes and why does no one wear helmets, it’s so common to see someone without a helmet on their head, with their arm through the helmet strap protecting their elbow!). The trip to the highest point on Corfu was great, although just a little scary, steep windy roads, gravel, lots of cars, bikes, busses (there was a festival on). Great view and a monastery, and of course coffee on top of Corfu.
Despite the risks with the hired bike I love it, even though I have learnt some lessons.
Note to self: When stopping motorbike on steep sloped driveway for traffic (at exit to my taverna), ensure there is no slippery gravel under foot, otherwise you may slip, drop bike, fall over like clown and slide down the associated ditch: resulting in red stuff, pain and greatly damaged ego.
That said I have a rule if I drink I don’t ride I did that when I was a lot younger and it ended up very ugly.
I have been hanging with Rose and her Sister Marlene a little. Had a great boat trip to the East coast, jumping off the top of the boat into the water, diving for champagne (yes I’m a winner) and going through a cave where the last few fee you have to swim underwater to get to the other side, cool. Also had a trip into old town Corfu interesting skinny lanes with sprawling shops.
Had dinner with Rose George (Roses Ex) and Marlene at the Taverna I’m staying at. It was magnificent, we just shared a range (lots) of appetisers, lets see, baby squid, feta cheese, little salty fish (white bait), fried prawns, tomato salad, skinny bits of fried zucchini, pastry something, wild mushrooms, ..... Marlene has gone back to Wales now, to the hubby and kids and Rose’s boss is in town so she will be scarce, but it was a great few days they are both great company.
I have met some nice folk, and some interesting ones at the local pub ‘Illusions’. They come and go as tourists do. Three of the stranger encounters are:
1. I was talking to some young girls and their mum and somehow I got dragged into passion, a night club (I got in free because the kids said I was their dad and had to look after them). Dancing in a crush of bodies, with bubbles coming from the ceiling. I got home before the sun got up (just), only because I refused the invite from the kids to have breakfast, suffered for it but.
2. I got accosted by a young lady from the Isle of Man, she was about 30 and gorgeous, hehe, must have forgotten her contacts. I’m certain she had evil intents for me (or so she told me). But sorry, 'thanks for the offer but I’m happily taken by the lovely Lind'a who is a little older (not on the inside) and just as gorgeous, dance only and not so close. Now that was good for the ego, that said the ego was soon to be severly tested.
3. Two older folk were chatting to me (well older than me) seemed nice. Invited me back for a drink on my way home, how nice I thought. She was acting a bit flirtatious (the drink I thought, so wasn’t worrying me). ‘I’m off to the bathroom’ I said. On my return, OMG! They are making out on the bed, he is down to his undies (little black briefs), all I could see was his tanned leathery wrinkly skin and this white blobby mass intertwined and wriggling on a mass of white sheets (it reminded me of the time I was 12 and I walked in on my parents), yuck. There was a voice I could hear through the haze of disbelief asking if I would like to help out. Nooooooo, Eeeeeek, the haze has come over me I can’t speak, I have difficulty hearing and my vision is blurred, through the tunnel vision I can see is a door, Escape, Run, Flee; in a blind rush I’m out of there, my perception of older folks ruined for life. Yuckkkkkkkk! They have destroyed my innocents, I am scarred for life. I can never ever go for a drink with someone I just meet again, unless it’s in a public place. Every time I venture out now I am discreetly scanning restaurants and tavernas before I enter, like an escapee from prison looking for the faces which are burnt forever into my brain.
Don’t get me wrong most of the folk are great just thought I would share a few (interesting highlights).
Jim’s Reflection
I have been reflecting the life here, and my life (which is terrific), and work; and I am having a difficult time matching it all up. I love the benefits that work gives, stability comfort, travel, coffee, good wine, food; but the self indulgence I see here and that I am taking for granted, and the ‘stuff’ we have all collected (well almost all of us), makes me reflect on what’s right. I’m not saying we should throw it all away by any means, but there needs to be a balance, give a little back, have some compassion, it is so easy to ignore it when we see the masses on the news, what if it was us or our children, how would we feel. Our troubles are insignificant compared to soooo many others. How can we have so much time, money, and food when others have so little, I have been watching the news on the floods in Pakistan, I read a recent email about the poor orphans in Kathmandu Valley, it can’t be all about us. If everybody just helped a little, and it doesn’t have to be money, it can be in a way that gives us joy in giving, then you never know where we could go.
I have decided to cut my time short a little in Corfu. I am off to Thailand next week then a few weeks in Australia to see Linda (yahoo), Clay and Jacinta, catch up on friends and sort a few things I have to do. Then off to Thailand Laos Cambodia for a month.
The emerald island of Greece (I guess because it’s green). Well it has been a while since I have written I have been winding down into the relaxed stage. Kasiopi is a small fishing village in Corfu, although they mainly survive on the tourist dollar. Mainly the tourists are family’s, couples and younger kids out for a good time.
My routine has settled down a little in between the adventures of scouring the island I have a morning swim in the crystal waters, coffee at Kasiopi corner (more about that later) muddle around, afternoon siesta, afternoon swim then afternoon and evening antics enjoying the terrific food, ample alcohol and fun karaoke singers (not me I’m saving my debut for a duet with Linda). Plenty of time to reflect on my life, and my future life (more about that later as well).
Kasiopi corner
Kasiopi has three main streets (cobblestone, skinny streets lined by shops restaurants and taverns) the two one-way streets are the top of a ‘Y’ and the two-way street at the bottom of the ‘Y’ leads to the small fishing harbour. The streets are full of meandering people, scooters, cars, trucks, and huge busses intermingled like a flowing mass (well perhaps not always flowing). The parked cars cause some interesting problems, in the two-way street cars have to back up for other cars/trucks/busses to pass. At Kasiopi corner busses have two goes at negotiating the bend, without parked cars in the way, and when there is a parked car it all comes to a halt. The bus honks for the person to come out of the shop and move the car, the small cars, scooters and pedestrians in the mean time try to get around the stoped bus causing a bigger jam and the people waiting for the bus try to pile on becoming a solid mass, it’s just so hard to describe (I have tried to sketch it mmm need help). But no one seems to get cranky it is just part of the normal day.
I have been out on my bike for several long trips around the island to see the sandy beaches on the other side and up to the highest point on the Island (why does everyone seem to overtake on blind corners, why are the roads full of potholes and why does no one wear helmets, it’s so common to see someone without a helmet on their head, with their arm through the helmet strap protecting their elbow!). The trip to the highest point on Corfu was great, although just a little scary, steep windy roads, gravel, lots of cars, bikes, busses (there was a festival on). Great view and a monastery, and of course coffee on top of Corfu.
Despite the risks with the hired bike I love it, even though I have learnt some lessons.
Note to self: When stopping motorbike on steep sloped driveway for traffic (at exit to my taverna), ensure there is no slippery gravel under foot, otherwise you may slip, drop bike, fall over like clown and slide down the associated ditch: resulting in red stuff, pain and greatly damaged ego.
That said I have a rule if I drink I don’t ride I did that when I was a lot younger and it ended up very ugly.
I have been hanging with Rose and her Sister Marlene a little. Had a great boat trip to the East coast, jumping off the top of the boat into the water, diving for champagne (yes I’m a winner) and going through a cave where the last few fee you have to swim underwater to get to the other side, cool. Also had a trip into old town Corfu interesting skinny lanes with sprawling shops.
Had dinner with Rose George (Roses Ex) and Marlene at the Taverna I’m staying at. It was magnificent, we just shared a range (lots) of appetisers, lets see, baby squid, feta cheese, little salty fish (white bait), fried prawns, tomato salad, skinny bits of fried zucchini, pastry something, wild mushrooms, ..... Marlene has gone back to Wales now, to the hubby and kids and Rose’s boss is in town so she will be scarce, but it was a great few days they are both great company.
I have met some nice folk, and some interesting ones at the local pub ‘Illusions’. They come and go as tourists do. Three of the stranger encounters are:
1. I was talking to some young girls and their mum and somehow I got dragged into passion, a night club (I got in free because the kids said I was their dad and had to look after them). Dancing in a crush of bodies, with bubbles coming from the ceiling. I got home before the sun got up (just), only because I refused the invite from the kids to have breakfast, suffered for it but.
2. I got accosted by a young lady from the Isle of Man, she was about 30 and gorgeous, hehe, must have forgotten her contacts. I’m certain she had evil intents for me (or so she told me). But sorry, 'thanks for the offer but I’m happily taken by the lovely Lind'a who is a little older (not on the inside) and just as gorgeous, dance only and not so close. Now that was good for the ego, that said the ego was soon to be severly tested.
3. Two older folk were chatting to me (well older than me) seemed nice. Invited me back for a drink on my way home, how nice I thought. She was acting a bit flirtatious (the drink I thought, so wasn’t worrying me). ‘I’m off to the bathroom’ I said. On my return, OMG! They are making out on the bed, he is down to his undies (little black briefs), all I could see was his tanned leathery wrinkly skin and this white blobby mass intertwined and wriggling on a mass of white sheets (it reminded me of the time I was 12 and I walked in on my parents), yuck. There was a voice I could hear through the haze of disbelief asking if I would like to help out. Nooooooo, Eeeeeek, the haze has come over me I can’t speak, I have difficulty hearing and my vision is blurred, through the tunnel vision I can see is a door, Escape, Run, Flee; in a blind rush I’m out of there, my perception of older folks ruined for life. Yuckkkkkkkk! They have destroyed my innocents, I am scarred for life. I can never ever go for a drink with someone I just meet again, unless it’s in a public place. Every time I venture out now I am discreetly scanning restaurants and tavernas before I enter, like an escapee from prison looking for the faces which are burnt forever into my brain.
Don’t get me wrong most of the folk are great just thought I would share a few (interesting highlights).
Jim’s Reflection
I have been reflecting the life here, and my life (which is terrific), and work; and I am having a difficult time matching it all up. I love the benefits that work gives, stability comfort, travel, coffee, good wine, food; but the self indulgence I see here and that I am taking for granted, and the ‘stuff’ we have all collected (well almost all of us), makes me reflect on what’s right. I’m not saying we should throw it all away by any means, but there needs to be a balance, give a little back, have some compassion, it is so easy to ignore it when we see the masses on the news, what if it was us or our children, how would we feel. Our troubles are insignificant compared to soooo many others. How can we have so much time, money, and food when others have so little, I have been watching the news on the floods in Pakistan, I read a recent email about the poor orphans in Kathmandu Valley, it can’t be all about us. If everybody just helped a little, and it doesn’t have to be money, it can be in a way that gives us joy in giving, then you never know where we could go.
I have decided to cut my time short a little in Corfu. I am off to Thailand next week then a few weeks in Australia to see Linda (yahoo), Clay and Jacinta, catch up on friends and sort a few things I have to do. Then off to Thailand Laos Cambodia for a month.
Sunday, July 25, 2010
23 July 2010 Transit to and the start of the Corfu adventure
Transit to and the start of the Corfu adventure
A relatively smooth trip back to the UK and Heathrow airport. It is so good having a UK passport, easy entry through the short line, although the immigration officers give me a funny look when they hear the Aussie accent with the British Passport. With the early start (5.30 flight) out of Gatwick I decided to stay at the Gatwick airport in the airport short term accommodation. How interesting is that down the lift into an automated reception centre (there was a desk person if required) and you are issued with a key to your cubical. You enter into a very sterile (small) room a bed that you step up into, flat screen tv at the end of the bed, fold out desk and chair and a toilet and shower behind a glass partition. Perfect, as long as you are not worried about confined spaces.
Arrived in Corfu and the choice was a 50 Euro taxi ride to Kasiopi or try to sort the bus which had a terminal somewhere in town. So jump right in and after a 10 Euro taxi to the ‘green’ bus station I manage to sort out the bus to Kasiopi which leaves 10 minutes after I get there how good is that ‘Linda luck’. The bus ride is 3.30 Euro soooo cheap. I had forgotten the mountainous road to Kasiopi and the bus charging around the skinny roads with huge drop-offs all, good but.
I arrived in Kasiopi and had a 1K walk up to the Taverna and accommodation; the majority of the folks speak English here so things are relatively easy.
The room I'm in is basic but a nice size with air-conditioning, Yeh ( although trying not to use). About 10 minutes walk into town, I have now gotten some food water and red wine in so I will settle into a routine. The room is connected onto the Tavana (Fish Tavana) yum. It is picture perfect I will take photos over the next few days, but let me describe it if I can It is lunch time I am sitting at the small open bar, a purple flowered tree with a huge group of flowers is just above my head. I can smell the faint sent of flowers,the stronger smell of cooking fish and spices from the restaurant mingled with the salty ocean smell, behind me I can see the white tiled courtyard 20M x 20M with a few scattered tables under large square white umbrellas for the restaurant, directly beyond that (over the balcony) is the rocky beach and the crystal clear waters of the bay I will swim in. There are some small colourful boats anchored close in and a sailing boat further out. In the distance (only about 4 K) you can see the Albanian coast and the majestic hills raising out of the sea.' Honestly, I can’t find all the right words.
Time for a swim
I step down the flight of stairs from my room, turn left there are the three steps up to the Taverna or I keep going straight ahead another 20 paces onto the stony beach, I keep going another 20 paces onto the end of the dock, I drop my clothes place my thongs on the wooden strut near the water line and dive into the crystal clear waters, not super warm like Valencia but no chill, about 23deg. I swim down the beach and back picking up my thongs on the way back, to help me stumble out of the water over the rocks. How good is that. By the end of the stay here my aim will be to swim into the beach on the edge of town and back about 1.5 Ks or so.
A friend 'Rose' She stayed at Kay’s for a while last summer has just facebooked me she lives just up the street we are going for a beer, it will be good to catch up. A good catch up although Rose had to work o she left early (lovely Rose has offered to help out with my washing - I dont think she thought much of the wash in the shower idea). I should have went home when Rose left Grr sore head, throat and feel like crap in the morning must have been bad beer or ouzo.
A relatively smooth trip back to the UK and Heathrow airport. It is so good having a UK passport, easy entry through the short line, although the immigration officers give me a funny look when they hear the Aussie accent with the British Passport. With the early start (5.30 flight) out of Gatwick I decided to stay at the Gatwick airport in the airport short term accommodation. How interesting is that down the lift into an automated reception centre (there was a desk person if required) and you are issued with a key to your cubical. You enter into a very sterile (small) room a bed that you step up into, flat screen tv at the end of the bed, fold out desk and chair and a toilet and shower behind a glass partition. Perfect, as long as you are not worried about confined spaces.
Arrived in Corfu and the choice was a 50 Euro taxi ride to Kasiopi or try to sort the bus which had a terminal somewhere in town. So jump right in and after a 10 Euro taxi to the ‘green’ bus station I manage to sort out the bus to Kasiopi which leaves 10 minutes after I get there how good is that ‘Linda luck’. The bus ride is 3.30 Euro soooo cheap. I had forgotten the mountainous road to Kasiopi and the bus charging around the skinny roads with huge drop-offs all, good but.
I arrived in Kasiopi and had a 1K walk up to the Taverna and accommodation; the majority of the folks speak English here so things are relatively easy.
The room I'm in is basic but a nice size with air-conditioning, Yeh ( although trying not to use). About 10 minutes walk into town, I have now gotten some food water and red wine in so I will settle into a routine. The room is connected onto the Tavana (Fish Tavana) yum. It is picture perfect I will take photos over the next few days, but let me describe it if I can It is lunch time I am sitting at the small open bar, a purple flowered tree with a huge group of flowers is just above my head. I can smell the faint sent of flowers,the stronger smell of cooking fish and spices from the restaurant mingled with the salty ocean smell, behind me I can see the white tiled courtyard 20M x 20M with a few scattered tables under large square white umbrellas for the restaurant, directly beyond that (over the balcony) is the rocky beach and the crystal clear waters of the bay I will swim in. There are some small colourful boats anchored close in and a sailing boat further out. In the distance (only about 4 K) you can see the Albanian coast and the majestic hills raising out of the sea.' Honestly, I can’t find all the right words.
Time for a swim
I step down the flight of stairs from my room, turn left there are the three steps up to the Taverna or I keep going straight ahead another 20 paces onto the stony beach, I keep going another 20 paces onto the end of the dock, I drop my clothes place my thongs on the wooden strut near the water line and dive into the crystal clear waters, not super warm like Valencia but no chill, about 23deg. I swim down the beach and back picking up my thongs on the way back, to help me stumble out of the water over the rocks. How good is that. By the end of the stay here my aim will be to swim into the beach on the edge of town and back about 1.5 Ks or so.
A friend 'Rose' She stayed at Kay’s for a while last summer has just facebooked me she lives just up the street we are going for a beer, it will be good to catch up. A good catch up although Rose had to work o she left early (lovely Rose has offered to help out with my washing - I dont think she thought much of the wash in the shower idea). I should have went home when Rose left Grr sore head, throat and feel like crap in the morning must have been bad beer or ouzo.
Wednesday, July 21, 2010
Last day in Barcelona 21 Jul
Last day in Barcelona,
I have to travel to the UK in the morning then on to Corfu. Met some nice young girls in the morning at breakfast they were music students from Switzerland, actually from South Korea studying over there (free education in Switzerland). We talked about the concerns with regard to Nth Korea, strangely they said, while in Sth Korea they were not as concerned, but only when they left and saw the word news did they become concerned, they didn’t think it was such an upbeat in the western world just keeping it quiet in Sth Korea.
I felt a little off today, perhaps the heat or a belly bug. I’m looking forward to the relaxing time in Corfu les walking and more swimming perhaps. Spent the day taking it easy, wandering a little when I felt up to it, and doing a little washing. I’m starting to like the company of my clothes in the shower with me, there does not seem to be any laundry mats in Barcelona, not to worry perhaps Corfu for a major clean up.
Decided I had to eat dinner although it was early, about 8pm so I wandered down the street, a Spanish meal; Paella (a yellow rice with chicken, seafood or... yummy) or Tapas, Mmmm. The Tapas won out.
So here I sit at Tapas de Moment, sitting before me on the white paper table cloth is grilled squid, grilled vegetables, calamari and a beer (I was going healthy with the first two, then...). I’m sitting in the outside area; let me try to describe it.
I am under a row of large square white umbrellas in Rambela de Catalunya. The ‘Rambela’ is basically a long street with a 15M wide pedestrian boulevard in the middle, with one lane of slow traffic on either side. As I look out there is a kaleidoscope of colour, taxis, cars and endless scooters slowly and quiet quietly moving up the street, in front of that a continuous movement of people rambling down the boulevard some stopping to look at the menu and waiting for a seat, some moving on, but the majority not in a hurry and without any major purpose. A wandering violinist stops and plays a tune asking for a few cents from the diners. Either side of the Rambella is border by six or seven story buildings, mostly old and ornate. I look up at the building opposite (an apartment complex perhaps) and it has a range of balconies, strangely rounded or kidney shaped with intricate but imposing wrought iron frontage, in the style of the Goudi buildings I have seen elsewhere in the city. An old lady is out watering her pot plants.
Its 9pm and the street is getting busier; so good there is a cool breeze suddenly, the temperature has dropped perhaps from 30 down to 27, now that’s nice. Time to pack
I have to travel to the UK in the morning then on to Corfu. Met some nice young girls in the morning at breakfast they were music students from Switzerland, actually from South Korea studying over there (free education in Switzerland). We talked about the concerns with regard to Nth Korea, strangely they said, while in Sth Korea they were not as concerned, but only when they left and saw the word news did they become concerned, they didn’t think it was such an upbeat in the western world just keeping it quiet in Sth Korea.
I felt a little off today, perhaps the heat or a belly bug. I’m looking forward to the relaxing time in Corfu les walking and more swimming perhaps. Spent the day taking it easy, wandering a little when I felt up to it, and doing a little washing. I’m starting to like the company of my clothes in the shower with me, there does not seem to be any laundry mats in Barcelona, not to worry perhaps Corfu for a major clean up.
Decided I had to eat dinner although it was early, about 8pm so I wandered down the street, a Spanish meal; Paella (a yellow rice with chicken, seafood or... yummy) or Tapas, Mmmm. The Tapas won out.
So here I sit at Tapas de Moment, sitting before me on the white paper table cloth is grilled squid, grilled vegetables, calamari and a beer (I was going healthy with the first two, then...). I’m sitting in the outside area; let me try to describe it.
I am under a row of large square white umbrellas in Rambela de Catalunya. The ‘Rambela’ is basically a long street with a 15M wide pedestrian boulevard in the middle, with one lane of slow traffic on either side. As I look out there is a kaleidoscope of colour, taxis, cars and endless scooters slowly and quiet quietly moving up the street, in front of that a continuous movement of people rambling down the boulevard some stopping to look at the menu and waiting for a seat, some moving on, but the majority not in a hurry and without any major purpose. A wandering violinist stops and plays a tune asking for a few cents from the diners. Either side of the Rambella is border by six or seven story buildings, mostly old and ornate. I look up at the building opposite (an apartment complex perhaps) and it has a range of balconies, strangely rounded or kidney shaped with intricate but imposing wrought iron frontage, in the style of the Goudi buildings I have seen elsewhere in the city. An old lady is out watering her pot plants.
Its 9pm and the street is getting busier; so good there is a cool breeze suddenly, the temperature has dropped perhaps from 30 down to 27, now that’s nice. Time to pack
Tuesday, July 20, 2010
Valencia 19 Jul 2010
Ah Valencia, as I sit back in the chair on the foot path watching the world go by I feel blessed, it’s a wonderful city there is something about it that’s hard to describe. I am surrounded by old buildings with magnificent designs and architecture; every time I look up I see something different. It’s strange; main, dual or 4 lane thoroughfares intersected by small rustic single lane streets . All the cars are squeezed into the tiny parking places they seem to use touch parking as the standard means for finding their boundaries between cars (thank goodness for plastic bumper bars) cars will be parked in a parallel street hemmed in on both ends by cars with only 20cm or less of space each end, and it doesn’t seem to worry them, the foot paths are covered with motorbikes, mainly scooters (no road rage here).
I am slowly settling into the pace here, there appears to be a slow start to the morning and unlike Barcelona (which seemed to go all day) at about 2pm the shutters come down the streets are deserted, siesta time, it’s strange the bustling streets all but empty. There is a quiet start to the evening when the cafes open; mainly for drinks, perhaps with Tapas for a snack. Some of the restaurants don’t open their main menu until 9 or 10 pm, about that time the streets become alive with people dinning alfresco style, the dinning and associated drinking goes on late in the night (midnight).
Definitely some Spanish language skills would be an advantage, there is a splattering of people in the local shops who speak English but very few, that said it makes it interesting, and unlike your typical Australian would be they seem to take my very inept attempts at conversing very well and with tolerance (how different we are) . It has made for some interesting conversations, somehow I seemed to have convinced the lovely waitress at the shop where I have my B&B breakfast that I would prefer two cups of coffee instead of one cup and a croissant (is that spelt right), hehe anyway it helps the diet. I will return here, but will learn a little Spanish first.
A swim at Valencia beach, the home of the world Cup (sailing) the water is warm like a bath, about 25deg. It’s worse than Bondi. The beach is probably 200M wide with the crowd concentrated in the 50M closest to the water. You can’t move, skin everywhere, as far as the eyes can see, in all shapes and sizes a sea of humanity. All the girls of all ages are wearing bikinis with a large percentage dispensing with the top, no problems from teenagers to grandmothers, they are relaxed their bodies as we all should be.
I am slowly settling into the pace here, there appears to be a slow start to the morning and unlike Barcelona (which seemed to go all day) at about 2pm the shutters come down the streets are deserted, siesta time, it’s strange the bustling streets all but empty. There is a quiet start to the evening when the cafes open; mainly for drinks, perhaps with Tapas for a snack. Some of the restaurants don’t open their main menu until 9 or 10 pm, about that time the streets become alive with people dinning alfresco style, the dinning and associated drinking goes on late in the night (midnight).
Definitely some Spanish language skills would be an advantage, there is a splattering of people in the local shops who speak English but very few, that said it makes it interesting, and unlike your typical Australian would be they seem to take my very inept attempts at conversing very well and with tolerance (how different we are) . It has made for some interesting conversations, somehow I seemed to have convinced the lovely waitress at the shop where I have my B&B breakfast that I would prefer two cups of coffee instead of one cup and a croissant (is that spelt right), hehe anyway it helps the diet. I will return here, but will learn a little Spanish first.
A swim at Valencia beach, the home of the world Cup (sailing) the water is warm like a bath, about 25deg. It’s worse than Bondi. The beach is probably 200M wide with the crowd concentrated in the 50M closest to the water. You can’t move, skin everywhere, as far as the eyes can see, in all shapes and sizes a sea of humanity. All the girls of all ages are wearing bikinis with a large percentage dispensing with the top, no problems from teenagers to grandmothers, they are relaxed their bodies as we all should be.
Saturday, July 17, 2010
The Start From Australia to Valencia
TheStart
This is a general warning to all readers I am a terrible speller and typist therefore just consider any typing or grematil errors as intentional, put in place English.
Well it has started the adventure of a lifetime the straight middle aged guy in a suit going through the slow process of bending to a normal guy or perhaps someone slightly more bent than normal. I am so happy I achieved my first goal; all my possessions for three months are in cabin baggage. Could have sacrificed the lap top and the camera then perhaps it would have been just the day pack.
The plan (for what it is worth), two weeks in Spain, a month in Corfu (Greece) three weeks of, Mmmm unsure perhaps Turkey and Croatia, then Thailand Laos and home around mid October.
It’s 7:15 PM I have been on the aircraft for 2.30 hours, haha still so far to go, 20 hours to London a 12 hour stop over and 2 hours to Barcelona Spain. And so the adventure starts, the young lady beside me on the plane is travelling through Europe and up to Ireland before coming back home and I think it’s her first trip by herself she usually travels with her 12 year old nephew mainly staying at Motels, all organised. How different we are, I could not stand to have the trip fully mapped out, I’m booked in Barcelona a bit sketchy about how I get to the Pension (bed), we will see what’s the worse that could happen, a night on the streets?
I may be rambling a little as I have had three small bottles of red wine on the plane (it will help with the deep vein stuff. because I will be getting up all night to go to the loo, thats my excuse anyway). Malabec from Argentina, a lovely mild red, perhaps a Merlo by another name.
A great send off at the airport Linda, (woops Lindy for mum, she still thinks Linda is from Thailand, don’t tell her) came down with me and Lucy came out to say good bye. A little sad but that’s the way it is, sometimes things that matter are hard to do. I can feel the stress of work slipping away as the shores of Australia disappear.
Just watched clash of the Titans during the flight and had a lovely curry to go with my red, I‘m thinking it’s time to read my new book on Spain. No bull fights to much gore. perhaps I will check when the tomato festival is on. Landed in Heathrow and thought I would break up the trip with a quick visit into London just a few hours and it passed in a blur. Back to Heathrow and on the plane to Barcelona,
Mmm navigation is up the shit, the sleeping in th egutter almost came to fruition. Arrived in Spain on the same night that the Spanish were playing the soccer finals, arrived in the suburbs of Barcelona at th estart of the game, the plan was to get to the pension and find a pub to watch the game. Only problem was that I turned right after I exited the metro, not left like I should have. After an hour and a half (about midnight) of pestering the locals (not that they could understand me) I ended up back at the metro, and you wouldn’t believe it, but 200 Metres in the correct direction (left), there was Pension Norma. The online reviews were wrong there was not greater than 100 steps up the stairs to reception, it was only 66 steps and I now know every one of them. I think I will beable to run up the stairs at Merewether now.
Barcelona is a great city so vibrant and interesting I just loved the old buildings and the design work. Also loved seeing the Picasso work, I think he was a bit naughty but.
Had a wonderful night, dinner in a restaurant, cusscuss, chicken and vegies oh and red wine. Surrounded by the noise of strange voices in a strange land, not understanding a word but sort of knowing what the conversations were about. The picture was perfect a long skinny restaurant everyone animated and gesturing to make a point, the different faces, the guy with the greco roman noise, the lady with the buff shoulders and her uncovered foot on the chair, the bald guy with the new tattoo on his neck. And afterwards, in the square the line up for the gelato ice cream, it is so hot everyone is out in the squares, a skill we have lost, the young and old sitting around in groups talking late into the night sharing a story or asking advice where we would be glued to the TV. I wish I could record this; a photograph would not do it justice.
Had a few beers with an Aussie (Grant) be is on a break from Afghanistan. He is a civilian (ex army) has been working as support over there on an US base for three years. He stays on base so relatively safe, but bad guys still lob rockets over the wall of the camp. He doesn’t know Ryan but it brought home a few truths again, it is the busiest it has been since he has been there and it will get worse over the next few months. I count the days until he comes home, woops better stop on that subject folks are looking at me wondering why thi sstrange person sitting in th ecorner is starting to tear up.
A night out in the tourisi traps of Barcelona, what a busy street too much fun and too many things to see. Must look alone have been approached by two ladies of the night.
Note to self: Barsalona pubs go to late but Metro closes at 11 PM.
Eventually gave up on trying to understand the bus system and settled on a taxi, yahoo he knew where I lived not that far. Mmm perhaps I should have tried that on the night I got lost, not that I saw any taxies they were probably watching the soccer.
Friday 16 July - I sit here in a busy cafeteria after my first night’s sleep in Valencia. I’m staying at a B&B between the old city and the beach (bus route 19 will be my home for a few nights). The B&B, a tiny room with my own bathroom (luxury), 30 Euros a night. I was chatting to a young Aussie girl on the train from Barcelona she has been paying the same for Hostels in shared rooms. The place I’m in is clean (except for the cockroach which made the receptionist scream). The room is super hot all night; I think my room is on a heater, but otherwise great (only 10 steps hehe).
The girls in the cafe are running past with fresh pastry setting up, the cafe is filling up people chatting and happy. This is the B&B breakfast, a coffee and croissant nice lucky I'm trying to keep the weight down. One of the things I can’t get over is the number of people with dogs out walking them in a busy city all shapes and sizes, n dth enumber who smoke everywhere. Wish I could speak a little Spanish.
Note to self: next time take the time out and listen to the Spanish CDs that you purchased before you come and try to learn a little.
I’m am so pissed off, although I have pulled my bag apart I realise I have left my Spain book at Barcelona, it’s not the book that matters it’s the photos that I had in there to keep flat, the ones I setup beside my bed each night, dam, dam.
A day at the aquarium - Another great day in my travel’s such a cool aquarium. The aquarium is next to ‘the city of art’ a walk from where I am staying. The city of art is a group of futuristic buildings focused around large pools of water, unbelievable cantilevered shapes, took some strange quirky minds to think of the building shapes. Then there is the aquarium, the range of fish is fantastic walking around there is lots to see from above with penguins, sea lions and an aviary, But it’s when you go below ground that the marine world opens up. At first thought you think there are just lost of big fish tanks, as you go further you realise that you have entered a tunnel and there are sharks, manta rays and fish of all sizes beside and above you, suddenly a diver plunges into the pool feeding the greedy fish. There are two tunnels one for sharks, rays and big fish and another with fish from a range of tropical areas. Although connected the tropical areas segregate the fish and specific regions are kept together. It was a hard choice on the fish I liked the most but finally it wasn’t a fish at all that was favourite but a tank full of jelly fish, they were doing a fantastic flamenco dance as they moved their transparent skirts propelling them gracefully through the water their skirts wafted like a fine piece of material in an updraft so cool with the light shining through them.
Went shopping at the grocery shop as I have been doing just stocking up on munchies and water. I carry 1.5 litres in my backpack whenever I go out. The bottled water in the sites costs around 2 Euro for 600 mls and 0.59c for 1.5 litres at the grocery shop, I guess they have to make a profit somehow. Also provides me with an opportunity to purchase some fruit.
Note to self: when buying fruit in shop make certain you weigh yourself and put a weight sticker on the bag otherwise checkout person will not be happy, hehe no fruit today.
I called Linda on Skype last night, so good to hear her voice even if I woke her up, also chatted talked to Clay on facebook this morning, each of the places I have stayed have had free unrestricted access wireless internet love my little laptop and the access it gives me. I have not heard from Ryan for some time nor have I seen him on facebook ( I use that a check to see if he is going OK if he is online he is ok). Checked with his girlfriend Alanna and she said they were having communication problems at his base.
This is a general warning to all readers I am a terrible speller and typist therefore just consider any typing or grematil errors as intentional, put in place English.
Well it has started the adventure of a lifetime the straight middle aged guy in a suit going through the slow process of bending to a normal guy or perhaps someone slightly more bent than normal. I am so happy I achieved my first goal; all my possessions for three months are in cabin baggage. Could have sacrificed the lap top and the camera then perhaps it would have been just the day pack.
The plan (for what it is worth), two weeks in Spain, a month in Corfu (Greece) three weeks of, Mmmm unsure perhaps Turkey and Croatia, then Thailand Laos and home around mid October.
It’s 7:15 PM I have been on the aircraft for 2.30 hours, haha still so far to go, 20 hours to London a 12 hour stop over and 2 hours to Barcelona Spain. And so the adventure starts, the young lady beside me on the plane is travelling through Europe and up to Ireland before coming back home and I think it’s her first trip by herself she usually travels with her 12 year old nephew mainly staying at Motels, all organised. How different we are, I could not stand to have the trip fully mapped out, I’m booked in Barcelona a bit sketchy about how I get to the Pension (bed), we will see what’s the worse that could happen, a night on the streets?
I may be rambling a little as I have had three small bottles of red wine on the plane (it will help with the deep vein stuff. because I will be getting up all night to go to the loo, thats my excuse anyway). Malabec from Argentina, a lovely mild red, perhaps a Merlo by another name.
A great send off at the airport Linda, (woops Lindy for mum, she still thinks Linda is from Thailand, don’t tell her) came down with me and Lucy came out to say good bye. A little sad but that’s the way it is, sometimes things that matter are hard to do. I can feel the stress of work slipping away as the shores of Australia disappear.
Just watched clash of the Titans during the flight and had a lovely curry to go with my red, I‘m thinking it’s time to read my new book on Spain. No bull fights to much gore. perhaps I will check when the tomato festival is on. Landed in Heathrow and thought I would break up the trip with a quick visit into London just a few hours and it passed in a blur. Back to Heathrow and on the plane to Barcelona,
Mmm navigation is up the shit, the sleeping in th egutter almost came to fruition. Arrived in Spain on the same night that the Spanish were playing the soccer finals, arrived in the suburbs of Barcelona at th estart of the game, the plan was to get to the pension and find a pub to watch the game. Only problem was that I turned right after I exited the metro, not left like I should have. After an hour and a half (about midnight) of pestering the locals (not that they could understand me) I ended up back at the metro, and you wouldn’t believe it, but 200 Metres in the correct direction (left), there was Pension Norma. The online reviews were wrong there was not greater than 100 steps up the stairs to reception, it was only 66 steps and I now know every one of them. I think I will beable to run up the stairs at Merewether now.
Barcelona is a great city so vibrant and interesting I just loved the old buildings and the design work. Also loved seeing the Picasso work, I think he was a bit naughty but.
Had a wonderful night, dinner in a restaurant, cusscuss, chicken and vegies oh and red wine. Surrounded by the noise of strange voices in a strange land, not understanding a word but sort of knowing what the conversations were about. The picture was perfect a long skinny restaurant everyone animated and gesturing to make a point, the different faces, the guy with the greco roman noise, the lady with the buff shoulders and her uncovered foot on the chair, the bald guy with the new tattoo on his neck. And afterwards, in the square the line up for the gelato ice cream, it is so hot everyone is out in the squares, a skill we have lost, the young and old sitting around in groups talking late into the night sharing a story or asking advice where we would be glued to the TV. I wish I could record this; a photograph would not do it justice.
Had a few beers with an Aussie (Grant) be is on a break from Afghanistan. He is a civilian (ex army) has been working as support over there on an US base for three years. He stays on base so relatively safe, but bad guys still lob rockets over the wall of the camp. He doesn’t know Ryan but it brought home a few truths again, it is the busiest it has been since he has been there and it will get worse over the next few months. I count the days until he comes home, woops better stop on that subject folks are looking at me wondering why thi sstrange person sitting in th ecorner is starting to tear up.
A night out in the tourisi traps of Barcelona, what a busy street too much fun and too many things to see. Must look alone have been approached by two ladies of the night.
Note to self: Barsalona pubs go to late but Metro closes at 11 PM.
Eventually gave up on trying to understand the bus system and settled on a taxi, yahoo he knew where I lived not that far. Mmm perhaps I should have tried that on the night I got lost, not that I saw any taxies they were probably watching the soccer.
Friday 16 July - I sit here in a busy cafeteria after my first night’s sleep in Valencia. I’m staying at a B&B between the old city and the beach (bus route 19 will be my home for a few nights). The B&B, a tiny room with my own bathroom (luxury), 30 Euros a night. I was chatting to a young Aussie girl on the train from Barcelona she has been paying the same for Hostels in shared rooms. The place I’m in is clean (except for the cockroach which made the receptionist scream). The room is super hot all night; I think my room is on a heater, but otherwise great (only 10 steps hehe).
The girls in the cafe are running past with fresh pastry setting up, the cafe is filling up people chatting and happy. This is the B&B breakfast, a coffee and croissant nice lucky I'm trying to keep the weight down. One of the things I can’t get over is the number of people with dogs out walking them in a busy city all shapes and sizes, n dth enumber who smoke everywhere. Wish I could speak a little Spanish.
Note to self: next time take the time out and listen to the Spanish CDs that you purchased before you come and try to learn a little.
I’m am so pissed off, although I have pulled my bag apart I realise I have left my Spain book at Barcelona, it’s not the book that matters it’s the photos that I had in there to keep flat, the ones I setup beside my bed each night, dam, dam.
A day at the aquarium - Another great day in my travel’s such a cool aquarium. The aquarium is next to ‘the city of art’ a walk from where I am staying. The city of art is a group of futuristic buildings focused around large pools of water, unbelievable cantilevered shapes, took some strange quirky minds to think of the building shapes. Then there is the aquarium, the range of fish is fantastic walking around there is lots to see from above with penguins, sea lions and an aviary, But it’s when you go below ground that the marine world opens up. At first thought you think there are just lost of big fish tanks, as you go further you realise that you have entered a tunnel and there are sharks, manta rays and fish of all sizes beside and above you, suddenly a diver plunges into the pool feeding the greedy fish. There are two tunnels one for sharks, rays and big fish and another with fish from a range of tropical areas. Although connected the tropical areas segregate the fish and specific regions are kept together. It was a hard choice on the fish I liked the most but finally it wasn’t a fish at all that was favourite but a tank full of jelly fish, they were doing a fantastic flamenco dance as they moved their transparent skirts propelling them gracefully through the water their skirts wafted like a fine piece of material in an updraft so cool with the light shining through them.
Went shopping at the grocery shop as I have been doing just stocking up on munchies and water. I carry 1.5 litres in my backpack whenever I go out. The bottled water in the sites costs around 2 Euro for 600 mls and 0.59c for 1.5 litres at the grocery shop, I guess they have to make a profit somehow. Also provides me with an opportunity to purchase some fruit.
Note to self: when buying fruit in shop make certain you weigh yourself and put a weight sticker on the bag otherwise checkout person will not be happy, hehe no fruit today.
I called Linda on Skype last night, so good to hear her voice even if I woke her up, also chatted talked to Clay on facebook this morning, each of the places I have stayed have had free unrestricted access wireless internet love my little laptop and the access it gives me. I have not heard from Ryan for some time nor have I seen him on facebook ( I use that a check to see if he is going OK if he is online he is ok). Checked with his girlfriend Alanna and she said they were having communication problems at his base.
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