ECUADOR | Friday, 13 Mar 2009 | Views [155] | Comments [1]
Amazing scenes aboard the Golondrina. Day 2 at The Galapagos Islands began with the announcement from one of our colleagues, Bert, that $150 was missing from his safety deposit box, apparently locked in his cabin. After lunch Bert called a meeting ... Read more >
ECUADOR | Friday, 13 Mar 2009 | Views [119]
Ecuador was next on our hit list and we were there to realise an ambition of Chloe's - The Galapagos Islands. For all we had heard it promised to be an outstanding part of our travels and it delivered. An unbelievable place. But more of that in a minute ... Read more >
COSTA RICA | Monday, 16 Feb 2009 | Views [109]
We
met Cara and Polly in the city of San Jose and it was all very
exciting as I hadn't seen Cara since we left England in July. After a
quick catch up they jumped on a bus to head to Puerto Viejo, on the
coast, where Matt and I would be joining ... Read more >
BELIZE | Monday, 2 Feb 2009 | Views [66]
Our first stop in Belize was a little place called Corozal which we were using as a pit stop, for one night, before heading out to the Cayes. We had booked into a little hotel and were greeted on our arrival by the American owner – well, technically, ... Read more >
MEXICO | Saturday, 17 Jan 2009 | Views [77] | Comments [1]
We found our self in Mexico (and on this Central American leg of our travels if we are honest) because I wanted to learn more about the Mayan civilisation. Inconveniently for me, the Mayans were similar to the Incas in that we don’t actually know a ... Read more >
SAINT LUCIA | Saturday, 17 Jan 2009 | Views [68]
I wont go into great detail about St Lucia as it hardly constitutes travelling (with the exception of getting there: Christchurch-Auckland-LA-Dallas-San Juan-St Lucia). We met up with Chloe's family who spend Christmas there and after Christmas we were ... Read more >
UNITED KINGDOM | Saturday, 17 Jan 2009 | Views [196] | Comments [3]
Here is a selection of
things that I've learnt about Chloe since we set off. This is an
ongoing list so be sure to check back for an updated list. You'll
probably find a What I've Learnt About Matt list on your
return too.
Chloe...
... Read more >
NEW ZEALAND | Saturday, 17 Jan 2009 | Views [51]
Ross, an old family friend from Shropshire, moved to New Zealand a few years back so we decided to pay him and his girlfriend Ceci a visit. The campervan and us rolled into the agricultural heart of NZ, Ashburton, and into the curious world of Ross Appleby.... Read more >
NEW ZEALAND | Saturday, 17 Jan 2009 | Views [73] | Comments [1]
Queenstown We liked the atmosphere in Queenstown as soon as we arrived. It's really buzzing and busy at the same time as being quite quaint with cosy little pubs and cafes. One of the first things we did was book ourselves ... Read more >
NEW ZEALAND | Saturday, 17 Jan 2009 | Views [48]
Taking the winding road out of Akaroa we were soon into the countryside again. We were heading for Arthur's Pass, a road that weaves over the spine of NZ's mountain range and its assoicated ski fields. Blessed again with ludicrous views and perfect weather ... Read more >
NEW ZEALAND | Saturday, 17 Jan 2009 | Views [59]
Kaikoura We decided to make Kaikoura our first stop on the South Island. It sounded like a sweet little town and apparently we might see some seals. That was no lie. As we approached the town, I spotted a seal on the ... Read more >
NEW ZEALAND | Saturday, 17 Jan 2009 | Views [58]
The
journey to Taupo threw up a few surprises. On our way into the town
of Tirau I noticed a new and impressive factory adorned with
'Corruagted Creations' signage. It was a big building and I couldn't
imagine that there would be that much demand ... Read more >
NEW ZEALAND | Saturday, 17 Jan 2009 | Views [49]
Auckland We arrived in New Zealand in the middle of a torrential downpour that didn't really stop all night. Already feeling slightly anxious about the campervan I had been talked into hiring for our three and a half weeks travelling through the country, ... Read more >
AUSTRALIA | Saturday, 17 Jan 2009 | Views [85] | Comments [1]
We tried to take a budget flight from Byron Bay to Sydney but Australia had had a bit of rain and the runway had warped (Australias version of leaves on the line ?) so we were
driven by bus to Surfers Paradise to get a replacement plane.... Read more >
AUSTRALIA | Friday, 16 Jan 2009 | Views [333]
Noosa
was a nice place. We stayed in a good hostel near a typically huge
beach and ate at a restaurant that had these incredible lamb and mint
pizzas (see Travel Notes: Incredible Food). It was a great place to
hang out and get some beach time – ... Read more >
AUSTRALIA | Thursday, 15 Jan 2009 | Views [178] | Comments [2]
When
we landed in Australia we had passed through Europe, survived Egypt,
experienced India and explored Hong Kong – so it was quite odd
arriving somewhere with no significant cultural or language
differences from home.
Which
was a great relief.... Read more >
HONG KONG | Thursday, 15 Jan 2009 | Views [111] | Comments [1]
Arriving
in Hong Kong airport was like arriving on a different planet after
India. It is the most impressive airport Ive ever seen, so modern and
efficient looking and absolutely spotless. I think by the time we
were aboard the 3-stop train that ... Read more >
INDIA | Wednesday, 14 Jan 2009 | Views [232] | Comments [2]
Alleppey The reason for going to Alleppey is to take a houseboat trip around the backwaters. It’s a top activity to tick off when you’re in the Kerala region of India. And to be fair it lived up to the hype. You have to be fairly relaxed ... Read more >
INDIA | Wednesday, 14 Jan 2009 | Views [225]
Rickshaw – Train – Train – Rickshaw – Taxi – Taxi – Train – Rickshaw – Ferry – Rickshaw (29 hours) The above summary breaks down the only way we could get to Cochin. The reason was typically Indian so I will spare you the details. What ... Read more >
INDIA | Wednesday, 14 Jan 2009 | Views [240] | Comments [1]
The journey to Cochin was the worst journey of my life (see Travel Notes: The journey to Cochin was the worst journey of my life). Cochin was a stop-over before heading to the beach towns of Kovalam and Varkala. It was really to break up our journey ... Read more >
INDIA | Friday, 10 Oct 2008 | Views [232]
Mumbai – Hyderabad – Hampi
As
we touched down in Mumbai it dawned, on me anyway, that the section
of our trip that I had perceived to be our first big challenge
(clearly I hadn't put enough thought into what ... Read more >
UNITED KINGDOM | Friday, 10 Oct 2008 | Views [183] | Comments [1]
We've heard some random things whilst travelling. Here are some of the curious things we've picked up. France: If you lose your driving license you are still allowed on the road if its to drive to work. But if that's too inconvenient you can ... Read more >
INDIA | Friday, 10 Oct 2008 | Views [181] | Comments [2]
I like travelling by train and Indian Rail is no exception. I'm sat on one now and I've just seen 4 kids washing themselves in a river jumping and waving manically at the sight of us. You see some amazing stuff. However, after the comparative luxury ... Read more >
JORDAN | Friday, 19 Sep 2008 | Views [123]
There are plenty of good things to do in Jordan, notably the dead sea, but I wasn't interested in floating about. I wanted to go to Petra. I had become slightly obsessed with Petra since I first saw an image of the Siq in the 1988 edition of Guiness ... Read more >
EGYPT | Friday, 19 Sep 2008 | Views [228]
Having taken just about all that we could of Cairo, it was with a sense of excitement (and renewed hope on my part) that we headed into the Western desert for a little adventure, including a night camping. Our three day get away began in the oasis ... Read more >
EGYPT | Friday, 19 Sep 2008 | Views [248]
This entry almost deserves the title Death on the Nile. We were warned “good places are difficult to come by in Cairo” but we didn't expect this to be so true and extend to Luxor as well. We did grapple some highlights though to ensure we had covered ... Read more >
SPAIN | Friday, 19 Sep 2008 | Views [134]
On arrival in Madrid, one of the first things that struck us was the relaxed atmosphere considering it is a capital city. The weather was glorious the whole time we were there and we had a great time just leisurely wandering around the city. Our accommodation ... Read more >
UNITED KINGDOM | Thursday, 4 Sep 2008 | Views [162] | Comments [1]
First Day Syndrome is basically the start of an on-going cycle. We arrive in a new place, check into the accommodation (varying degrees of standard) and head out for a bit of an explore. This invariably ends up being much longer than planned, when we're ... Read more >
FRANCE | Tuesday, 2 Sep 2008 | Views [189]
After a tearful goodbye in Antibes (for real this time!) it was on to Albi, in France, to stay with Arnie Sue and Uncle Bri! It was so nice to be staying in a home again, especially one with English Sky TV! And so ensued some serious Olympic viewing ... Read more >
ITALY | Tuesday, 2 Sep 2008 | Views [521] | Comments [5]
This story is dedicated to Terry Summerbell. 5 nights in Rome is quite a while so we thought a day at the local waterpark might be fun. Travelling is about doing stuff,we were told, rather than simply seeing stuff. So we set off on our journey - i´d ... Read more >
FRANCE | Monday, 1 Sep 2008 | Views [219] | Comments [3]
Chloes´s birthday fell whilst we were in Antibes so, after acting tourists, we scheduled a beach break. Months previously chloe´s mum, Pip, and I had hatched a plan for her and Chloe´s dad, Stefan, to come over to Antibes as a surprise. Incidentally, ... Read more >
ITALY | Monday, 1 Sep 2008 | Views [240]
Our arrival in Rome saw what we have come to call 'first day syndrome'(see travel notes). The hostel appeared pretty ropey, especially the caged 'elevator', the design of which one can only assume was based on the set of some terrifying horror movie! ... Read more >
UNITED KINGDOM | Saturday, 16 Aug 2008 | Views [154]
This blog entry is a place to recall some of the awesome food we've had since going on our travels. Some are there to reminisce about others so we can attempt to replicate when we get home. Note: I'm a kiev and beans kind of man so you'll ... Read more >
ITALY | Friday, 15 Aug 2008 | Views [583] | Comments [3]
Florence is home of the paintings of Botticelli, the sculptures of Michaelangelo and also some renowned architecture (sorry, didn't pick up the names). It is also the capital of the region of Tuscany and home of Dr. Lecter in the film Hannibal. ... Read more >
ITALY | Friday, 15 Aug 2008 | Views [222]
Now, we all know that Venice is built on water. However, nothing can prepare you for what it's actually like when you get there. As we walked out of the station we were confronted by a sea of water, stretched out in front of us for as far as we could ... Read more >
FRANCE | Sunday, 10 Aug 2008 | Views [330] | Comments [3]
Alternatively titled: 'how to lose a nights kip'. I've laid my cards out on the table here so you know where this particular journal entry is heading, however, I confess I was excited by the prospect of the sleeper train. Many of you will be aware of ... Read more >
FRANCE | Thursday, 7 Aug 2008 | Views [403] | Comments [7]
...and straight into the safe hands of old mate Tom Trounce. Some people might be disappointed that we didn't head further afield for our first stop - not us, our neighbours across the water have plenty to offer! dunnhumby Tom took us to a leaving ... Read more >
UNITED KINGDOM | Tuesday, 24 Jun 2008 | Views [230] | Comments [3]
Thanks for checking out our journal. We'll try to keep it interesting! I dare say the next nine months are going to be eventful - for better or worse...
