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2explore.net We are Niels and Amy van Dongen and this is our journey. Our home site is http://www.2explore.net. On February 16, 2007 we will leave behind the comforts of our home in Seattle to travel through the South Pacific. On this site you can follow along with us, read about our experiences and view some of the photos we have taken en route. Our insatiable urge to explore, sparked the idea for this adventure. In October of 2005, we had a taste of the South Pacific on a 3-week trip to the Cook Islands and have ever since wanted to go back to immerse ourselves in the South Pacific way of life and record our experiences. With many ecosystems at risk from pollution, global warming and climate change, this is now especially critical. We aim to capture the true character of the idyllic South Pacific through photographs and words in a way that makes any observer of our work feel a connection to this special place and in turn, join us in making simple choices in everyday life that can have positive, lasting effects on the world around us. For a year we will be living as modern nomads – traveling only with what we can carry in our packs, living amongst the locals on the islands we visit, spending time sharing stories and experiences and taking in the captivating underwater world on the occasional dive. We hope to help others along the way and keep a vivid record of this adventure to share with you, and keep at the forefront of our memory. Follow along with us and learn about far away places of natural beauty and rich cultures. Experience with us the big world we call home.

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DAY 265 A Great Walk

NEW ZEALAND | Wednesday, 14 Nov 2007 | Views [636]

To me, the greatest attraction of New Zealand lies in its unrivalled nature and wildlife. The best way to experience it must be by walking the many fine trails that crisscross the country. According to our documentation, one of the best ... Read more >

Tags: Adventures


DAY 229 The Last Dots

VANUATU | Saturday, 13 Oct 2007 | Views [613]

Far North Vanuatu is home to the most remote archipelago in the country and lured us for how far it sits off the beaten track. After the short detour through Australia, we were ready to take the route less traveled once again and get back to basic ... Read more >

Tags: Adventures


DAY 177 "Tumas Cloud"

VANUATU | Friday, 7 Sep 2007 | Views [848]

On our last two days on Ambrym island, I decide to take on the challenge of walking cross-island to climb one of the island's dark, brooding volcanoes. It is said to be a hard, long hike requiring an overnight stay at the base of the mountain. Amy decides ... Read more >

Tags: Adventures


DAY 164 One Vanuatu Volcano

VANUATU | Monday, 6 Aug 2007 | Views [737]

There are many active volcanoes in the world but only a few erupt as regular and consistent as Yasur volcano on Tanna island, Vanuatu. From the moment we arrived in Eastern Tanna, we had heard the grumbling of the old man - which is what Yasur freely ... Read more >

Tags: Adventures


DAY 142 Now THAT'S Rustic

TONGA | Wednesday, 25 Jul 2007 | Views [558]

We got a little more than we bargained for when we wished for true adventure, authentic cultural experiences, and undeveloped tourism to come our way during our stay in Tonga. Tucked away on the most Western side of the Vava'u group of ... Read more >

Tags: Adventures


DAY 134 Making Bubbles in Tonga

TONGA | Monday, 2 Jul 2007 | Views [620]

Last Thursday we touched down in the Kingdom of Tonga. Through a string of good fortune, things fell into place: a much needed, long awaited package was actually waiting for us at the post office in Tongatapu and at the airport we were able to walk up, ... Read more >

Tags: Adventures


DAY 19 Overgrown

COOK ISLANDS | Saturday, 10 Mar 2007 | Views [482]

Aargh, it's still raining in Rarotonga. The high humidity makes it feel quite stuffy for most of the day. At midday the temperature hovers around 29 degrees Celcius, but luckily it cools down to around 25 degrees at night - a fairly comfortable ... Read more >

Tags: Adventures


DAY 6 The Route Less Traveled

FRENCH POLYNESIA | Saturday, 3 Mar 2007 | Views [445]

You know you are off the beaten track when you find yourself deep within the inner workings of a city; surrounded by industrial buildings and shipyards, where it is obvious no other tourists regularly venture by the way people stop everything and look ... Read more >

Tags: Adventures



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