I'm doing it!!

Homeward bound

mudchild_11 — Sat, 31 Mar 2012 19:17:00 GMT

So my last entry....

Wow its been an amazing experience to say the least.
I have laughed like I haven't laughed in years, narrowly missed coming off the side of a mountain, made some great new mates and experienced so many different things.
I don't think I will ever forget ATV driving with dad...the chaos of it all! Plus the fact that Dad still had sunglasses on when it was dark! Surprised I will be returning in one piece!
Snorkeling on the Great Barrier Reef, living on a boat on the Whitsundays, working at the dog rescue in CM, becoming a goat muster er at a ranch, seeing Anchor Wat, having the worst possible hangover on Christmas day!...and how could I forget my boat journey from hell!!! So many more experiences......way to many to mention.

I am quite surprised I managed to keep the blog up for so long but its been a great way of keeping in touch and a kind of therapy for me.
Hope I haven't bored you too much. Oh and excuse my awful spellings on the blog (travelling is too short to be too fussy! plus I get charged by the minute for the net!)

Thanks for your comments on here...its what kept me writing it! You know who you are, you loyal readers!!!

So that's it!
6 months and 10 days of travelling!
I am officially homeward bound.

See you soon, cant wait!!!!!

Lots of love
Kerry xxxxx

Last stop Singapore!

mudchild_11 — Thu, 29 Mar 2012 22:42:00 GMT

Singapore

So after a wonderful time in Langkawi, where to be honest I did practically nothing apart from hangout and laze, I am here in Singapore!

I don't think I had mentioned it previously but I had my favourite captain on the plane again! During my flight to Langkawi I had the most hilarious pilot on board. You know when they do the announcements-we are at 33,000 feet etc?? Well this guy had me in hysterics. Talking about how its windy out so ladies watch your skirts. Introducing the staff on board and really embarrassing by calling the young guy handsome-meaning we all turned to stare at him. He has an extremely distinctive voice so as soon as it came on on this flight I knew it was him..so hilarious. He always signs off as him and his partner in crime (the co-pilot). Helen - you would have been in hysterics.

Anyway I reached my hostel in Clarke Quay and checked in and all that and somehow ended up on a 6 hour walk through the city and the park. I cannot tell you how much my feet hurt when I got back or what a sight I must have looked -sweaty English girl in the heat. The singapore ladies are so beautifully turned out it puts me to shame!!!!
I stopped off for an hour or so at the end at the river and just sat and people/river watched.

After a really long sleep last night with my 11 new room mates, I had some free toast and tea and headed off to Little India.

Little India is only a short time on the MRT and was really worth seeing. Sadly my 'tough' camera decided to die on me yesterday so I couldn't get any pics, which is such a shame as its a really cool place. I was in heaven with all the veggie food on offer...everywhere you turn there are veggie places galore. My plan was to eat my way round and try lots of little things so I started off having some a snack of some sort of bread with dahl which was yummy. I sat with a couple of guys who were sailing around Asia so they were pretty interesting. Also veggies!

They have a big shopping centre there -the top floor is all Saris and beautiful Indian clothing. I did think about getting a Sari and wearing it for the flight home just for a giggle :)

On the ground floor there are wall to wall stalls so next I tried Thosai (think that's the name) which was absolutely delicious. My plan for trying more food stopped after this as I was stuffed.

Its a really colourful busy place with lots of fruit and veg stalls, and lots of people. After wandering about some more, people watching and admiring all the lovely fruit and veg stalls I thought I would keep busy and head to Chinatown.

Chinatown was really fun too, busy with lots of stalls and places to eat. That's one thing about Asia. The amount of places to eat is incredible-the eating out culture here is massive. Anyway I was too full so just went to a juice bar and had a wander. I had my eyebrows threaded for the first time as I hadn't plucked mine for ages, smartening myself up for my return!

Interesting ..I was followed in Chinatown for about 4 hours by a man. Only for him to finally come up to me to ask if I would like his 'services' this evening. God apparently now I look like I want to pay for an escort. Anyway I told him no of course. The funny thing is he actually appeared in the most random store as I was browsing all the funny things for sale, and must have followed me across the bridge and everywhere. Keeps making me giggle as I imagine him hiding behind stalls as I went along.

Not sure what I will do tomorrow-may vege out in the park for a bit. I did think about going to Universal Studios but I think that's one thing I wouldn't really want to do alone -also clubbing. Would be quite embarrassing screaming my head off alone!

Anyway this is the penultimate entry of the blog-I really only have one full day left now so until the next one...........

Lots of love

xxxx

Langkawi

mudchild_11 — Mon, 26 Mar 2012 21:58:00 GMT

So here in Langkawi -a Malaysian Island now for a bit of tan-topping.
I am staying at Zachery's and so far so good! Its a really nice social place with pool, communal area, mini kitchen and about 5 mins from the beach. Plus free tea/coffee/water/mini kitchen and towels!!! Woohoo its the small things that make me happy :)
They also have 3 dogs which always makes me feel at home too.
Its so hot here that I can only manage a couple of hours at the beach at a time.
we spent one evening up drinking scotch with the owner which was pretty fun. There is a nice bunch of people here so we have all been hanging out most days with the guy that works here. I have to say its probably one of my favourite places I have stayed, its just so nice to hang out and just enjoy the weather and not to have to even set an alarm.
We went out last night to one of the local clubs after a 4 hour drinking session including lots of drinking games which I will definitely be making you all do when I am home.
I think I will be going on a day trip in the next couple of days with one of the girls but I wont do that much as its just so nice just being here and chilling.
One of the girls was moving on this morning so a group of us went for a goodbye breakfast and then I have just been a sloth by the pool.
I also hired a moped this afternoon as the roads are pretty safe here and you have to have a license unlike some places I have been. I swear the amount of times in Thailand some 18yr old westerner on a moped has almost ran me over!

The weather has been fab-really hot but right now its torrential rain-just as we were about to go shopping! There are rumours of karaoke tonight so I think I will need to get a couple of drinks down me ;0

Its my last day in Malaysia tomorrow so I am quite sad but I have a few days to explore Singapore and then I get to see all you lot!!!

Next update from Singapore xx

One of the definate highlights -Borneo

mudchild_11 — Fri, 23 Mar 2012 21:57:00 GMT

Wow!

So that was an amazing few days!!
Just got back from Jungle camp in Borneo.

I arrived at Sandakan airport late at night after another very bumpy flight, realising I had forgotten to let the B&B know how late I was arriving! Luckily they were still up so I had somewhere to sleep.
The following morning we were dropped off a Sepilok Orangutan sanctuary just in time for feeding time. There was quite a few people there which wasn't that great as they are quite shy but we got lucky and 2 youngsters swung their way over to the feeding platforms and gobbled down the food in no time. They are adorable and look like they have so much fun swinging about although I always think they have a bit of sadness in their eyes :(
Anyway as soon as they had eaten they were off and the platform was taken over by some small monkeys who got the scraps. You cant see the babies unfortunately, although I expect this is better for the Orangutans in the long run-I guess I will just watch them on youtube for now!
After the centre we headed back to the B&B for some lunch before we set off into the jungle-to base camp.
It was about a 1.5 hour drive to the Kinabatangn river where we took a small boat to camp. On the way to camp we spotted about 5 crocodiles on the banks, countless beautiful birds, long tailed monkeys and wild Orangutans chilling in the trees.
Our camp was pretty basic but had everything we needed and was set in the jungle with part of the river running through it. We were given a sheet and shown to our huts which were basically open air huts but with a roof. We had a mattress and a mossie net on each. We were told to put any food in the bins they provided as it would be very likely we could have visitors in the night. All the huts are shared, so I ended up sharing with 2 couples, bonus being I got a double too! Plus I wasn't thrown in the singles hut;)
After some dinner with the group we had a bit of a singalong with the guides and their guitars which was pretty cool. Some good music too!
That night we had a nighttime boat safari down the river to see what we could spot. Saw lots of sleeping birds in the trees and a couple of wildcats.
I had an interesting nights sleep! Lots of rustling in our hut and apart from the noises coming from the jungle it was silent! And very, very dark!
The next morning we were woken up at 6am and for once in my whole life I was straight up! We took another boat ride and saw some Orangutans hanging out in the trees. In the evening after another lovely meal we went on a trek in the jungle which was quite spooky! Saw some massive spiders and some gorgeous Kingfishers fast asleep just centimeters away. The birds are blind at night so you can get so close and they don't move at all. After about an hour we headed back to camp where I passed out almost immediately! Unfortunately I woke up in the night at 3am desperate for the loo so had to find my way i the pitch black which was very spooky esp with crocodiles on my mind.

Such an amazing experience.

The next day we headed back to the main site, where I stayed the night and headed to the airport early the next morning to Langkwai where I am now writing this!
Its boiling and I somehow have a hangover from just 3 beers!

Not long now folks......

Kuala Lumpur

mudchild_11 — Sat, 17 Mar 2012 12:57:00 GMT

So after saying goodbye to Ubud I was flying off to Singapore. Short but sweet stay (kind of). Well it took me about 2 hours and 3 tubes to get to my hostel for one night but it paid off in the end as they let me leave some stuff at the hostel until I go back there on the 28th. Means I am travelling light! Woohoo!! Such a relief I have to say just having a bag. After an hour flight to KL, I took a bus and monorail to my hostel (Rainforest B&B) The hostel is really lovely and cute, great location, the only downside being I am practically sleeping with the women either side of my bed! They are so close together! The free breakfast and the cleanliness makes up for it though, and to be honest I am used to it now.

There is a amazing place to eat just across the road. Its a Southern Indian place where the veggie menu is HUGE. The food is amazing. Has to be one of the best so far.

Anyway I have been exploring the city-checked out China town, Petaling Street market and Little India. There are some nice stalls but you do get hassled! I had one man practically following me down the street, trying to get me to buy computer games! I kept on hiding from him for the rest of the day!

The city looks pretty cool at nighttime, with all the lights, traffic and crowds. Its crazy busy but fab for people watching. I'm off to see those towers that everyone talks about today..haha think I had better really! Later on I am off to the airport for a 3-hour flight to Borneo.

I will see orangutans tomorrow at the famous sanctuary so I am so happy :) I am doing a 2 night/3 day wildlife trek. We stay in very basic huts with no showers-just a bucket to wash in! Haha I will be roughing it to the extreme so hopefully there will be no handsome men there to impress ;)

Speak soon.....cant believe in 2 weeks today, I will be getting set to fly home!

Bad luck!!!

Monkeying around in Ubud

mudchild_11 — Tue, 13 Mar 2012 22:24:00 GMT

So still in Ubud-I was going to head to the beach resorts but heard they can be a bit hit or miss and a bit drunken and me being the reformed character I am! No not really I just fancied staying put here and enjoy Ubud for a bit longer!

I headed to the monkey forest the other day, which is basically a forest with a lake and a temple in there with ALOT of monkeys running around freely. And I mean they are everywhere.

They are all wild and live completly free but are quite willing to come up to you and eat whatever they can/steal. I had a good wander about, bought some banana's off the vendor and then was surrounded. It was so funny, one minute I was cooing over a cute little small one when a huge one would storm over and practically steal the food from my hands!

I saw lots of babies who were holding on tight to mums tummy whist she wandered about.They were so cute and weirdly so human like. Wrinkly old men like babies!

It was pretty cute the way they check for fleas etc on each other and sprawl about. They make me laugh so much with their mannerisms-they way one of them was sitting is making me giggle now writing this! I have a picture so I will post it as soon as I can.

Anyway I went back to my banana vendor man and asked him if he would mind taking some pics of me feeding the monkeys as I wanted to get one of me and one. It practically turned into a photo shoot! He told me to sit down and hold the fruit high so a monkey would jump on my shoulder and straight away I had a cute one on my shoulder eating the fruit!

Typically though the massive big bully one spotted the action and jumped on my head. It was hilarious and so much fun, it is definitely one of my highlights purely as it was so big and everyone else seemed to get the small, cute ones. After that I seemed to get stuck with him on my shoulder whilst my camera man snapped away. He got some great shots, which I will post; none too attractive of me as I did have about 3 monkeys on me at one point. I let him keep the change as he was so sweet helping me with the pictures but still kept filling up my bag with fruit to feed them. I loved it there-its hilarious so I shall be going back again tomorrow!

On Sunday I went on a cycling tour through the villages and rice paddy fields of Ubud. I have to say when my alarm went off at 7am I was kinda regretting it!

We started off having lunch at a restaurant looking out at a volcano. Amazing views for miles round. We soon set off on our bikes, stopping at places along the way. It was pretty hard work considering the heat here. I think it must be the hottest place so far;not for the sunny necessarily but its a real sweaty heat. Anyway back to cycling! So we cycled round for quite a few hours, stopping to see sights. It was really interesting. There is a celebration here soon, which unfortunately I will miss, but there is alot of preparation going on. The young ones of every Hindu family are building a statue of the evil spirit which they use in the festival. I cant remember exactly what they do with it but I know that they have a 'quiet day' where everyone says inside and don't speak, cook or work etc. I am so interested in religion and culture so found it very interesting. RE was strangly my favourite subject at school so I would be quite interested in learning more once home.

There were some killer hills on the route, and I surprised myself by managing to get the whole way up. I love cycling and seem to have found an exercise I actually enjoy so I will have to get a helmet once back and get started!

One of our stops was at a coffee plantation and we tried lots of coffees and teas. I couldn't get enough of the vanilla one or the Lemongrass tea so have a couple of samples for home.

We stopped for lunch at the guides house. Most people live in what they call 'compounds; which are like courtyards with lots of room for each family, couples etc and kitchen/toilet. They also have family temples in each one and communal eating areas. They are beautiful. Decorated so beautifully like alot of places in Ubud.

The food was gorgeous and mostly veggie! All the food is freshly prepared everyday and so healthy.

After a good late lunch we were off again through the villages. The children were so sweet along the way and would come charging out to say hello. My mouth aches from saying hello so many times and smiling!

Once I was back to my place I was shattered. I haven't felt that worn out in a long time, my muscles were killing me. I literally fell asleep as soon as I got back.

So basically this has been my time in Ubud. Its been fab, and its been so nice to potter about and relax.

I am flying to Singapore tomorrow! I stay there for one night and then I head to Kuala Lumpur for a couple of days before I head to Borneo for some more monkeys!

Speak soon

xxx

Ubud

mudchild_11 — Thu, 8 Mar 2012 16:11:00 GMT

Well hey all

Here I am in Ubud. Its so hot!! I literally walk up the street and I am a mess!

So I got a flight to Bali from Perth and literally got scammed as soon as I got there! I am always not really that with it after a flight because of my ears etc so when two men grabbed my bags I was too disorientated to stop them! Of course once they had picked them up, they wanted paying for it-luckily it wasnt that much, just a pound or so. Although I think I did get charged $5 for a can of coke as the currency here takes a bit to get used to! Its basically approx 14000ish rupiah to the pound. Which you can probably tell is confusing! After a taxi ride of about 1.5hours I was in Ubud.

I am staying in a gorgeous place called 'Wena Homestay' I have my own room (yippee) and its lovely-huge bed, veranda, lots of lovely artwork. Its set in a courtyard where there is a temple type praying area, little shrines, a huge statue of Ganesh. They have a fat dog who lounges about most the day by the shrine. There are flowers everywhere and incense burning-it really is so cool. Each morning they bring me my breakfast on my balcony and its the nicest eggs on toast I have ever had. Along with the tea, which comes without milk and is surprisingly nice. Ubud is supposed to be the spiritual heart of Bali and the artwork here is unbelievable. If only I had more walls! Or space in my backpack! Its a Hindu area and everywhere you go there are little offerings in the street of little flowers and incense burning. Its a little town FULL of shops and cafes. There are lots of nice places to eat and I have had some great, cheap veggie food.

Its a bit like Pie in Thailand in regards to the clothing!Very hippy and chilled out.

I have just really been exploring really for the past few days to be honest. I love people-watching and spending time drinking coffee and reading so its be lovely. Strangely since I have been away I have discovered a taste for coffee, not sure I want to add that to my big list of vices so only having 10 a day. Only joking about 2 a week!

Yesterday was the full moon so the locals were dressed in lovely clothes and leaving more offerings than normal.

Ubud market is AMAZING! Kerry paradise- trinkets galore! The things on sale are so beautiful. Been trying to think how I can get a 4ft Buddha back-just kidding Dad.

Anyway I am treating myself to a sea salt scrub and massage this afternoon. Lets hope its a nice experience this time hey! I still have nightmares about my blind masseuse.

I have booked myself on a full day cycling tour for some reason this weekend. It takes you all through Ubuds villages and Paddy fields so hopefully the pain will be worth it :)

Before I go, I must recommend a book I read in one day as I was hooked. Its called One moment, one morning by Sarah Raynor. If anyone wants a new book I would really recommend it. Its sad though -just a warning!

Perth and catching up with old friends!

mudchild_11 — Tue, 6 Mar 2012 16:29:00 GMT

Ah how nice it was to be met at the airport by Kirsty!
No trying to work out how to get from A-B!

I was really ready for some home comforts after slumming it in hostels. We had a great first night eating kebabs and drinking wine.
The next day I lounged in my pjamas and watched morning TV which was bliss-even had my marmite on toast!
In the afternoon Kirsty took me on a little road trip and we visited Hilarys beach, Scarborough beach and Kings park.
We had an early start the next day as we were leaving for the Margret River where we had booked a cabin for the weekend and a wine tour.
After a nice drive to the river, well for me -Kirsty was driving! We got to the little campsite where we were staying which was lovely. Nice little cabin with kitchenette, just by the river.
Its such a nice setting with a river in the campsite with lots of very friendly ducks (greedy too!)
We set off on our wine tour and basically spent the day tasting wine and eating cheese! Very nice indeed!
Although I'm no wine connoisseur (I drink Lambrini !) it was fun tasting all the wines, I especially enjoyed the cheese part.
The next day we went tp Canal rocks where the sea was unbelievable - so crazy. The waves were huge and crashing against the rocks.
In the afternoon we made the most of the BBQ by the river back at the campsite and had a huge feast and wine. The ducks were off course helping us with the food. They were so tame they were take food from your hand. The parrots are everywhere there too-they will come and sit on your balcony after food.

I met up with my Aussie friend Natasha, who I had met at Superdrug on the Wednesday and she took me to Rottnest Island just about 1/2 bpat ride from Perth.
After a fun journey there, we picked up our bikes we hired and explored the island. Had a lovely day, swimming in the sea, eating ice cream and it was so good to catch up!
I even got to see a Quorkka, which looks like a mini kangaroo/rat -so cute!

I also visited Freemantle prison which was horrible-tiny cells. Cant believe it was still open in the 90s!
Perth is a really nice, laid back place which seems to always be sunny!
I enjoyed Freemantle too and spent the day there on the Saturday with Natasha-cool markets there too.

So after a lovely relaxing week I was off to Bali, where i am now trying to write in 35 degree heat! Sorry probbly my worst entry yet but this heat is too much!!!!
More on Ubud later..

xxx

Ps thanks Kirsty for a great week!!!

Melbourne and the Great Ocean road

mudchild_11 — Fri, 24 Feb 2012 12:21:00 GMT

Melbourne -second time round

So here I am back in Melbourne - I landed here very early saturday morning - 3am!
As the considerate girl I am, I used my phone as a torch so not too wake anyone. Just got to sleep at about 4am when the light comes on and stays on for 2 hours! Even when I turned it off some drunk girl turned it straight back on..grrrr
So I woke up Sunday and turned the light on much to the hungover girls distress but hey ho!! The other girls in my room are really sweet even if they don't understand me as one girl from South Korea doesn't speak much English.
Wandered about the city for a while. Read for ages by the river and just chilled. In the evening I met up with Tom and Maddy-my friends from Cambodia and Thailand. We are all pretty poor so we got some ciders and sat by the river drinking and catching up. Ended up seeing a few sights! A boat with a stripper on there surrounded by about 50 women! Then if that wasnt enough nakedness for the night, a man jumped into the river starkers and swam across the river, got to the bank the other side and chased some man about. Entertaining!
After our ciders we headed to Brunswick Street to a bar, then ended up at a house party in Richmond.
Next morning with a slightly sore head I spent some time in the city window shopping.
On Monday I made it down for the free breakfast of toast as I was meeting Maddy and Tom pretty early in a place called Hurstbridge. We had a bit of a wander about and had a fab lunch. Headed back in the city and met my friend Jemma for some wine in a nice bar. Jemma is living here for a year so is trying to find work here at the moment. I could quite easily live here myself!
Tuesday was another lovely day-mooching about the ciity. Jemma and I had booked tickets for Dracula's in the evening. Draculas is like a caberet show wiith a spooky element to it. You also have a 3 course meal whilst there. It was pretty good, food wasnt that amazing but the show was good and the ghost ride to the restaurant was hilarious! I somehow got persuaded to stay out with Jemma, despite having a 7am start for a tour..so easily influenced eh!? Had a really funny nigh..something I regretted when my alarm went off the next morning!
Oh my head hurt that morning and waking up with 10 minuttes to get ready didnt help!
Also didnt help I hadnt been sleeping that well due to sharing a room with an imsomminiac. She literally was up all night with her light on next to my bed playing on her computer. Drived me mad! Looking forward too Perth even more now-no inconsiderate roomies!
After passing out on the bus for an hour, I woke up to the most views and the gorgeous Bell's beach. Its famous surfing place where lots of competitions held. We then head off along the Great Ocean Road which was the road built after world war 1. Its a very long sttrecth of road along the coast line and is really beautiful. I was on the left haand side so had a greay view of the ocean and mountains. We stopped off at various places, one being the 12 Apostles. AMAZING! So pleased I didnt give in to my hangover and miss the tour as it was such a sight to see. The sun was beginning to go down so the sea was all sparkly. I will pop some pics up soon. The final stops on the tour was an amazing deserted beach and a cove which had a tragic story of a shipwreck behind it. See its not all sun, chilling and beer, I'm learning stuff too!
It was a long day and I didnt get back until about 9pm, so it was straight to bed and up early to pack for Perth!!

I expect the next update on the blog will involve fake moustaches, fancy dress and alot of alcohol. I am staying with Kirsty-my school friend who has lived in Oz for about 5 years now and we have been known to get up to mischeif!! She is kindly letting me crash at hers for over a week so its going to be a fun week. No bunk beds in sight! We are off camping tomorrow near the Margret River which is going to be brill. We shall be stocking up on booze and food and going on a wine tour!

Speak soon xxxx

Fiji time

mudchild_11 — Sun, 19 Feb 2012 11:33:00 GMT

So Fiji wasn't all rain and scary boat rides - it was actually pretty bloody amazing.

My first stop was Nacula island, staying at Blue Lagoon resort. The dorm was the best I have seen..loads of space, towels, flowers on the bed and most of all it smelt like roses! The first couple of days were pretty rainy but I had great fun jumping the enormous waves in the sea, making bracelets and drinking cava. I was really lucky and met some really nice girls to hang out with and soon the sun was out! In the evenings some men from the village would come over and would play music and drink cava. Cava is a traditional drink made from root cava plant and it can make you feel pretty relaxed! I was made chief by Noble who led the Cava proceedings and had to sit next to him with a flower behind my ear. Think he was trying to get me to be the next Mrs Noble!

We did a couple of trips whilst there, one was a trip to the caves where the film 'Blue Lagoon' was filmed. I have to stop myself saying 'movie' - need to keep my Britishishness !

It was basically a freshwater cave which led to another cave. The only way to get to the second cave was to swim under water in the pitch black through a gap quite deep down. It really was pretty scary as so claustrophobic and dark. The guide would go on one end a shine a light which you had to swim to-once you got there he would help you get up as if you came up to quickly you would hit your head on the cave ceiling. Pretty cool indeed.

Another highlight was a trip to the village where the villagers danced a welcome ceremony for us, in traditional clothes. They ended up dragging us up too and it was pretty hilarious. I danced with one lady of about 90 with no teeth.

Did I mention I had a champagne breakfast on the beach??? Ha, this really is the life eh? It was a prize for a game we won where we had to answer questions about Fiji, throw seashells and crack open coconuts etc, I was lucky as I had some very rainy people on my team!

After a fab 4 days at Blue Lagoon I was off to 'Otto and Fannies' resort on a nearby island. I had heard it was very different and pretty rustic so I was intrigued to see what I would find!

The resort is actually one of the oldest in the Fiji island ad is owned by a family -Otto and Fannie are husband and wife -sadly Otto had died 2 years previously but its such a cool find -completely family run. They greeted me at the beach along with 6 dogs(inc 3 pups) so I knew I was going to enjoy it there! They had very sweetly upgraded me for free to my own garden bure, which is basically a little hut complete with terrace and bathroom. Very cute. My own hammock outside. I was the only person on the whole beach-clear water and so many gorgeous fish . The rain unfortunately was pretty heavy for 2 of the days but I just took it as some time to catch up on sleep and my book.

It was actually so embarrassing being the only person there as on my night-time meals they would serenade me with Fijian songs as I was eating! I couldn't stop laughing. I enjoyed some cave after my meals with the family and it was actually so nice as I learnt so much about Fiji. One afternoon I sat with Fannie, who I had already met by chance on the boat up to Blue lagoon. I should have realised I was the only guest when she had known my name straight away on the boat! Anyway she told me all about her childhood, the dogs (which are extremely loved) and making tea for the Queen! She also mentioned the boat journey... bearing in mind this lady is in her 70s and has lived on the islands all her life, she said it was the worst journey she had ever been on and she has been on alot. It was so bad that she couldn't feel her arms or legs either and said she had gone into shock-she even had to have an injection when she got back to the island. Just goes to show how bad it actually was!!

I did plenty of snorkelling too and actually saw 3 reef sharks-don't worry mother I am still here to tell the tale but lets just say the fish made a quick exit.

On the last night, Mark who was one of the family asked me to put on a 'sula' which is a sarong, so my knees were covered and to follow him! Don't worry nothing dodgy!

After eating my amazing veggie meal which included seaweed from the river I went down to where the villagers live and they asked me to join them on the woven mat to drink cava. An elder in the village had died and its traditional for all the villagers to stay up that night and drink cava and pay their respects. So basically here was little old me with a family of about 14 plus the village dog drinking cava by lamp. It was pretty amazing experience..soon the rain started to come so we all headed to a hut and carried on there. I learnt so much about their culture and they were so welcoming to let me join them.

After a heavy cava session I called it a night as the Cava was taking effect. I was leaving that morning for my next island and before I left they planted a palm tree for me which they told me to come back and see soon. After a little boat ride up to the Catamaran wearing my flower garland I was heading off to my next stop -Octopus.

The boat journey was pretty tame compared to the last one, apart from when we hit a certain channel and the waves were back.

There was a welcome drink and singing to great us at the next island and I soon made friends with a girl from Liverpool and saw a girl I had befriended on another island. Good job as I was convinced I was going to be surrounded by honeymooners.

The next few days was all about snorkelling, its really amazing as you can literally step off the beach and you hit the reef with the most amazing jelly fish. Did I mention the jelly fish??? Ha yes Portuguese Man of war jelly fish had been swept in from the storm so it was a little bit scary in case I saw one but the fish were so amazing I couldn't resist the water.

I also went on a school visit and all the local kids performed songs etc for us which was really sweet.

It was such a nice few days and when the boat came to take me back to the mainland I was pretty sad to leave.

Laura, the girl from Liverpool, plus a couple of guys we met on the island were also on the mainland so it was nice to have them to hang out with till my flight.

You know how bad luck comes in three's..... First off one of my (many) bags was not loaded on the boat so I was very worried I would not get it back before my flight as the boat only runs once a day-luckily I managed to get it back just before I left for the airport the next day. Second bad luck-walking to meet Laura for dinner when I stepped on a shard of glass which went through my flipflop and into my foot. I hobbled along, looked down at my foot and it was covered in blood. It was so gross. The Fijian people are so lovely though and I was whicked into first aid where they patched up my foot and I was as good as new, hence a big bandage. Luckily I have flipflop feet now after months of travelling as if I had babty soft feet it would have gone much further in (sorry guys I bet you are picturing battered feet now-they aren't that bad) Thirdly after my dinner I headed to my room only for a lizard to commit suicide in front of me. It literally just throw itself of the wall and died at my feet :(

So Fiji was brilliant. The people are by far the nicest I have met, just very warm, friendly, laid back happy, fun people who have real amazing community spirit. Its not to con you either, they don't really want anything other than a chat. So as you can see I was sad to leave but I was also looking forward to getting to Melbourne and meeting friends and to also get some chocolate as it had been a while!

ahhhhhhh and I had a whole row of seats on the plane all to myself.....bliss

xxxxx

Boat journey from hell!

mudchild_11 — Fri, 17 Feb 2012 15:15:00 GMT

Bula everyone,

So Fiji..I can look back now and laugh but my first couple of days were a nightmare!

As you probably knew there has been horrendous weather in Fiji-the worst for 10 years and its cyclone season too. I arrived early morning as was due to take the seaplane to the Nacula Island. Well as soon as they got the (very small) plane out, the rain had come, and boy did it rain!!

We were asked to go to a local place for lunch whilst they checked the weather but it was torrential. There was a couple waiting to get to the island too and poor them were on holiday so just wanted to get there. It became clear after a while that we were not going anywhere so I checked into a hotel. I then found out people had been stranded for days due to the weather. No one could tell me if the booat would run the next day and when I woke to the awful weather I thought I was stranded too. Luckily the bus came and we set off to the boat where I experienced my worst journey I have ever had.

I should have realised when they did an announcment to let us know that the sea conditions were extremly rough and we would have to sit for the journey. The catamaran drives daily up the Yasawa islands stopping at different islands-my stop was the last. 5 hours away.

From the start we were crashing up and down the waves -I cant explain it but at times we were mid air just flying through. People were so frightened including me. I was telling a guy opposite me how scared I was and he was saying it would be fun. 10 minutes later he is constantly throwing up like the rest of the boat. I later saw him passed out wrapped in blankets. He said he couldnt feel his arms or legs. I think everyone on the boat almost was sick and very green. Luckily I dont get seasick.

When I didnt think the journey could get any worse,we hit a really rough part of the sea and the waves were giant! This is where I got really scared and had to hang on tight. If you didnt you went flying. I cant tell you the relief when we finally reached our stop. A small boat from the island collected us and even then we got soaked!

We finally got to the island to welcome drinks and music. I was so happpy to see lovely clean dorms with flowers on the bed. Blue lagoon looked gorgeous-apart from the weather.

I finally recovered from the journey and within a couple of days the sun had his hat on again!

To be contd...

xxxx

Melbourne and everyone needs good neighbours!

mudchild_11 — Fri, 17 Feb 2012 07:49:00 GMT

Hey everyone,

I have been so slack on the emails due to lack of time, no connection and hey too much sun and fun!

So I will start to fill you in on what I have been up to..

I took a flight from Sydney to Melbourne and after a quick flight with alot of turbalance I arrived in Melbourne.

My hostel was ok ish -not the best but better than my other experience. It did have see-through showers cubicles though which was pretty awful considering the shower is probably the only place you get to yourself in the city!

The first afternnon I just took in the city. Its such a cool city with a real coffee culture and lots of places to watch the world go by in.

I found a amazing fast food place called 'Lord of the fries' which is completly veggie so I got myself a meal and sat down by the river which is right in the city and found myself surrounded by seagulls!

By the time I goot back to the hostel is was getting late and I had an early night in preparation for my early start going on the Neighbours tour!

It was such a fun tour-we got picked up by a hilarious Irish guide who could possibly be the bigggest Neighbours fan ever. Our first stop was the studios where everything is set apart from the street. Basically one building can double up as hospital/prison (yes a prison in Neighbours).

We got to meet one of the stars -I was hoping for Dr K or at Harold and I met one of the new stars that I didnt know but was still fun.

We then drove to the street which is actually a real street- similar to the Readens in a way but with less houses. Its so surreal as you feel like you have been there before as the houses are so familiar. It was funny to see Harold Bishops house so got some funny pictures from there. I may have to start sky plussing Neighbours again as its makes yyou realise how depressing Eastenders is in comparision. After all its not everyday that you can recover from cancer in a day or have a huge car crash and only spend a day in intensive care! Have you ever noticed too that they all use the same bed in hospital?? hehe

We watched one funny scene that I remember so well-it was the scene when Harold 'died'.Did you notice how calm the water actually was? Never known anyone to be knocked off rocks by water so calm!

It was such a great experience so think I will definatey be tuning in again!

I spent the rest of my time in Melbourne exploring really. It really is such a nice place. So many joggers, cyclists and rowers-makes me want to get into exercse when I get back (kind of). There are lots of nice shops, cute alleyways where there are lovely boutiques and cute coffee shops. Ispent one day with Jemma who I previously met in Cambodia and Thailand. We had some lunch and then sat down by the river.

In the eve I met with Rachel and Clare from the tour and we had a few drinks in a roof top bar over-looking the city. We then had a bit of a dance in a club, finished off by a pie in Pieface. Pies are really big in Oz and this is basically like the McDonalds of the pie world. I always get the veggie pie with mash and mushy peas piled on top. YUM! Randomally as we were enjoying our pies we met Steph from Neighbours so we were cheesy British Neighbours fans and posed for some pics!

Its so cool how close the beaches are to the city and the next day we took a tram to St Kildas which is only about 10 minutes away. Did a bit of sunbathing and had a farewell champagne lunch (free with the meal-I am a backpacker after all!) Really sad to say goodbye to the girls as it always is with everyone I meet.

After packing my bags I set off to the airport on the tram and bus enroute to Fiji!

Sydney !!!

mudchild_11 — Mon, 30 Jan 2012 15:11:00 GMT

Hey guys!
Well the tour has finished and here I am in Sydney. I had such a good time on the tour..I was dubious at first as I dont like being told what to do and do enjoy my own spcae but I met so many lovely new friends and really laughed everyday. The rain seemed to follow us whereever we went but I am happy to say today is a scorcher!
Now to update you on the hostel from hell...4 of us from the tour hadnt booked anywhere to stay for the Friday night (stupidly I had booked the wrong dates for my place) so we ended up booking somewhere one of the girls booked. Big mistake. The warning signs should have been there when the street outside was full of litter and kids that looked like they were from Skins. The lobby also stank and the lift was broken, hence having to wait about 15 mins each time you needed the lift-we were on the 9th floor!
We entered our room door to the smell of stale sweat and must and a bald man passed out on the bed. The room was so small our heads would be practically be touching. Myself and Bethan went downstairs to get a drink and by the time we came back the other 2 girls were checking out as they couldnt bear to stay there. Being on such a budget we decided to stay as we couldnt lose the money! We started drinking the goon (very cheap white wine) out of the only clean cup I could find which was a 'worlds best dad' mug. This eased the pain a little and we got chatting to the quiet German girl before heading out to meet up with the other girls who were staying in much more savoury surroundings! haha

It was great fun thoigh in the end as we just had a laugh about it all. Did I mention the toliet door was also broken and had to be lifted to cover the door????

Had a great night out and the next day went for some lunch with everyone and had a wander about. In the evening we just went to the cinema and had pretty early nights!

I had a fab day yesterday -we took the open top bus round the city and saw the harbour bridge and the opera house and much more.

It was lovely sitting out by the Opera house drinking cider -I took some pics so hoping to upload soon!

Today we have just come back from Bondi which was really cool. Meeting up tonight with some girls from the tour and a couple of girls I met in Cairns so should be fun :)

Tomorrow off to Manly Beach by ferry and the next day off to Melbourne. I should mention at this point that I have moved into a gorgeous hostel now with views over the city -its bliss ! Although missing my bedroom :( \

xxxxx

Day at the raunch

mudchild_11 — Fri, 27 Jan 2012 09:14:00 GMT

Hey all,

So its been a fab couple of weeks-met some lovely friends and covered alot of ground!

One of my fave days had to be at the ranch where I discovered a secret talent with goats.

I decided to take the option of going goat mustering. Basically everyday you hve optional activities to do which can be anything from tours to horse riding. They can be pretty pricey ($100) so hence my budget problems.

Anyway enough of that! I rode a lovely paint horse called Max who was gorgeous and we went all over the ranch looking for the goats to round up. Once we found them we had to herd to their pens for the night shouting aboriginal chants which was fun . After that I tried clay pigeon shooting but not being a fan of guns, I didn't really enjoy it! Next up we were asked to get into teams of 3 and find a goat related name for our team. We called ourselves 'give up the goat'. The aim was to lasso a goat then bring it to the side of the arena and pretend to brand it. It started of a bit of a disaster as I thought he said 'go' but he had only said 'goat'! But funnily enough I managed to lasso a goat first time! After starting again we managed to grab one and I had to straddle it but dont worry the goat was so unfazed by it all! We made a coupleof mistakes after that and thought we had done really badly so were not really listening when they said 'Give up the Goat' were the winners! Our team wss then called to the arena and we were asked to stand by a wall each and when the whistle went we would have to catch a baby goat and carry it to the side making it calm. Somehow I managed to catch one and was happily cuddling it within about 20 seconds whilst the rest were still trying to find one so I like to think its good karma coming back to me ! I was the champion!

I didnt however fare so well in the bucking bronco later that evening falling straight off on both attempts! haha

It was one of my favourite days of the tour and really was so mush fun!

We have been to Brisbane, Surfers Paradise, Byron Bay and Crescents head in the last few days and as you may well of heard there have been flash floods and torrential rain! Today I at a Surfing camp and had my first lesson last night. Not my best sport I must say! The best part was us all jumping through all the waves and getting knocked over. They were huge and one minute you would be standing there the nest you would be on the beach. So funny!

We are heading to Sydney today where I will be until Wednesday -I will spend some more time with the girls and then will be off to Melbourne and maybe Fiji depending on the flood situation. Its been great being with everyone but expensive as its horrible missing out on trips/nights out so I have probably spent a bit more than I planned but its so expensive its shocking!!

Next update from Sydney xxx

Update!

mudchild_11 — Fri, 27 Jan 2012 08:34:00 GMT

Hey all,

Sorry its been so long, been such a crazy few days. Late nights and very early mornings. I am at Crescent bay at the moment but heading to Sydney this afternoon.

Had such a great time. Its shockingly expensive here though. A bottle of water alone in $3 and meals $20 odd.

Just heard about Fiji so not sure whether I can go next Friday or not yet.

Will update all of my trip this weekend when I get back to some free time!

I have been away 4 months now-crazy!

Whitsundays, barrier reef and a secret talent for goat mustering!!

mudchild_11 — Mon, 23 Jan 2012 14:09:00 GMT

Hello all,

Feels like its been ages!! The days have literally flown by since I have been on the tour. Its been crazy!!

I started off the tour by arriving hours too early! Somehow I was told to be at the pick up point at 7am and everyone else 11.30! It wasnt too bad though as I headed to the espanage area and caught some sun and did some people watching! I also couldnt reisit a sneaky tarot reading too so that passed the time. Some of it was spookily accurate!

I then met up with my group as was quite suprised how many people were on it-there is about 35 all in all and mainly girls. Straight away I got chatting with a couple of girls and we had been assigned to share a room for the first couple of nights so it all worked out great and we were soon swigging coronas in the beer garden!

The last week or so has flown by so I will give a quick run down on what I have been up to! The first trip we went on was to a wildlife park and I cuddled a Koala! So cute..

The next day after a really heavy night of drinking in the bar we set off at 7am to the Great Barrier reef. I cant even explain how amazing it was. I have completly been cured of any fears of the sea now after seeing that-you literally couldnt get me out the water and I was always last back on the boat. Best cure ever for a hangover! I saw such cool fish and coral -it literally was breathtaking. Highly recommend seeing it. It was so funny as at one stage they were checking everyone was on the boat and apparently they had been calling my name for about 5 minutes and I was completly oblivious to it!

We have spent a fair few hours on the coach getting from place to place as Oz is so big and spacious.

After about a 8 hour coach journey we arrived at the port to board our boat for the Whitsundays. Haha I was expecting luxury but we were literally sleeping in coffin like bunkbeds and sharing 2 loo's between about 35 of us! No showers for 2 days either but it was such a great experience. Stayed up drinking beers on the deck with a really fun Welsh girl on the trip in the pouring rain on the first night and actually I wont lie the second night too! Saw some amazing sights and did some really great snorkelling-andI found Nemo at last! He was so cute. We saw dolphins playing in the sea, turtles and even throw sausages for a eagle to catch in the air. He comes when the skipper whistles as he knows he always gets a feed...it was funny though as a cheeky seagull tried to get in on the act aswell but didnt go down as well with everyone!

After 2 nights of no washing we were all ready for a nice shower so our next stop was a place called Emu park which was heaven! We all donned togas and had a bit of a party. Somehow me and Bethan were again the last to bed!

I am going to have to update you all on the rest a bit later as my internet time is up!

Speak soon xxx

Photos: Cairns to Sydney

mudchild_11 — Fri, 13 Jan 2012 20:09:00 GMT

G'day from down under -Cairns!

mudchild_11 — Fri, 13 Jan 2012 19:38:00 GMT

Hey everyone!

So I have left SE Asia now and here I am in Cairns.

The films on the flight to Sydney were so good that I didnt sleep at all, so by the time I reached Cairns I was pretty tired to say the least.

I had booked a bus from the airport to take me to my hostel and as I was waiting I got talking to a girl from Oxford and a guy from Denmark so straight away I had plans for the evening which was great!

As you will probably know I was a bit scared about staying in hostels -sharing with complete randomers, having had my own room for the last 3 months so I was quite nervous.

The hostel is so cool-really pretty with a swimming pool and lots of chill out areas.

I was to be sharing my room with 2 other people so they gave me the key and off I went!

Typically my bed was in the middle of the room -meaning my face would be right next to someone elses head and my feet in the other persons face! I tried to suss out if they were male or female and was convinced they had put me in the room with 2 guys! They were not in so I didnt get a chance to meet them before I went out so the whole evening I was really nervous!

Luckily I was sharing with a really lovely girl from Melbourne (originally from Hong Kong) and a guy from Columbo who was also very nice. Its quite funny as its such a small room and you are just waiting for the key to go to find out who you are sharing with! We got on really well and stayed up chatting for a couple of hours and all agreed we were really happy to be sharing together! I had a great night sleep suprisingly and got up early the next day for my trip to Fitzrold Island which is basically the outer barrier reef.

We set off at 7.30 and took the ferry there and collected our snorkelling gear and headed off to 'Nudey beach'- unfortunately or should I say fortunately there were no nudists on the beach! Haha all nudist beaches on tv seem to be fall of saggy old people so quite happy about that :)

We literally had the beach to ourselves apart from a couple from Korea and America who we later befriended and had dinner with in the evening!

The area is know for jelly fish so we donned some very sexy 'stinger'suits complete with hoods. We looked like fetish people in rubber suits -it was hilarious, so so funny!

I was out there for a couple of hours and saw the most amazing coral and fishes. There was electric blue starfish, rainbow coloured fish, stripey ones..ahhh it was breathtaking and thats only the outer reef so I cant imagine what the rest is like.

We just spent the whole day laughing on the beach and sunning ourselves and didnt bother to collect our lunch until about 4pm it was so gorgeous!

I didnt want to leave the Island at all but Cairns is such a nice town and has a huge park area with the hugest outdoor swimming pool so it wasnt that bad! We went for a few drinks in the evening in the bars and the next day I spent the whole day in the park just listening to my Ipod and people watching! The aussies are really fit and attractive so it really motivates me to get more active at home! Not sure Carshalton pond has the same appeal though!

The prices for drinks and food here are crazy! Meals are about $26 each so we have been trying to use the backpacker deals. The first meal we had was a free luke warm flavourless pasta so I headed to the Supermarket and got some bits there. We have a fully equipped communal kitchen so I have been living off beans on toast and apples! Actually I also found some fake meat for sandwiches so I am very happy!

We went for a few drinks of Goon (cheap wine) round Andress hostel and then headed off to meet up with some girls I had met the other night. The hangovers here are nothing compared to Thai/Cambodian ones so I am happy about that-not sure my roomies would love it if I was in bed sick all day!

My original roomies have moved on now so I am sharing with some girls from Switzland now who are nice. I got on really well with my orginal roomie so I will be meeting her in Melbourne!

I have had a lovely day today on my own -just looked at the shops and chilled in the park with a book-this is the life indeed.

Tomorrow I have an early start as I start my 2 week tour!

I will sign off now and try and make you jealous with some pictures! Hehe

Love to all

Last day in Thaland!!!

mudchild_11 — Sun, 8 Jan 2012 23:43:00 GMT

Well its my last ful day in Thailand. Feel like I practically live here now!

Last night I went to the cinema and saw 'New Years eve'. The cinema was up on the 6th floor of the most amazing shopping centre I have ever seen. Its called Terminal 21 or something and as you can guess its based on an airport. A man dressed as a pilot salutes you as you come in and the customer service desk is manned by girls dressed as air stewards. So funny. I feel so scruffy here compared to the Thai girls who look amazing everyday. They make such an effort! I was interviewed by some really sweet Thai school kids today for a school project.It was rather random and was videoed but funny.

The toliets are something else. They are electronic and basically have shower functions, bidet and dryers.You can change the temperature and everything! The cinema puts Sutton to shame. The seats are so comfy and recline back and the cinema doesnt even smell of sick!

I would recommend the film- I had a little cry which was quite embarrasing being on my own :)

Today I have just been wandering about seeing the sights! And some funny ones too! I saw a ladyboy doing the walk of shame this morning-quite a sight!

I have come to realise since I have been here that it is true-the English love to queue! Its actually quite nice as there is no such thing here as that. You can stand at 7-11 waiting and someone will just go right on in there, straight in front of you. Not just talking Thai people but loads of Westerners too! Its so funny but it makes me smile when I think of all the doors opened for you etc at home as they just get closed on you here

Anyway tonight I am just looking at Oz stuff and getting packed ready for tomorrow. Bit scared as everything looks so expensive there but I am really excited now and ready to leave.

I must be missing the bunnies as everything bunny related I seem to be drawn to-I bought them a 'Happy bunny' tin today for their treats!

Anyway I better go and get on with my Oz stuff and work out how to get to the hostel!

Speak soon from down under

xxxx

Back to Bangkok -Sukhumvit

mudchild_11 — Sat, 7 Jan 2012 17:29:00 GMT

Bangkok is amusing me..just had to sign that I would not be bringing prosittutes back to my hotel room.

Haha this city is crazy!

The hostel I am staying at is so cool. Its called Suk 11 and is in the Sukhumvit area as I fancied a change from the Khosan Road. Its really pretty and tucked down one of the soi (small roads) and has about 4 floors and is wooden with lovely Buddha shrines throughout and lots of previous travllers graffiti on the walls. I probably am not describing it to its full potential but trust me its lovely! Plus I get free breakfast!

There are 'Sex tourists will be evicted' signs throughout so you can see I am in a funny area!

Its very different from the Khosan Road -more expensive food wise for a start but I am skipping lunch and just having breakfast and street food as I think Ko Tao didnt do much for my diet :(

Once again I had some man running after me asking if I want my palm read-apparently I will have a very happy next 3 months (wonder what will happen after that-something to look forward to) and that my heart is blocked. Charming. Needless to say I made a swift exit.

I couldn't resist the shopping malls- they are just everywhere here-seems I have ended up in the place where there are wall to wall malls. I have to admit I did get a couple of bits and maybe some things for my house so they have been sent back home along with some of my clothes. I seem to be forever sending things back but this is the last time honest and its cheap! My rucksack should now be super light!

I took the sky train last night so I could go to Patpong night market which was an experience! It was quite good fun working out how to get there and I didn't even get lost.

You can literally but anything there from Viagra to v-necks. There is alot of dodgy stuff on sale let me tell you- nothing that will be in my package home that's for sure.The market is also surrounded by some very dubious clubs. For the sake of Mothers nerves I wont say what they were called or what you could see when the doors opened ;)

For some reason Thai men thought I would actually want to go in there and I had the list of various entertainments shoved in my face a few times-one was so persistent he followed me through the market.

The stalls sell the funniest stuff -I think the strangest thing I saw was a pillowcase that just said "I love you, I am gay" So so random!

Such a crazy area -really did see some sights. Guys wining and dining ladyboys,and you can probably imagine the rest!

Its funny how the 3 months I have been away have made me so much braver. When I first arrived in Bangkok I was really nervous, worried about even leaving my room at times and worried I was going to be all alone. Now I am taking crazy journeys through Bangkok traffic, and venturing about on my own not worrying too much about things.I have made some really cool friends on the way who I plan to see again and even have a invite to a wedding :)

Getting set for Australia now and I am really excited. I have loved South East Asia but I am really excited about going to Oz, seeing Kirsty of course and Vegemite!

Speak soon xxxx