Hello all and happy Christmas. Not up to much these days bar a bit of surfing and the odd beverage. I suppose it is Christmas after all although you'd find it hard to know whether it was Christmas at all. Caroline's parents are just over a week here and they've headed down to Melbourne today. What have I been doing the last while that hasn't been surfing. I went to the aquarium last week in Darling Harbour which was brilliant. I'll have to get around to adding the photos from here. The highlights were seeing a Platypus for the first time and also the sharks were excellent. Here you walk in a tunnel underneath the water tank and there are sharks and turtles swimming above your head.
Christmas day we headed for 10.00 mass arriving at 9.30 to beat the crowds. It's acknowledged by almost all of the Irish preople there as the best mass ever. It was full of inter county jerseys. It was more like Quinns or the Big Tree than mass. The archbishop of Sydney said the mass and he was a great laugh. He's a Limerick man and had many quotes, the best of which was "God loves everyone even a Limerick man". It went on for an hour but you didn't feel the time passing. Some Bantry people even remarked they should have a jerseyed mass at home. We stayed outside the front door for 45 minutes after mass while the archbishop sang ballads, one of which was flower of Scotland. We headed back to Carolines parents apartment after the mass with Ivor and Theresa for a drink. It was time for Bondi beach then for a surf and queue photos with surfboard. We headed down to Bronte for the barbeque after this with prawns, Barramundi and Red Snapper. We then had the dinner in the evening although it must be said I missed the stuffing with Superquinn sausage meat but was lovely none the less. Then we headed down to John and Catherines from Kealkill for a couple of drinks that night. That'd be Bantry for the rest of the country.
The next day we headed for the races in Randwick. It was wedged with drink orders taking up to 40 minutes when we went in. The bar staff were hopeless as well as being understaffed. Good day was had although the Champagne did nothing for the hangover. Ended the night in Durty Nelly's in Paddington.
Did nothing yesterday for national hangover day. Headed for the ballads in the Cock and Bull last night.
Looked forward to New Years now and heading for New Zealand on the 2nd of January to spend the month there. Coming back to Australia I think on the 28th of January. Caroline leaving here on the 10th of March after we do the East Coast, Uluru and Tasmania and I'm leaving on the 19th to head for Mexico where I'm doing a 9 day tour with my mam. Caroline will rejoin me down Chile way mid April then. I'll probably try and pick a surf spot to go in between times so if you have any advice send it on. Hope you all have a happy new year.
Athbhliain faoi Mhaise Duit
My Irish is rusty so I had to look that up of course.
Friday, December 28, 2007
Friday, December 7, 2007
Not much to report
Here are some photos of Randwick etc:
Not getting up to a whole lot here. Still doing a good bit of surfing and swell is looking alright for today. It's far from swell he was reared. Went to the races in Randwick last week. Good day out. It was the first racing in New South Wales since the horse flu broke out. Also went to visit a memorial to the great Wicklow rebel, Michael Dwyer that is in our local graveyard. Some photos of this also. For more reading:
Michael Dwyer
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| Randwick |
Not getting up to a whole lot here. Still doing a good bit of surfing and swell is looking alright for today. It's far from swell he was reared. Went to the races in Randwick last week. Good day out. It was the first racing in New South Wales since the horse flu broke out. Also went to visit a memorial to the great Wicklow rebel, Michael Dwyer that is in our local graveyard. Some photos of this also. For more reading:
Michael Dwyer
Friday, November 23, 2007
Moreton Island
We headed up to Brisbane last weekend. We met Aisling on Friday night and ended up staying with her after the YHA made a bags of the booking. We had trouble getting into the nightclub with our passports but thankfully our VIP (YHA equivalent) came to the rescue. Saturday we met John and Fiona who were coming from the Gold Coast to go to Moreton Island which is an hour and a half boat ride from Brisbane. Real resort island which adds on money to everything. Was very expensive. We did get to feed dolphins here though. I'm not sure I agree with it though. I think they were overfeeding them a bit compared to Monkey Mia on the West Coast. I think they're far from being wild. Moreton also has ship wrecks which you can snorkel off. There's coral growing on some of the ships and the fish there are pretty amazing. Also the one man show Terry was a bit of a laugh - drove the car to collect the people from the boat, sang the karaoke, served drinks. We were dissappointed he didn't drive us back on the boat.
We met John and Fiona again on Tuesday and Wednesday but thankfully the bad people are gone home. Nothing against you just a killer getting up in the morning after being out the night before. A restful weekend ahead hopefully. Also the Irish Film festival is on this weekend so I might get to a couple of films.
In more important news the Pats supporters in foreign lands calendar is coming out at Christmas and you can put me on the front cover by going here Saintsforum
Then go SaintsForum.net Forum Index -> The Saints Photos Forum -> Photo Of The Year
Photos of Moreton Island here:
We met John and Fiona again on Tuesday and Wednesday but thankfully the bad people are gone home. Nothing against you just a killer getting up in the morning after being out the night before. A restful weekend ahead hopefully. Also the Irish Film festival is on this weekend so I might get to a couple of films.
In more important news the Pats supporters in foreign lands calendar is coming out at Christmas and you can put me on the front cover by going here Saintsforum
Then go SaintsForum.net Forum Index -> The Saints Photos Forum -> Photo Of The Year
Photos of Moreton Island here:
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| Moreton Island |
Tuesday, November 13, 2007
Great Ocean Road, Melbourne Cup
The photos of the Melbourne weekend are here and also the obligatory sots of the Cock and Bull:
Flew down to Melbourne on Friday night and stayed in Geelong. Arrived fairly late so it was straight to bed. Driving through Geelong the following day it looked great. Nice spot and the second biggest City in Victoria to Melbourne. The people in Victoria it must be pointed out are a thousand times friendlier than the people in Sydney. In a related story I handed in my notice in work to finish at Christmas and was asked what I thought of the Sydney people and I said they were very rude and all the English people in recruitment company totally agreed. They were laughing at my honesty. Anyway Torquay was our first stop on the Great Ocean Road. Real surf town. Ripcurl and Quiksilver started in this town and Bells Beach just down the road is a stop on the Pro Surfing Championship. Went to the surfing museum here which was good. Loads of info. Alot of rain on this day and our progress was slow and we eventually made our way to Apollo Bay that night. Nice spot but the weather was terrible.
The next morning we headed to a coffee shop in Apollo Bay and met a Cork man who used to work in Carolines place in AIB. The times they worked there didn't overlap but it's a small world. We were dying to get going as the weather reports were bad and we didn't want to get stuck there and not see the 12 Apostles. We started driving west but only got 20k up the road to be met with floods. Alot of people were talking that you couldn't get out of Apollo bay as both east and west were blocked. It was looking so bad that we had actually booked Apollo bay that night which we were later able to cancel. Actually up the road from us the previous night we were told that a guy was killed when a tree fell on his tent. Alot of places were booked out as alot of campsites were closed as they were due to be flooded later that night. The good news is that we eventually did get out with a road that went north. A few small trees down but not too bad. It did involve a 200k detour but we eventually saw the 12 Apostles which are pretty good.
We stayed in Port Campbell that night. I'm happy to say the weather improved the following day which was Monday with the Melbourne Cup the following day so it was looking up. We took our time that morning just popping into little parks and little walks before we headed back for Melbourne in the afternoon.
We met up with Florrie on Monday night out in St Kilda along with friends of Carolines in MacQuarie bank. The following day was Melbourne Cup. Great day. Everyone dressed up like for a big wedding. Nothing but Irish at it from who we met. Only lost 80 between 3 of us so wasn't too bad.
The following day we were flying out and luckily we got a late checkout of 11.30 in the hostel. Very good place called the Oslo hostel. It was much needed as we were slow to start. Saw the Grand prix track in Albert Park, St Kilda marina and wasted our time going to Ramsay street. Very good weekend was had though.
John and Fiona Tobin arrived over to us last Thursday. We haven't done much with them bar visit the cultural drinking establishments with them. They're gone up to the Gold Coast today and we'll meet them in Brisbane on Saturday morning to head for Moreton Island. Aisling O Mahoney is also talking of joining us. That's about all from me. Slán.
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| Melbourne Cup, Great Ocean Road |
Flew down to Melbourne on Friday night and stayed in Geelong. Arrived fairly late so it was straight to bed. Driving through Geelong the following day it looked great. Nice spot and the second biggest City in Victoria to Melbourne. The people in Victoria it must be pointed out are a thousand times friendlier than the people in Sydney. In a related story I handed in my notice in work to finish at Christmas and was asked what I thought of the Sydney people and I said they were very rude and all the English people in recruitment company totally agreed. They were laughing at my honesty. Anyway Torquay was our first stop on the Great Ocean Road. Real surf town. Ripcurl and Quiksilver started in this town and Bells Beach just down the road is a stop on the Pro Surfing Championship. Went to the surfing museum here which was good. Loads of info. Alot of rain on this day and our progress was slow and we eventually made our way to Apollo Bay that night. Nice spot but the weather was terrible.
The next morning we headed to a coffee shop in Apollo Bay and met a Cork man who used to work in Carolines place in AIB. The times they worked there didn't overlap but it's a small world. We were dying to get going as the weather reports were bad and we didn't want to get stuck there and not see the 12 Apostles. We started driving west but only got 20k up the road to be met with floods. Alot of people were talking that you couldn't get out of Apollo bay as both east and west were blocked. It was looking so bad that we had actually booked Apollo bay that night which we were later able to cancel. Actually up the road from us the previous night we were told that a guy was killed when a tree fell on his tent. Alot of places were booked out as alot of campsites were closed as they were due to be flooded later that night. The good news is that we eventually did get out with a road that went north. A few small trees down but not too bad. It did involve a 200k detour but we eventually saw the 12 Apostles which are pretty good.
We stayed in Port Campbell that night. I'm happy to say the weather improved the following day which was Monday with the Melbourne Cup the following day so it was looking up. We took our time that morning just popping into little parks and little walks before we headed back for Melbourne in the afternoon.
We met up with Florrie on Monday night out in St Kilda along with friends of Carolines in MacQuarie bank. The following day was Melbourne Cup. Great day. Everyone dressed up like for a big wedding. Nothing but Irish at it from who we met. Only lost 80 between 3 of us so wasn't too bad.
The following day we were flying out and luckily we got a late checkout of 11.30 in the hostel. Very good place called the Oslo hostel. It was much needed as we were slow to start. Saw the Grand prix track in Albert Park, St Kilda marina and wasted our time going to Ramsay street. Very good weekend was had though.
John and Fiona Tobin arrived over to us last Thursday. We haven't done much with them bar visit the cultural drinking establishments with them. They're gone up to the Gold Coast today and we'll meet them in Brisbane on Saturday morning to head for Moreton Island. Aisling O Mahoney is also talking of joining us. That's about all from me. Slán.
Wednesday, October 31, 2007
Melbourne Cup awaits
Very little to report again. I'll have to start getting out of Sydney for the weekends. Not much happens bar the surf which is great provided I don't kill anyone. Was in Bronte last weekend where the waves were unbelievable but impossible to control yourself on them. I narrowly avoided 2 swimmers and 2 surfers. With those near misses I decided it would be safer to head back for Bondi. Patrick if you're reading this you're dead right that I need to surf the white at the front instead of going out back. Was much more productive. Other than that the usual visits to the Tea Gardens and the Cock and Bull with a trip to the Coogee Bay thrown in for a bit of variety. Also went to Sydney FC on Sunday. They were playing top of the table Central Coast who they beat 3-2. Juninho was hopeless but Michael Bridges looked handy. Sydney just recently got a new manager so they were trying to impress the new guy. They're no Pats. Ah but seriously it's a decent enough level of football. Aloisi was playing for Central Coast. A few photos from the game and the usual from the Cock and Bull.
Hopefully I'll have more cultural photos after this weekend when we do the Great Ocean Road. Currently at good, has to prove it's worth at being great. The Melbourne Cup is on Tuesday as well. All tips are welcome.
Here are the photos:
Hopefully I'll have more cultural photos after this weekend when we do the Great Ocean Road. Currently at good, has to prove it's worth at being great. The Melbourne Cup is on Tuesday as well. All tips are welcome.
Here are the photos:
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| Sydney FC |
Monday, October 15, 2007
Centennial Park
Haven't much to report. I bought a surf board the weekend before last and I had to get a wetsuit before I got stung by a blue bottle. They're in when the wind is blowing on shore. At the weekend went to the womens pro surfing in South Curl Curl near Manly. They were very good. Sunday went to Centennial Park for horse riding. We headed to the Sydney Tower in the evening for our anniversary. I'm sure this makes very interesting reading so maybe the photos will do more justice:
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| CurlCurlCe |
Tuesday, October 2, 2007
Port Stephens
Port Stephens was amazing at the weekend. Maps here:
Map of Port Stephens
The beaches here are fantastic and the weather was amazing. Port Stephens is more an area than an actual place. We had rented an apartment for the long weekend in an area called Nelson Bay which seems to be the main area. We rented it with Catherine from Kilcrohane and John from Kealkil, places otherwise known as Cork. We only arrived at about 11 on Friday night so had a quiet one.
Saturday we strolled down to the marina post breakfast of course and we decided to do a Whale Watching cruise. We saw a couple of dolphins early on but by god was the sea rough and not a sign of a Whale. Everyone felt a but queazy and were delighted to be back in after the 3 hours. We were told that a sighting was made through the binoculars but that it dived and swam off.
Sunday we did a tour of the beaches. One Mile beach was the best by far. It was great to get a bit of surfing in here as well. Swell was poor but did get to stand up on the board which was brilliant.
Sunday did the climb up to a lookout which had great views of the whole area. Also had a surf followed by walking over sand dunes. The photos do more justice than my descriptions ever will.
This area is fantastic for scenery. Although the nightlife is poor the scenery more than makes up for it.
You'll be excited to learn that I met Blake from Home and Away over here. I don't remember him but the girls recognised him. He's not impressed being asked about his fame. When I asked was it him he replied "That was a long time ago". I got out of there before it got ugly. Also I got attacked by a magpie cycling in on Friday and I was told today that a smaller bird was thinking about it today but thought better of it. By the way the magpies over here are much bigger. With this going on I think I might be safer not wearing a helmet.
By the way who is looking at this blog from Gawler, SA. Sure post a comment.
Here's the photos:
Map of Port Stephens
The beaches here are fantastic and the weather was amazing. Port Stephens is more an area than an actual place. We had rented an apartment for the long weekend in an area called Nelson Bay which seems to be the main area. We rented it with Catherine from Kilcrohane and John from Kealkil, places otherwise known as Cork. We only arrived at about 11 on Friday night so had a quiet one.
Saturday we strolled down to the marina post breakfast of course and we decided to do a Whale Watching cruise. We saw a couple of dolphins early on but by god was the sea rough and not a sign of a Whale. Everyone felt a but queazy and were delighted to be back in after the 3 hours. We were told that a sighting was made through the binoculars but that it dived and swam off.
Sunday we did a tour of the beaches. One Mile beach was the best by far. It was great to get a bit of surfing in here as well. Swell was poor but did get to stand up on the board which was brilliant.
Sunday did the climb up to a lookout which had great views of the whole area. Also had a surf followed by walking over sand dunes. The photos do more justice than my descriptions ever will.
This area is fantastic for scenery. Although the nightlife is poor the scenery more than makes up for it.
You'll be excited to learn that I met Blake from Home and Away over here. I don't remember him but the girls recognised him. He's not impressed being asked about his fame. When I asked was it him he replied "That was a long time ago". I got out of there before it got ugly. Also I got attacked by a magpie cycling in on Friday and I was told today that a smaller bird was thinking about it today but thought better of it. By the way the magpies over here are much bigger. With this going on I think I might be safer not wearing a helmet.
By the way who is looking at this blog from Gawler, SA. Sure post a comment.
Here's the photos:
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| Port Stephens |
Tuesday, September 25, 2007
Maroubra, Botany Bay
I've started cycling now in to work. It's 22 km in to where I work in North Ryde so it's a bit of a trek but at least I don't need to go to the gym anymore. I have to tell you I don't know how James Cook ever became a captain. This place is full of hills. You'd think Arthur Philip would have known better when he came 18 years later. They built a city on the side of the Alps. For more reading see:
Sydney Origins
We went out to Botany bay last weekend where the landing was made. Nothing much there but the weather was amazing. I also saw a film "bra boys" about a surf gang in Maroubra which was partly our reason for being down there. Great surfing footage in it. We went through Maroubra on the way to Botany bay. Great surf here although never got a chance to try it. While I'm at it I'll mention another film Freedom writers. The blog will start to look like it's written by Barry Norman. The last couple of Sundays they've started to put Irish music in the Cock and Bull which is mighty. I diversified my nights out by moving away from Bondi junction on Saturday. We headed for the Chinese Laundries near Darling harbour. $25 in to listen to techno music. Brutal. Never again will I wander from the warm confines of Bondi junction.
The weekend before we walked from Bronte, the nearest beach to us, to Coogee. Went into the Coogee Bay hotel here. Good crowd here but alot more polished than Bondi.
Heading for Port Stephens this weekend.
The current plan is that I'll be home for Paddys day. Carolines parents coming over at Christmas and we'll head to New Zealand with them for the month of January and then come back to Australia and do the travelling of the East coast, Adelaide, Uluru and Tasmania.
More photos here:
Sydney Origins
We went out to Botany bay last weekend where the landing was made. Nothing much there but the weather was amazing. I also saw a film "bra boys" about a surf gang in Maroubra which was partly our reason for being down there. Great surfing footage in it. We went through Maroubra on the way to Botany bay. Great surf here although never got a chance to try it. While I'm at it I'll mention another film Freedom writers. The blog will start to look like it's written by Barry Norman. The last couple of Sundays they've started to put Irish music in the Cock and Bull which is mighty. I diversified my nights out by moving away from Bondi junction on Saturday. We headed for the Chinese Laundries near Darling harbour. $25 in to listen to techno music. Brutal. Never again will I wander from the warm confines of Bondi junction.
The weekend before we walked from Bronte, the nearest beach to us, to Coogee. Went into the Coogee Bay hotel here. Good crowd here but alot more polished than Bondi.
Heading for Port Stephens this weekend.
The current plan is that I'll be home for Paddys day. Carolines parents coming over at Christmas and we'll head to New Zealand with them for the month of January and then come back to Australia and do the travelling of the East coast, Adelaide, Uluru and Tasmania.
More photos here:
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| Maroubra, Botany Bay |
Friday, September 21, 2007
Tuesday, September 11, 2007
Sorry to the readership
Some photos from the blue mountains:
My readership is complaining there hasn't been an entry for a while so here goes. I'm only looking back at photos and I realise I've done a good bit since my last entry. Actually give me a second while I head for the rasher sandwich across the road. Can't write on an empty stomach.
Ah that's better. Thanks for your patience. The following weekend after Melbourne we headed for watson bay. Apparently a very popular spot for committing suicide in Sydney but much more importantly it's where Sydney Harbour meets the sea. Also it would have been where emigrants got their first view of Australia. Nice spot as yopu can see from the pictures. Came back by bus right down the coast into Bondi Beach which had great views. City to surf was on the Sunday and Bondi beach was hopping. Haven't got an update from Paul Moroney yet on how he got on.
The following weekend we hit the slopes in Thredbo and we were staying in a resort in Jindabyne. Skiing was class. Even manged not to cream anyone on the slopes. Was flying on the skis by Sunday if I do say so myself. A proper little Eddie the Eagle. Was great craic at night as well with alot of the Cork crowd around. Was wrecked by the time Sunday came around but had to force myself to go out to watch the Dublin game. Congrats Deirdre. God that's hard to say. Too many players underperformed and wrong subs were made. I met Dozie and Stephen Nugent from Robert Emmets in crumlin (unluckily) and crawled into bed at 5 only to be back up for 7.30. Uuugh.
The following week Mark Carroll arrived with a mate of his, Gavin (I mean a friend of his). Showed him the sights of Bondi which he was no doubt impressed with. Looking forward to reading his blog. Showed him the Tea gardens and the Cock and Bull while he gained his life membership to Scruffy Murphys all by himself. Good week though. I managed a surf on the Saturday in Bondi. Was able to stand by the end of it although I might add I was no sooner up than I was down. Sunday was hectic enough with all the Kilkenny boys out in force.
Last weekend we were in the Blue mountains. Was great to see especially on Sunday when the mist lifted. Quiet enough spot at night but the Carrington main bar was good in the afternoon with a bit of music. Did a cable car over the valley and a train down into it which was good. I heard Ireland were poor at the weekend. I got up to watch it but I couldn't get the streaming working. I'm trying to rope Moroney into going Thursday provided we can get a place that's showing it for free. One place is charging $25. Harsh.
We're meant to be sailing with Kathleen at the weekend. They have Irish bands in the Cock and Bull on Sunday. Any excuse for a session. They're calling it half way to Paddys day. They're clutching at straws if you ask me. They did up the place and were trying to go more upmarket but they've since realised that the Irish card keeps the place afloat. The talk is that the same guy owns the Tea gardens so he's hardly a pauper. Up Cork for the weekend. Slán.
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| Blue Mountains |
My readership is complaining there hasn't been an entry for a while so here goes. I'm only looking back at photos and I realise I've done a good bit since my last entry. Actually give me a second while I head for the rasher sandwich across the road. Can't write on an empty stomach.
Ah that's better. Thanks for your patience. The following weekend after Melbourne we headed for watson bay. Apparently a very popular spot for committing suicide in Sydney but much more importantly it's where Sydney Harbour meets the sea. Also it would have been where emigrants got their first view of Australia. Nice spot as yopu can see from the pictures. Came back by bus right down the coast into Bondi Beach which had great views. City to surf was on the Sunday and Bondi beach was hopping. Haven't got an update from Paul Moroney yet on how he got on.
The following weekend we hit the slopes in Thredbo and we were staying in a resort in Jindabyne. Skiing was class. Even manged not to cream anyone on the slopes. Was flying on the skis by Sunday if I do say so myself. A proper little Eddie the Eagle. Was great craic at night as well with alot of the Cork crowd around. Was wrecked by the time Sunday came around but had to force myself to go out to watch the Dublin game. Congrats Deirdre. God that's hard to say. Too many players underperformed and wrong subs were made. I met Dozie and Stephen Nugent from Robert Emmets in crumlin (unluckily) and crawled into bed at 5 only to be back up for 7.30. Uuugh.
The following week Mark Carroll arrived with a mate of his, Gavin (I mean a friend of his). Showed him the sights of Bondi which he was no doubt impressed with. Looking forward to reading his blog. Showed him the Tea gardens and the Cock and Bull while he gained his life membership to Scruffy Murphys all by himself. Good week though. I managed a surf on the Saturday in Bondi. Was able to stand by the end of it although I might add I was no sooner up than I was down. Sunday was hectic enough with all the Kilkenny boys out in force.
Last weekend we were in the Blue mountains. Was great to see especially on Sunday when the mist lifted. Quiet enough spot at night but the Carrington main bar was good in the afternoon with a bit of music. Did a cable car over the valley and a train down into it which was good. I heard Ireland were poor at the weekend. I got up to watch it but I couldn't get the streaming working. I'm trying to rope Moroney into going Thursday provided we can get a place that's showing it for free. One place is charging $25. Harsh.
We're meant to be sailing with Kathleen at the weekend. They have Irish bands in the Cock and Bull on Sunday. Any excuse for a session. They're calling it half way to Paddys day. They're clutching at straws if you ask me. They did up the place and were trying to go more upmarket but they've since realised that the Irish card keeps the place afloat. The talk is that the same guy owns the Tea gardens so he's hardly a pauper. Up Cork for the weekend. Slán.
Thursday, September 6, 2007
Tuesday, August 21, 2007
Rainy, rainy Sydney
Not much to report. I have to tell you about the driving madness before I start in Melbourne. At alot of the streets in the city centre to turn right you pull into the extreme left until the lights you're facing goes red. Then you have to quickly turn into the right. It's madness. The first time we saw it we thought it was an accident. Caroline ended up taking only left turns for the weekend.
Well back to Sydney. Lots of rain here recently. I'm certain that they give the firing squad to any Australian who dares to tell the full truth about the weather. Was out with Grandaunt Eileens, Kathleen out near Manly the weekend before last and we drove up to Palm Beach (Home and Away beach). Was nice but alot of the beaches going up to it were far better. Last weekend we headed for Watson Bay where sydney harbour goes into the sea. Nice spot. I'll add photos whichever day I manage to remember the camera.
Other than that not much happening bar the odd night in the Cock n Bull and Teagardens. Only 2 matches left in the football but not really getting a look in. The training is good though. I'll start playing the Ozzie rules in the next couple of weeks so. Cork looked good although Meath hadn't much fight. Although good to see Geraghty getting a few slaps. He had it coming to him.... for 10 years. Up the Dubs at the weekend.
Well back to Sydney. Lots of rain here recently. I'm certain that they give the firing squad to any Australian who dares to tell the full truth about the weather. Was out with Grandaunt Eileens, Kathleen out near Manly the weekend before last and we drove up to Palm Beach (Home and Away beach). Was nice but alot of the beaches going up to it were far better. Last weekend we headed for Watson Bay where sydney harbour goes into the sea. Nice spot. I'll add photos whichever day I manage to remember the camera.
Other than that not much happening bar the odd night in the Cock n Bull and Teagardens. Only 2 matches left in the football but not really getting a look in. The training is good though. I'll start playing the Ozzie rules in the next couple of weeks so. Cork looked good although Meath hadn't much fight. Although good to see Geraghty getting a few slaps. He had it coming to him.... for 10 years. Up the Dubs at the weekend.
Friday, August 10, 2007
Melbourne
Back from Melbourne on Monday night. Was fairly hectic and we had very good nights on Friday and Saturday. PJ O Briens, the Celtic club and the Turf club were our historic places of interest by night although a black mark will have to go against the Turf club for closing on Sunday night. Saturday we headed to the MCG in Melbourne to watch Carlton V Collingwood. Setanta was very slow although I think he was injured. Martin Clarke from Down was also playing. We headed for Woodend on Sunday to visit Carolines Granduncles grave. I saw the football and hurling. Meath looked very handy. It looks like the return of the great multiculturist and statesman Geraghty has made them. We met up with Florrie (Mags brother) again on Saturday night. Brunswick Street was said to be the graet area to go out but we were lucky to find a pub there on Sunday night. I'm told St Kilda is better but we never made it that far. As regards cultural things that don't occur in the middle of the night we went to the immigration museum and also headed to a Pixar exhibition. These are the crowd that made toy story. I'll attempt explaining the highlight here. I think it’s called a spirogloge it’s a circle with characters from toy story on it and strobe lights. As it spins faster and faster and the lights are flashing I turns into a cartoon in 3D.
Heading into another weekend with no real plans bar meeting the football lads on Saturday for the Dublin game. Might try and stick around Bondi beach on Monday as the city to surf run is on and they’ll probably have bands playing.
More pictures here:
Heading into another weekend with no real plans bar meeting the football lads on Saturday for the Dublin game. Might try and stick around Bondi beach on Monday as the city to surf run is on and they’ll probably have bands playing.
More pictures here:
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| Manly, Melbourne |
Tuesday, July 24, 2007
In the rat race
The Gaff
You'll have to correct me on my spelling of Gaff. Bored so I'm giving you a map of the house. Nothing to report from the weekend bar a bit of supping mostly. We met Mags' brother Florrie on last Friday week for a couple of schooners. I feel like I nearly know everyone in West Cork by now. Saturday we headed for Kings Cross which is nice during the day but it goes downhill as night approaches. Headed for the botanical gardens after this although missed the exhibition on man eating plants. A total dampener on the day. I headed to watch the rugby, Australia V NZ in Edgcliff in the evening.
The weekend just gone we headed to Manly for a massive walk on Saturday. It was between 10 and 12k if the signs are to be believed. I was minding myself for Sunday with the match but unfortunately never got a run. They were beaten by Cormac McAnallens anyway. I also joined the rat race this week as well with Ericsson at long last. All well but is a good bit to learn. Heading for Melbourne this weekend to see Carolines cousin Deirdre and her Kerry mates. Had good weather here last weekend but it's back to the normal Sydney drizzly weather today.
You'll have to correct me on my spelling of Gaff. Bored so I'm giving you a map of the house. Nothing to report from the weekend bar a bit of supping mostly. We met Mags' brother Florrie on last Friday week for a couple of schooners. I feel like I nearly know everyone in West Cork by now. Saturday we headed for Kings Cross which is nice during the day but it goes downhill as night approaches. Headed for the botanical gardens after this although missed the exhibition on man eating plants. A total dampener on the day. I headed to watch the rugby, Australia V NZ in Edgcliff in the evening.
The weekend just gone we headed to Manly for a massive walk on Saturday. It was between 10 and 12k if the signs are to be believed. I was minding myself for Sunday with the match but unfortunately never got a run. They were beaten by Cormac McAnallens anyway. I also joined the rat race this week as well with Ericsson at long last. All well but is a good bit to learn. Heading for Melbourne this weekend to see Carolines cousin Deirdre and her Kerry mates. Had good weather here last weekend but it's back to the normal Sydney drizzly weather today.
Friday, July 20, 2007
Rain in Sydney
I posted a few more photos and they're from here onwards:
More Photos
Quiet enough last weekend in Sydney. Went to the cinema to see knocked up last Friday. During the day Saturday we headed for the Fish market for a bit of grub. The platter was lovely although the baby octopus are an acquired taste. Headed to Paddys market after this and met Paul Moroney and Deirdre in Surry Hill off Oxford street for a couple of drinks that night. On Sunday the club was playing a league final that they were bet in by 2 points. Played well but started poorly which meant they had too much ground to make up. Of course Sunday - COME ON THE DUBS. We got the biased news reports over here as well.
Meant to be starting with Ericsson Monday week if they ever get their finger out. Had the coldest day in 20 years here during the week so I'm off to buy a radiator now. Slan.
By the way our address here is:
40/36 Carrington Road,
Waverley,
NSW 2024
More Photos
Quiet enough last weekend in Sydney. Went to the cinema to see knocked up last Friday. During the day Saturday we headed for the Fish market for a bit of grub. The platter was lovely although the baby octopus are an acquired taste. Headed to Paddys market after this and met Paul Moroney and Deirdre in Surry Hill off Oxford street for a couple of drinks that night. On Sunday the club was playing a league final that they were bet in by 2 points. Played well but started poorly which meant they had too much ground to make up. Of course Sunday - COME ON THE DUBS. We got the biased news reports over here as well.
Meant to be starting with Ericsson Monday week if they ever get their finger out. Had the coldest day in 20 years here during the week so I'm off to buy a radiator now. Slan.
By the way our address here is:
40/36 Carrington Road,
Waverley,
NSW 2024
Monday, July 9, 2007
Still weather for ducks in Sydney
Photos from the week are here:
We had a busy enough week this week with Carolines cousin, Deirdre and her friend Katherine with a K were with us and then we did a good bit of sightseeing. I was training with Clan na Gael on Tuesday and Friday and we also had a match on Sunday-the league semi final. They were playing a crowd called Michael Cusacks and they ended up winning handily enough in the end so next week it's the final. Afraid to say I can't sneak a medal as I can only get registered for the start of the championship which starts in August. It's run in a league format so hopefully I'll get a runout. When football wasn't being played we squeezed in the view of Sydney harbour from the Shang Ri La hotel and also a bit of star watching at the observatory which I have to say was pretty dull. Saturday we headed for a good oul fish (Barramundi) and chips. Then we headed out for a jet boat ride of the harbour. I got a bit of a shock I thought it was just a leisurely cruise. Old man Dave. Saw the quick tour of the Botanical gardens behind the opera house as it was nearly closing. Then straight to this Ice Bar called 5 below although as we could see by the meter readings it was -12. You get dressed up in thermal jackets and gloves and have a cocktail inside. The glass is made of ice and it would nearly slip out of your hand. The girls headed for a funfair in Luna park then while I headed for the rugby, I mean eggchasing in Telstra stadium. Before this I thought any of the teams in the southern hemisphere would hammer Ireland but these teams can be just as average as Ireland. The match was Australia V South Africa. Bear in mind that Australia beat New Zealand last week. Also the stadium could rival "fortress Lansdowne" for atmosphere. Note sarcasm. Had to mention that as Aussies don't seem to get it. I asked one of the lads working in the ice bar could he turn up the heat and he replied that he'd lose his job if he did this. Caroline headed to the Hunter Valley for a wine tour yesterday as I had my football duties to perform. Also the best kept secret in the world is that Sydney gets just as bad weather as Ireland. My good friends at Ericsson still have to prove their goodness as still no sign of an interview. If I don't have one by tomorrow I'll do the green pass course so I can work labouring at least. Carolines job is going well.
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| Sydney2 |
We had a busy enough week this week with Carolines cousin, Deirdre and her friend Katherine with a K were with us and then we did a good bit of sightseeing. I was training with Clan na Gael on Tuesday and Friday and we also had a match on Sunday-the league semi final. They were playing a crowd called Michael Cusacks and they ended up winning handily enough in the end so next week it's the final. Afraid to say I can't sneak a medal as I can only get registered for the start of the championship which starts in August. It's run in a league format so hopefully I'll get a runout. When football wasn't being played we squeezed in the view of Sydney harbour from the Shang Ri La hotel and also a bit of star watching at the observatory which I have to say was pretty dull. Saturday we headed for a good oul fish (Barramundi) and chips. Then we headed out for a jet boat ride of the harbour. I got a bit of a shock I thought it was just a leisurely cruise. Old man Dave. Saw the quick tour of the Botanical gardens behind the opera house as it was nearly closing. Then straight to this Ice Bar called 5 below although as we could see by the meter readings it was -12. You get dressed up in thermal jackets and gloves and have a cocktail inside. The glass is made of ice and it would nearly slip out of your hand. The girls headed for a funfair in Luna park then while I headed for the rugby, I mean eggchasing in Telstra stadium. Before this I thought any of the teams in the southern hemisphere would hammer Ireland but these teams can be just as average as Ireland. The match was Australia V South Africa. Bear in mind that Australia beat New Zealand last week. Also the stadium could rival "fortress Lansdowne" for atmosphere. Note sarcasm. Had to mention that as Aussies don't seem to get it. I asked one of the lads working in the ice bar could he turn up the heat and he replied that he'd lose his job if he did this. Caroline headed to the Hunter Valley for a wine tour yesterday as I had my football duties to perform. Also the best kept secret in the world is that Sydney gets just as bad weather as Ireland. My good friends at Ericsson still have to prove their goodness as still no sign of an interview. If I don't have one by tomorrow I'll do the green pass course so I can work labouring at least. Carolines job is going well.
Tuesday, July 3, 2007
Newsflash Sydney no better than Dublin
We got out of the hostel in Bondi beach and found our own place. It's only a studio apartment but it's grand. It's nice and central. It's only 10 minutes from Bondi junction. Also joined a gym and a football team Clan na Gael http://www.clannagael.asn.au/index2.htm. They're top of the table but I still have to make my debut. They're fair handy and I've been told to expect a rough session tonight. I'll register tonight which will make me eligible to play in a couple of weeks. With that I haven't been out a whole lot. Alot of the weekends has been taken up with the Tea Gardens which could be a pub in any corner of Ireland. It's hospitable atmosphere can be seen here http://www.teagardenshotel.com.au/web/pageid/779. I also met Paul Moroney on the first week I was here in the Australian hotel in the Rocks. With the weather here it's almost like Dublin or Cork. It's alright though. I haven't found it easy getting work and was just ready to do the green card course which allows you to work on building sites when my good friends in Ericsson rang so hopefully they can sort me out. I also went to the opera house last night for a concert with choirs. Was good to see the inside of it. Have sorted a place to watch the football/hurling now so as the Ozzies say it's all good. Carolines cousin Deirdre and her friend Catherine arrived on Sunday and they're currently staying with us. Nothing much else to report. Slan.
Tuesday, June 19, 2007
83 was not a a great year for Taragos
I've added all the photos from around the coast south of Perth and here they are here:
The last time I was in touch plans were very different but I'll get to that in a bit. Kalgoorlie Boulder i really enjoyed. It was fairly lively which I suppose is to be expected from a mining town. There was plenty of history here to do with the mining as well. The super pit was amazing. This is the biggest gold mine in Australia which is expected to have gold till 2021 which was found by an Irishman Paddy Hannan. We saw a detonation here as well. Down the road is the mining museum which is an old unused mine. You're able to go down an old mine shaft here. We had a good night in Paddys Ale house here.
The van started giving us problems while we were here. We got a blockage in the radiator which would cost us at least $200 and maybe $600 if it needed replacing which was deemed unlikely. We had already paid for a service before this so we decided we'd sell it as we weren't going to get any money we plugged into the car. So we headed on the 600 km drive to Perth. Things were looking poor and we thought we might have to bring it to a scrapyard but on the Thursday before we left we got a buyer for $1,300. Happy days.
We left Perth for Sydney on Monday and didn't do a whole lot in Perth the last few days bar go out a couple of nights. And scouring the city for a place to watch the Dublin match. Only got some of the first half on the internet. We arrived in Sydney last night to wet miserable Irish weather. It didn't say this on the brochure. What could you do but head to the local, Tea Gardens for a couple of schooners. Rain all day today as well. Staying in a hostel on Bondi Beach at the moment. The plan is to find a house tomorrow and start looking for a job. 3 months of work and then we'll head for the East coast followed by the Melbourne to Uluru trip. Slan.
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| South of Perth, Sydney |
The last time I was in touch plans were very different but I'll get to that in a bit. Kalgoorlie Boulder i really enjoyed. It was fairly lively which I suppose is to be expected from a mining town. There was plenty of history here to do with the mining as well. The super pit was amazing. This is the biggest gold mine in Australia which is expected to have gold till 2021 which was found by an Irishman Paddy Hannan. We saw a detonation here as well. Down the road is the mining museum which is an old unused mine. You're able to go down an old mine shaft here. We had a good night in Paddys Ale house here.
The van started giving us problems while we were here. We got a blockage in the radiator which would cost us at least $200 and maybe $600 if it needed replacing which was deemed unlikely. We had already paid for a service before this so we decided we'd sell it as we weren't going to get any money we plugged into the car. So we headed on the 600 km drive to Perth. Things were looking poor and we thought we might have to bring it to a scrapyard but on the Thursday before we left we got a buyer for $1,300. Happy days.
We left Perth for Sydney on Monday and didn't do a whole lot in Perth the last few days bar go out a couple of nights. And scouring the city for a place to watch the Dublin match. Only got some of the first half on the internet. We arrived in Sydney last night to wet miserable Irish weather. It didn't say this on the brochure. What could you do but head to the local, Tea Gardens for a couple of schooners. Rain all day today as well. Staying in a hostel on Bondi Beach at the moment. The plan is to find a house tomorrow and start looking for a job. 3 months of work and then we'll head for the East coast followed by the Melbourne to Uluru trip. Slan.
Tuesday, June 5, 2007
Left Perth next stop Sydney
Gday mates,
Long time no hear from me. Perth was excellent. Quieter than Sydney but I reckon it's alot better. Plenty of nightlife available as was seen to it's fullest when Carolines mates were here. The Bog being stayed at till 5 in the morning. It was previously known as La Bog. It's about as exclusive as La Tower in Temple Bar but was great sport. Northbridge is where all the nightlife and restaurants are while the other side of the city has the shopping area. Fremantle is lovely to walk around and there's a great bar in the corner of the market here that's great on a Saturday evening. For beaches it has Cottesloe and Scarborough. While not mad the Sunday Sesh is good here. We stayed out in Woodvale with my cousin Niamh. Had difficulty finding IT work so I made the decision to head onto Sydney as there's always labouring there. Have to say I thought Perth was good. I'll miss Subiaco and the Dockers although I'll miss their play a little less. While out at Hyden I heard one of the dockers Jeff Farmer who was suspended for fighting outside a nightclub was put out cold at a WAFL game. This is like a inter county player dropping down to play Junior B.
Anyway our first stop after Perth was Rockingham. From here we went out to Penguin Island where orphaned penguins are looked after. I have photos of the feeding. It was a nice walk around the island and we even spotted a dolphin.
Next stop after here was Bunbury where there's a huge jetty but there's a huge viewing aquarium at the end of it where you can spot the coral. Was nice but was over a 2 mile walk out to it.
Next stop was Margaret River. Fantastic spot here made better or just made when we won a $100 voucher with tokens from our first drink. Happy days. We also went on a wine tour from here the following day for a couple of nice Cabernet Sauvignon. You're fairly happy after the day which includes 4 wineries with 9 tastings at each, a brewery, chocolate factory and a cheese factory. They bring you to the chocolate factory after the 4 wineries which is not conducive to being decorous. What are you to do when 3 bowls of free chocolate are put in front of you. Actually I missed out on telling you that I also did the Swan Valley tour when in Perth which I would actually recommend more.
On to Augusta after this via a couple of surfing spots. The world championships in surfing is held here when it's not being held in Bundoran. We got a tour up to the top of a lighthouse here. Also here is where the Indian Ocean meets the Southern ocean on the most South westerly point of Australia. Our day ended up in Walpole in a lovely caravan park at the side of a lake which we missed till the following morning as we arrived in darkness.
The next day we did Valley of the Giants on the way to Denmark. This was a fantastic suspended bridge 40 metres up in the air that looks over the tree tops. Was amazing. Made up somewhat for chickening out of the Dave Evans millenium tree. This is 60 metres high and involves climbing vertically stakes driven into the tree. The photos I'm sure will show my wisdom.
Denmark was a lovely town but dead even on a bank holiday weekend. The pub was even closed. Did a nice tour of an Alpaca farm outside the town where we saw a Koala and my first time seeing a Highland Cow.
Onto to Albany now where we spent 2 days. Nice town but I have to say listening to the Dublin match in a phone box outside it was a highlight. Poxy Dirty Meath ..... Will have to watch it have a junior redaership to look after. Saw the last whaling station outside Albany. It was fairly brutal work. Very interesting. Also saw the blowholes although I actually stood on them. I fairly jumped when the wave eventually came. The waves came fairly irregularly so that's why you didn't notice and it was only a tiny gap.
We went to Wave Rock outside Hyden last night which was impressive and drove to Kalgoorlie today. Looks decent place. Is an old mining town. Will probably stay here 2 nights.
Next stop Is Uluru which is about 1500km away. Only a stones throw!! Then we'll be onto Coobers Pedy, Adelaide, Melbourne and Sydney in about 2 weeks time. Caroline seems to have a job sorted in Sydney and hopefully I won't have too much hassle getting work. The priority now is to get to a Setanta affiliated outlet before Saturday week.
COME ON THE DUBS.
Long time no hear from me. Perth was excellent. Quieter than Sydney but I reckon it's alot better. Plenty of nightlife available as was seen to it's fullest when Carolines mates were here. The Bog being stayed at till 5 in the morning. It was previously known as La Bog. It's about as exclusive as La Tower in Temple Bar but was great sport. Northbridge is where all the nightlife and restaurants are while the other side of the city has the shopping area. Fremantle is lovely to walk around and there's a great bar in the corner of the market here that's great on a Saturday evening. For beaches it has Cottesloe and Scarborough. While not mad the Sunday Sesh is good here. We stayed out in Woodvale with my cousin Niamh. Had difficulty finding IT work so I made the decision to head onto Sydney as there's always labouring there. Have to say I thought Perth was good. I'll miss Subiaco and the Dockers although I'll miss their play a little less. While out at Hyden I heard one of the dockers Jeff Farmer who was suspended for fighting outside a nightclub was put out cold at a WAFL game. This is like a inter county player dropping down to play Junior B.
Anyway our first stop after Perth was Rockingham. From here we went out to Penguin Island where orphaned penguins are looked after. I have photos of the feeding. It was a nice walk around the island and we even spotted a dolphin.
Next stop after here was Bunbury where there's a huge jetty but there's a huge viewing aquarium at the end of it where you can spot the coral. Was nice but was over a 2 mile walk out to it.
Next stop was Margaret River. Fantastic spot here made better or just made when we won a $100 voucher with tokens from our first drink. Happy days. We also went on a wine tour from here the following day for a couple of nice Cabernet Sauvignon. You're fairly happy after the day which includes 4 wineries with 9 tastings at each, a brewery, chocolate factory and a cheese factory. They bring you to the chocolate factory after the 4 wineries which is not conducive to being decorous. What are you to do when 3 bowls of free chocolate are put in front of you. Actually I missed out on telling you that I also did the Swan Valley tour when in Perth which I would actually recommend more.
On to Augusta after this via a couple of surfing spots. The world championships in surfing is held here when it's not being held in Bundoran. We got a tour up to the top of a lighthouse here. Also here is where the Indian Ocean meets the Southern ocean on the most South westerly point of Australia. Our day ended up in Walpole in a lovely caravan park at the side of a lake which we missed till the following morning as we arrived in darkness.
The next day we did Valley of the Giants on the way to Denmark. This was a fantastic suspended bridge 40 metres up in the air that looks over the tree tops. Was amazing. Made up somewhat for chickening out of the Dave Evans millenium tree. This is 60 metres high and involves climbing vertically stakes driven into the tree. The photos I'm sure will show my wisdom.
Denmark was a lovely town but dead even on a bank holiday weekend. The pub was even closed. Did a nice tour of an Alpaca farm outside the town where we saw a Koala and my first time seeing a Highland Cow.
Onto to Albany now where we spent 2 days. Nice town but I have to say listening to the Dublin match in a phone box outside it was a highlight. Poxy Dirty Meath ..... Will have to watch it have a junior redaership to look after. Saw the last whaling station outside Albany. It was fairly brutal work. Very interesting. Also saw the blowholes although I actually stood on them. I fairly jumped when the wave eventually came. The waves came fairly irregularly so that's why you didn't notice and it was only a tiny gap.
We went to Wave Rock outside Hyden last night which was impressive and drove to Kalgoorlie today. Looks decent place. Is an old mining town. Will probably stay here 2 nights.
Next stop Is Uluru which is about 1500km away. Only a stones throw!! Then we'll be onto Coobers Pedy, Adelaide, Melbourne and Sydney in about 2 weeks time. Caroline seems to have a job sorted in Sydney and hopefully I won't have too much hassle getting work. The priority now is to get to a Setanta affiliated outlet before Saturday week.
COME ON THE DUBS.
Thursday, May 10, 2007
More photos with not much news
A Couple of photos here and will post the rest of them tomorrow when I get the new camera.
Not a whole lot at all has happened in Perth. Went for a couple of interviews for office staff/data entry type roles and seemed to go grand but after doing the 5 minute tests for data entry I realised I would be nearly happier working in McDonalds than that. The Ericsson job is delayed till next week or not at all. So we decided we'd head to Sydney earlier than expected where McDonalds have a branch if worst comes to worst.
Other than that I have much the same to report from an average week in Dublin. Not a whole lot. Was in Scarborough beach yesterday and it seemed really nice. Must get a try at the surfing before I leave. Niamh, the cousin is bringing us on a bit of a session on saturday and hope to get to the Dockers on Sunday. Hope all is well.
For those that can't wait to see when I update:
http://www.google.com/alerts?t=4&hl=en&q=turasdaithi&ie=UTF-8
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| Karijini, Kalbarri, Hutt River Province, Geraldton, Pinnacles, Perth |
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| Whale Shark Coral Bay |
Not a whole lot at all has happened in Perth. Went for a couple of interviews for office staff/data entry type roles and seemed to go grand but after doing the 5 minute tests for data entry I realised I would be nearly happier working in McDonalds than that. The Ericsson job is delayed till next week or not at all. So we decided we'd head to Sydney earlier than expected where McDonalds have a branch if worst comes to worst.
Other than that I have much the same to report from an average week in Dublin. Not a whole lot. Was in Scarborough beach yesterday and it seemed really nice. Must get a try at the surfing before I leave. Niamh, the cousin is bringing us on a bit of a session on saturday and hope to get to the Dockers on Sunday. Hope all is well.
For those that can't wait to see when I update:
http://www.google.com/alerts?t=4&hl=en&q=turasdaithi&ie=UTF-8
Monday, April 30, 2007
Perth at last
It's been so long since I updated this. We headed to Cape Range national park just outside to Exmouth. In these national parks it's a constant battle to keep food fresh or not gone off. The procedure is generally meat for the first day followed by the remaining days of pasta and veg. I'm definitely not vegetarian material. Lots of snorkelling was done here and it was pretty amnazing. Oyster Stacks and Turquoise Bay were the highlights. Oyster Stacks has to be done at high tide and the coral is amazing. Turquoise Bay is cool as the current brings you right along the coast but then you swim like a hoor as you get towards the end of the headland as the current would drag you out to sea or Tiger shark territory. Got to meet a nice couple from Newcastle, New South Wales here. Mandu Mandu gorge is well worth a look here as well although we didn't appreciate it after being in Karijini. The Kangaroos here were very tame and would come right up to you. They definitely get my vote as the stupidest creatures in the animal kingdom. They make rabbits look intelligent. Wildlife item of interest is that a Kangaroo can cryogenically freeze their eggs if for example there is a drought and the kangaroo doesn't think it will be able to carry it's young to birth or to miscarry.
After here we headed down for Coral Bay. Nice spot but very small. After Cape Range the snorkelling didn't compare either. It was the Easter school holidays and the place was thronged with kids. Not much nightlife here although that could be a theme of the whole West Coast bar Perth. We also went on a Whale Shark trip while we were here although I couldn't recommend it. It cost $450 and we only saw the sharks for less than a minute. It could have been the fault of the weather the day we were there. The currents dragged you towards the sharks and they got scared and swam off. Saw a sea turtle which was good though. I think it was 3 days we were here and by the end of it we were delighted to be leaving. I will add as the time goes on this entry I will steadily be getting more pissed off as myself and Caroline were starting to get travel weary. You start to not appreciate what you're seeing. ANOTHER GORGE!!!
We followed this trip by heading for Carnarvon. Easily the worst town in WA. A pier is the towns main selling point called the one mile jetty. Got a picture of a stork here though. Of more interest is the satellite dish here from the film "The Dish". This dish was used to communicate with the Apollo missions when NASA lost contact when the spacecraft was in the Southern hemisphere. Oddly the town doesn't sell this fact at all. I thought there might be some facts on this but nada. We went on a tour of a banana plantation outside the town here as well. We also met some Dubs here as well who we were to meet in the next place as well. Not bad to meet a couple of drinking buddies.
The next day we headed for Denham. This place had a lovely little town. We visited one of 2 pubs in the town with our drinking buddies that night to acquire the hangover from hell. We hadn't much time to worry about headaches the next morning as we headed for Monkey Mia to see dolphins. This was well worth seeing. I also discovered my underwater camera doesn't work underwater or at all anymore here. Will have to invest in a new one here in Perth.
Kalbarri was our next stop. The national park wasn't great but I think this might be because we were getting spoiled at this stage. The Pelican feeding was good the following morning although I thought they looked more like storks. We headed for the Hutt River Principality the following morning although I must say that the gorges along the coast heading away from Kalbarri were amazing. The Hutt River Principality is it's own country. I think it was the 60s that it broke away due to harsh agricultural quotas. Prince Leonard is a very interesting character.
We arrived in Geraldton that night which was the day before ANZAC day. The marine museaum here was very interesting. We headed to the cinema that night which was followed by a couple of pints with a rock group. Stayed for the ANZAC celebrations the following day. The whole town seemed to be out. Obviously I sat for God Save the Queen. She's not my Queen.
Headed towards the Pinnacles then outside Cervantes. This was very cool looking. We headed on for Perth then which was a bit hairy avoiding the road trains at night. Arrived in Northbridge for ANZAC night and made the Shed in northbridge for a couple of pints. The place was rocking. Was a fantastic night. Other than that in Perth we haven't done much bar bum around with a small bit of job hunting thrown in. Being put forward for a job in Ericssons after all my efforts to get away from them. Also saw Fremantle. The Dockers won yesterday who I think will be my adopted AFL team although I think they're 4th from bottom. The Eagles are a shower of druggies and hooligans so I won't support them which I'm sure will amuse the Eircom League followers. Will look to sell the van now that we're in Perth. Hope all is well Slan. I'm sure you all love me and miss me as one fairly oiled Blacktrench based person said to me after the Punchestown races.
After here we headed down for Coral Bay. Nice spot but very small. After Cape Range the snorkelling didn't compare either. It was the Easter school holidays and the place was thronged with kids. Not much nightlife here although that could be a theme of the whole West Coast bar Perth. We also went on a Whale Shark trip while we were here although I couldn't recommend it. It cost $450 and we only saw the sharks for less than a minute. It could have been the fault of the weather the day we were there. The currents dragged you towards the sharks and they got scared and swam off. Saw a sea turtle which was good though. I think it was 3 days we were here and by the end of it we were delighted to be leaving. I will add as the time goes on this entry I will steadily be getting more pissed off as myself and Caroline were starting to get travel weary. You start to not appreciate what you're seeing. ANOTHER GORGE!!!
We followed this trip by heading for Carnarvon. Easily the worst town in WA. A pier is the towns main selling point called the one mile jetty. Got a picture of a stork here though. Of more interest is the satellite dish here from the film "The Dish". This dish was used to communicate with the Apollo missions when NASA lost contact when the spacecraft was in the Southern hemisphere. Oddly the town doesn't sell this fact at all. I thought there might be some facts on this but nada. We went on a tour of a banana plantation outside the town here as well. We also met some Dubs here as well who we were to meet in the next place as well. Not bad to meet a couple of drinking buddies.
The next day we headed for Denham. This place had a lovely little town. We visited one of 2 pubs in the town with our drinking buddies that night to acquire the hangover from hell. We hadn't much time to worry about headaches the next morning as we headed for Monkey Mia to see dolphins. This was well worth seeing. I also discovered my underwater camera doesn't work underwater or at all anymore here. Will have to invest in a new one here in Perth.
Kalbarri was our next stop. The national park wasn't great but I think this might be because we were getting spoiled at this stage. The Pelican feeding was good the following morning although I thought they looked more like storks. We headed for the Hutt River Principality the following morning although I must say that the gorges along the coast heading away from Kalbarri were amazing. The Hutt River Principality is it's own country. I think it was the 60s that it broke away due to harsh agricultural quotas. Prince Leonard is a very interesting character.
We arrived in Geraldton that night which was the day before ANZAC day. The marine museaum here was very interesting. We headed to the cinema that night which was followed by a couple of pints with a rock group. Stayed for the ANZAC celebrations the following day. The whole town seemed to be out. Obviously I sat for God Save the Queen. She's not my Queen.
Headed towards the Pinnacles then outside Cervantes. This was very cool looking. We headed on for Perth then which was a bit hairy avoiding the road trains at night. Arrived in Northbridge for ANZAC night and made the Shed in northbridge for a couple of pints. The place was rocking. Was a fantastic night. Other than that in Perth we haven't done much bar bum around with a small bit of job hunting thrown in. Being put forward for a job in Ericssons after all my efforts to get away from them. Also saw Fremantle. The Dockers won yesterday who I think will be my adopted AFL team although I think they're 4th from bottom. The Eagles are a shower of druggies and hooligans so I won't support them which I'm sure will amuse the Eircom League followers. Will look to sell the van now that we're in Perth. Hope all is well Slan. I'm sure you all love me and miss me as one fairly oiled Blacktrench based person said to me after the Punchestown races.
Thursday, April 12, 2007
Broome, Karijini
Broome was a grand spot but fairly small. It wore a small bit thin on us by the end of our stay here. We also moved backpackers for the second day as the place in town we were staying was a bit of a kip. It was called Broomes last resort and it lived up to its name. We had a fairly quiet first night with a couple of drinks in the Roey Bay hotel followed by a wild night in the Irish bar in the town but the wild bouncer didn't allow thongs which are flip flops on this side of the world. The next day we moved onto the cable beach backpackers near to you guessed it the beach. It's so named as this beach connected the cable to Asia that carried the telephone calls to Europe. The beach here is fantastic but the waether was unbelievably hot so we only lasted about 2 hours on the beach. That night we headed for the open air cinema to see Hot Fuzz. The airport is very close to here and just before the film starts a plane flies overhead maybe 10 metres overhead. Everyone is jumping off their seats The following night we headed for the waterfront to see Staircase to the moon. When it happens right it looks like there are steps to the moon. It was overcast that night so we had to make do with just the concert. There was a bit of a do in the Oasis at the back of the Roey bay hotel. OK we'll call it what it is - a piss up. They close on Good Friday over here as well so the locals were getting tanked up. It took half an hour to get served. We headed back for the stairway to the moon the following night and it was a clear night. It looked class. The photos don't even do it justice. We headed back for the open air cinema that night as there was nothing else open.
The following morning we got our camper van - a 1983 Toyota Tarago and then we were free on the open road. We were very happy to be leaving Broome. Nice spot but were starting to get bored with it. Our first stop was Cape Keraudren reserve alovely spot by the beach although a hell of a drive. We passed through Port Hedland on our way to Karijini the following day. An old mining town with not alot to it but we saw the longest train in the world. It must have been over a hundred carriages long. Only 3 hundred more kilometres to Karijini now. We booked into the campsite just outside Karijini but as I was to find out over the next two days the flies would turn a saint to Heroine addiction. The scenery here was beautiful. The gorges were spectacular. Weano gorge was amazing.
We arrived yesterday in Exmouth. I think we have about 1300 km on the clock but the driving should decrease from here. The main attraction here is the coral reef which I have yet to see so speaking of which must run and see it. We'll head towards Coral Bay after this. Between the 2 of these places we'll spend about 10 days as we're wrecked after all the travelling. So surfs up. Slan.
The following morning we got our camper van - a 1983 Toyota Tarago and then we were free on the open road. We were very happy to be leaving Broome. Nice spot but were starting to get bored with it. Our first stop was Cape Keraudren reserve alovely spot by the beach although a hell of a drive. We passed through Port Hedland on our way to Karijini the following day. An old mining town with not alot to it but we saw the longest train in the world. It must have been over a hundred carriages long. Only 3 hundred more kilometres to Karijini now. We booked into the campsite just outside Karijini but as I was to find out over the next two days the flies would turn a saint to Heroine addiction. The scenery here was beautiful. The gorges were spectacular. Weano gorge was amazing.
We arrived yesterday in Exmouth. I think we have about 1300 km on the clock but the driving should decrease from here. The main attraction here is the coral reef which I have yet to see so speaking of which must run and see it. We'll head towards Coral Bay after this. Between the 2 of these places we'll spend about 10 days as we're wrecked after all the travelling. So surfs up. Slan.
Tuesday, April 3, 2007
Arse-licking in the northern territories
I was mistaken about Darwin being a fairly lively spot. Correction it’s very lively on quiz night. It wasn’t a bad spot but a bit small.
The following day we booked ourselves on Kakadu National Park and they had a special on that also included Litchfield with this starting first. Litchfield was lovely with plenty of swimming in rock pools and the waterfalls were also fantastic here. We couldn’t swim underneath some of the waterfalls as these waters were infested with saltwater crocodiles. The salties are more vicious than the freshwater as they’re very territorial. A lot of the lower lying waters get infested with freshies when the water level is so high during the wet season. Also on this trip we or I mean I licked the back end of the green backed ant and you get the taste of lime off it. Sorry for the tabloidy type title. The group we did this with was sound but I have to say that as they all have my blog address. Jake/Jade let me know if you got caught in that tsunami warning? We all got free dinner in the Victoria hotel if you could call the scrap we got dinner but filled part of a hole. Sadly that night ESPN pulled the highlights of the Ireland game.
Well we were off to Kakadu the following day for a 3 day tour. Kakadu is about 3 hours outside Darwin. The first part of it was broken up with a trip to the beach to be shown different bits of aboriginal culture. This included playing a Didgeridoo which I struggled badly with, firing bamboo arrows which I was a natural at, sort of and making aboriginal jewellery which I abandoned to arrow throwing as soon as an opportunity presented itself. It was very good. Bt the way the didgeridoo is made by wood eating termites eating out the middle of a piece of wood. After this it was on to a crocodile tour which was brilliant. It involves meat being dangled above the crocodiles head and it jumping out of the water. I wonder are they being overfed here as one crocodile was very slow to react to free food. I suppose there’s a danger they could become too tame although I wouldn’t fancy swimming with them. After this we went onto Kakadu passing by the bull that was used in the Crocodile Dundee film. It was almost the end of the day when we finally got to our cabins so there just time for a swim before sunset. Days 2 and 3 involved walking mixed with regular swims. It wasn’t too tough going. Some of the views were fantastic. I’ll add photos when I get a chance.
We had one day left in Darwin when we came back. Caroline hit the shops and I headed on a cycle to a World War II museum out in East point about 13 km from the city centre. Hadn’t much time in the museum by the time I got there but the cycle was all along the coast which was lovely. Had a hell of a cycle back in as I only had 45 minutes to drop the bike back. Just watched a film in the hostel that night.
We flew this morning to Broome and we got some great views of the Kimberley mountain range. Haven’t seen too much of the town yet but it looks nice but it’s fairly small.
Looks like it’ll be a bus down the rest of the coast as I can’t get a provisional licence here. Hope everyones well.
The following day we booked ourselves on Kakadu National Park and they had a special on that also included Litchfield with this starting first. Litchfield was lovely with plenty of swimming in rock pools and the waterfalls were also fantastic here. We couldn’t swim underneath some of the waterfalls as these waters were infested with saltwater crocodiles. The salties are more vicious than the freshwater as they’re very territorial. A lot of the lower lying waters get infested with freshies when the water level is so high during the wet season. Also on this trip we or I mean I licked the back end of the green backed ant and you get the taste of lime off it. Sorry for the tabloidy type title. The group we did this with was sound but I have to say that as they all have my blog address. Jake/Jade let me know if you got caught in that tsunami warning? We all got free dinner in the Victoria hotel if you could call the scrap we got dinner but filled part of a hole. Sadly that night ESPN pulled the highlights of the Ireland game.
Well we were off to Kakadu the following day for a 3 day tour. Kakadu is about 3 hours outside Darwin. The first part of it was broken up with a trip to the beach to be shown different bits of aboriginal culture. This included playing a Didgeridoo which I struggled badly with, firing bamboo arrows which I was a natural at, sort of and making aboriginal jewellery which I abandoned to arrow throwing as soon as an opportunity presented itself. It was very good. Bt the way the didgeridoo is made by wood eating termites eating out the middle of a piece of wood. After this it was on to a crocodile tour which was brilliant. It involves meat being dangled above the crocodiles head and it jumping out of the water. I wonder are they being overfed here as one crocodile was very slow to react to free food. I suppose there’s a danger they could become too tame although I wouldn’t fancy swimming with them. After this we went onto Kakadu passing by the bull that was used in the Crocodile Dundee film. It was almost the end of the day when we finally got to our cabins so there just time for a swim before sunset. Days 2 and 3 involved walking mixed with regular swims. It wasn’t too tough going. Some of the views were fantastic. I’ll add photos when I get a chance.
We had one day left in Darwin when we came back. Caroline hit the shops and I headed on a cycle to a World War II museum out in East point about 13 km from the city centre. Hadn’t much time in the museum by the time I got there but the cycle was all along the coast which was lovely. Had a hell of a cycle back in as I only had 45 minutes to drop the bike back. Just watched a film in the hostel that night.
We flew this morning to Broome and we got some great views of the Kimberley mountain range. Haven’t seen too much of the town yet but it looks nice but it’s fairly small.
Looks like it’ll be a bus down the rest of the coast as I can’t get a provisional licence here. Hope everyones well.
Wednesday, March 28, 2007
Darwin
We left from Bangkok to make the flight to Oz. We passed through Singapore on the way back and we headed into the city. The boat trip of the city was well worth it. The skyscrapers are pretty impressive. Not that impressed with the country though. We rushed back to the airport and just about made the flight onwards to Darwin arriving there at 4.30 in the morning.
In Darwin now. Just arrived Tuesday. Just seems like a slightly bigger version of Naas with stricter licensing laws so as a result the pubs are fairly hopping. Was in Shennanigans last night a madey uppey Irish pub. I don't think they even knew the Irish match was on on Wednesday. Was hoping to get up at 5 to watch it. I caught the last one in a combination of RTE on radio over the net and a streamed version although it wasn't moving very fluidly. Maybe that wasn't even the streaming? I saw the goal though.
Anyone reading this who has advice on what route down the West coast we should follow please get in touch.
Come on Ireland. Hopefully someone can step into the chant-starter role although sounded good on Radio on Wednesday.
In Darwin now. Just arrived Tuesday. Just seems like a slightly bigger version of Naas with stricter licensing laws so as a result the pubs are fairly hopping. Was in Shennanigans last night a madey uppey Irish pub. I don't think they even knew the Irish match was on on Wednesday. Was hoping to get up at 5 to watch it. I caught the last one in a combination of RTE on radio over the net and a streamed version although it wasn't moving very fluidly. Maybe that wasn't even the streaming? I saw the goal though.
Anyone reading this who has advice on what route down the West coast we should follow please get in touch.
Come on Ireland. Hopefully someone can step into the chant-starter role although sounded good on Radio on Wednesday.
Saturday, March 24, 2007
Koh Chang
Got out of Siem Reap. Lively enough spot and well worth a visit. It's small enough so by the end of it we were starting to get bored with it. We hopped on a taxi to go along the worst road/dirt track. It's a disgrace that the government doesn't look after this road. The one thing they have is tourism and they're doing their best to throw this away. I'll finish pontificating.
Well we arrived across the border to Poipet after the bus but it all worked out well as we met 2 Ozzie lads who we shared a taxi with to Trat. Here was a lovely spot which kind of caught us by surprise. We spent a night here before heading for Koh Chang the following morning. It's absolute heaven being back in Thailand. Everything just works that little bit better and it's alot less hassle. Not doing a whole lot here bar chilling on the beach. We're heading back to Bangkok tomorrow with our flight to Darwin via Singapore. I took few enough photos here but here are a couple of more sunsets along with among the worst roads in Asia.
Well we arrived across the border to Poipet after the bus but it all worked out well as we met 2 Ozzie lads who we shared a taxi with to Trat. Here was a lovely spot which kind of caught us by surprise. We spent a night here before heading for Koh Chang the following morning. It's absolute heaven being back in Thailand. Everything just works that little bit better and it's alot less hassle. Not doing a whole lot here bar chilling on the beach. We're heading back to Bangkok tomorrow with our flight to Darwin via Singapore. I took few enough photos here but here are a couple of more sunsets along with among the worst roads in Asia.
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| Koh Chang |
Wednesday, March 21, 2007
Mui Ne, Saigon, Mekong Delta, Phnom Penh, Siem Reap
We´re in Siem Reap now. The town is very compact but it`s good craic. Went to see Angkor Wat today. Good to see but I think we`re a bit templed out so didn`t enjoy it fully. Kind of looking forward to Oz now. Our flight from Bangkok is on the 26th.
The government here is rotten to the core and it´s sad how they´re messing the people about. For example only 15% of the money you pay into Angkor Wat goes towards preservation with the rest going to a petrol company and the government. It´s very sad as the one resource they have is falling to the ground.
Well here are some more photos finishing with "I donät give a damn if we see another temple" collection
The government here is rotten to the core and it´s sad how they´re messing the people about. For example only 15% of the money you pay into Angkor Wat goes towards preservation with the rest going to a petrol company and the government. It´s very sad as the one resource they have is falling to the ground.
Well here are some more photos finishing with "I donät give a damn if we see another temple" collection
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| Mui Ne, Saigon, Mekong Delta, Phnom Penh, Siem Reap |
Sunday, March 18, 2007
Nha Trang, Mui Ne, Saigon, Phnom Penh
I haven't been in touch in a good while and alot of the stuff I've done is even fading from the memory banks. I had to look at the photos to recap what I'd done.
More photos here:
We headed to Marble Mountain the following morning. Was very nice. Some of the carvings of Buddha in the caves were very impressive. Could see China Beach from ther top of here. This was the beach where the Americans were sent for R&R (Rest and Recuperation) during the American war. The beach wasn't too impressive and is really only an extension of the much nicer beach in Hoi An which is about 40 km south of here. We had to get back to Hoi An from here and then we were back on the bus for another 12 hour trip down the coast to Nha Trang. I tell you Magellan and Columbus had it easy.
Nha Trang was just fabulous. The beaches here were amazing although the water was a bit dirty with hints of the beach in Cahore when they open the gates of the canal. Alot of what we did here was lounging about on deck chairs working on our sunburn. The first night we were here we met a crowd of Irish and an American. It went downhill from here. Needless to say the next morning/afternoon was very slow to start. We had great craic here and the nightlife was super. We did mudbaths the following day. The heat of the water here was amazing. The 4th day night we were here we did a tour of the islands. The snorkelling went fine until a couple of jellyfish were blown in my direction. Didn't get badly stung but it messed up the snorkelling. On one of the islands myself and Caroline did paragliding towed behind a speedboat. The floating bar was also good with Caroline doing well at leading the band at a couple of bars of the Fields of Athenry. Some of the photos in the Aquarium on the way home were very good.
It was off to Mui Ne with us the following day for more beaches. This is a surfing kind of town. Nice and relaxed kind of place. The second day we headed for the sanddunes which are so big it's like a desert. Very impressive though.
2 days in Mui Ne and then we were back on the road to Saigon. The highlight of the bus trip being when the bus driver was trying to force her into a seat she says "same same" in her best Vietnamese which has the tourist section of the bus in stitches. Saigon was lovely. Much nicer than Hanoi. I went to Cu Chi tunnels outside Saigon/Ho Chi Minh city which were very interesting.
After Saigon we did a 2 day Mekong delta tour to Phnom Penh in Cambodia. Was decent in parts but was a bit too long. Phnom Penh is grand. It's alot less hectic but with the pricing of everything in dollars it's quite dear compared to Vietnam anyway. Saw the killing fields and S-21 or Tual Sleng prison where the Khmer rouge tortured their victims. Very scary. From estimates they reckon between 750,000 and 3 million were massacred here.
Paddys day was quietish but we met an Australian and his Irish girlfriend which made it good enough. Had the Irish stew in the Irish bar and got to see the rugby. No harm that they lost. It might wake them up for the world cup. Good result with the cricket.
In my fact finding mission for St. Patricks Athletic I have found out that Charles Mbazi Livingstone is playing in Hanoi. His heart defect has sorted itself out!!!
Well off to Siem Reap tomorrow so must go for a Beer Lao now. Slan. If anyone else has news let me know.
More photos here:
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| Hoi An, Nha Trang, Mui Ne |
We headed to Marble Mountain the following morning. Was very nice. Some of the carvings of Buddha in the caves were very impressive. Could see China Beach from ther top of here. This was the beach where the Americans were sent for R&R (Rest and Recuperation) during the American war. The beach wasn't too impressive and is really only an extension of the much nicer beach in Hoi An which is about 40 km south of here. We had to get back to Hoi An from here and then we were back on the bus for another 12 hour trip down the coast to Nha Trang. I tell you Magellan and Columbus had it easy.
Nha Trang was just fabulous. The beaches here were amazing although the water was a bit dirty with hints of the beach in Cahore when they open the gates of the canal. Alot of what we did here was lounging about on deck chairs working on our sunburn. The first night we were here we met a crowd of Irish and an American. It went downhill from here. Needless to say the next morning/afternoon was very slow to start. We had great craic here and the nightlife was super. We did mudbaths the following day. The heat of the water here was amazing. The 4th day night we were here we did a tour of the islands. The snorkelling went fine until a couple of jellyfish were blown in my direction. Didn't get badly stung but it messed up the snorkelling. On one of the islands myself and Caroline did paragliding towed behind a speedboat. The floating bar was also good with Caroline doing well at leading the band at a couple of bars of the Fields of Athenry. Some of the photos in the Aquarium on the way home were very good.
It was off to Mui Ne with us the following day for more beaches. This is a surfing kind of town. Nice and relaxed kind of place. The second day we headed for the sanddunes which are so big it's like a desert. Very impressive though.
2 days in Mui Ne and then we were back on the road to Saigon. The highlight of the bus trip being when the bus driver was trying to force her into a seat she says "same same" in her best Vietnamese which has the tourist section of the bus in stitches. Saigon was lovely. Much nicer than Hanoi. I went to Cu Chi tunnels outside Saigon/Ho Chi Minh city which were very interesting.
After Saigon we did a 2 day Mekong delta tour to Phnom Penh in Cambodia. Was decent in parts but was a bit too long. Phnom Penh is grand. It's alot less hectic but with the pricing of everything in dollars it's quite dear compared to Vietnam anyway. Saw the killing fields and S-21 or Tual Sleng prison where the Khmer rouge tortured their victims. Very scary. From estimates they reckon between 750,000 and 3 million were massacred here.
Paddys day was quietish but we met an Australian and his Irish girlfriend which made it good enough. Had the Irish stew in the Irish bar and got to see the rugby. No harm that they lost. It might wake them up for the world cup. Good result with the cricket.
In my fact finding mission for St. Patricks Athletic I have found out that Charles Mbazi Livingstone is playing in Hanoi. His heart defect has sorted itself out!!!
Well off to Siem Reap tomorrow so must go for a Beer Lao now. Slan. If anyone else has news let me know.
Sunday, March 4, 2007
Caroline loves Dublin
Nothing to report here bar Caroline has finally turned to the dark side as far as ye Cork based people are concerned. She was spotted in a Dublin top in the beach outside Hoi An today.
Other than that nothing much new. We went on the tour to My Son today. This is the site of old Cham ruins. There wasn't much to see as the Americans had purposefully bombed it bringing in a helicopter gunship to finish the job. It was only stopped when one of the professors involved wrote to Richard Nixon to stop the bombing although to tell the whole story the Viet Cong had a base close to it.
Other than that just back from the beach.
Other than that nothing much new. We went on the tour to My Son today. This is the site of old Cham ruins. There wasn't much to see as the Americans had purposefully bombed it bringing in a helicopter gunship to finish the job. It was only stopped when one of the professors involved wrote to Richard Nixon to stop the bombing although to tell the whole story the Viet Cong had a base close to it.
Other than that just back from the beach.
Saturday, March 3, 2007
Ninh Binh, Hue, Lang Co, Hoi An
We headed to Cuc Phuong National Park the following day to do trekking for the first half of the day. It was sold as being easy but it ended up being quite hard. It was very good and we were glad to get out of Ninh Binh as it was a bit of a dive and there was very little craic in it. After the trekking we went off to an Endangered Primate Rescue Center. After this it was back to Ninh Binh to head for Hue. It was a long enough journey about 10 hours.
Hue was lovely and was alot more laid back and less hassle than Vietnam had been up to this point. The Citadel was very interesting to walk around. Like a Motte and Bailey kind of job. This was the old capital pre World War II. There were nice bars and restaurants here. The DMZ bar was good craic. The next day we went on a tour of the DMZ to see places like RockPile, Khe Sanh, Ben Lai River and Vinh Moc tunnels. This was the separation point of north and south after World War II and alot of the fighting in the american war took place here.
We were off on our travels again the following day to Lang Co. There was a beach/lagoon here but it was too dangerous to swim. We instead set off to the Suoi Voi (Voi Springs) on motorbikes up in the mountains. It was more like a waterfall though. There was a lovely part where we were able to swim and the views were lovely. Into town then and we could only find this one restaurant to eat and we were the only ones there. We were thinking this'll be a quiet night and we just stopped for the one drink on the way home. Before we knew it all the locals were talking to us or more like playing charades with us as they had very little english. The thought I was Mr. Universe with the size of my arms. It'd do wonders for your self confidence. Then the whole family came out and they brought out a bucket of Oysters. They were lovely. The father distrusted us for a while but when he heard we were Catholics he was over the moon. Ended up a mighty night that came out of nowhere.
We were onto Hoi An the following day where I still am. We arrived on the 14th day of the lunar month which is a big celebration. The town is a UNESCO site. The highlight is the Japanese covered bridge. Anyway that night down by the river the place was crowded with the locals playing what looked like bingo with the caller calling out the numbers in a Vietnamese tone that sounded very like Sean Nos singing. They were also lighting lanterns and floating them down the river. Was a great night.
Just lazed around the town today and am heading for My Son, Marble mountains and China Beach tomorrow. The following day we'll head for Nha Trang.
More photos up here:
Glad to have this finished as the first time I typed it I lost it and had to start again. See Brian it can happen to a saint, a supersaint.
Hue was lovely and was alot more laid back and less hassle than Vietnam had been up to this point. The Citadel was very interesting to walk around. Like a Motte and Bailey kind of job. This was the old capital pre World War II. There were nice bars and restaurants here. The DMZ bar was good craic. The next day we went on a tour of the DMZ to see places like RockPile, Khe Sanh, Ben Lai River and Vinh Moc tunnels. This was the separation point of north and south after World War II and alot of the fighting in the american war took place here.
We were off on our travels again the following day to Lang Co. There was a beach/lagoon here but it was too dangerous to swim. We instead set off to the Suoi Voi (Voi Springs) on motorbikes up in the mountains. It was more like a waterfall though. There was a lovely part where we were able to swim and the views were lovely. Into town then and we could only find this one restaurant to eat and we were the only ones there. We were thinking this'll be a quiet night and we just stopped for the one drink on the way home. Before we knew it all the locals were talking to us or more like playing charades with us as they had very little english. The thought I was Mr. Universe with the size of my arms. It'd do wonders for your self confidence. Then the whole family came out and they brought out a bucket of Oysters. They were lovely. The father distrusted us for a while but when he heard we were Catholics he was over the moon. Ended up a mighty night that came out of nowhere.
We were onto Hoi An the following day where I still am. We arrived on the 14th day of the lunar month which is a big celebration. The town is a UNESCO site. The highlight is the Japanese covered bridge. Anyway that night down by the river the place was crowded with the locals playing what looked like bingo with the caller calling out the numbers in a Vietnamese tone that sounded very like Sean Nos singing. They were also lighting lanterns and floating them down the river. Was a great night.
Just lazed around the town today and am heading for My Son, Marble mountains and China Beach tomorrow. The following day we'll head for Nha Trang.
More photos up here:
Glad to have this finished as the first time I typed it I lost it and had to start again. See Brian it can happen to a saint, a supersaint.
Sunday, February 25, 2007
Halong Bay, Ninh Binh
I've more photos uploaded here:
http://picasaweb.google.com/thesupersaints/KoPhiPhiKualaLumpurHanoi
We headed off to Halong City about 3 hours from Hanoi and continued onto Halong Bay the following day. The fog was bad at the start but it eventually lifted and we got great views of the Karst landscape (read cliffs). We stopped in a floating fishermens village on the way out which was interesting. Here there are about 100 floating houses and even a floating school that the local children attend. We got off in the evening to kayak through a cave and even got in for a swim. It was as cold as Cahore in Co. Wexford. Tried to do a bit snorkelling but you couldn't even see your hand.
We slept on the boat that night and just had a couple of Bia Han Oi with an English couple who gave us great pointers for going south. It was more of the same the next day. While it was beautiful scenery I was happy enough to be going back to the mainland and Hanoi.
We looked into going to Sapa but unfortunately it was booked out due to Tet, which is the Chinese new year. Does the Tet offensive ring any bells? This was one of the major battles that decided the American war. Anyway we couldn't go so we decided on Ninh Binh as our backup that we would go to the following day. The following morning we did the cultural thing going to the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum and the Museum of Ethnology before heading for the train. We also visited the Womens museum detailing their impact in the American war, Hoa La prison museum aka the Hanoi Hilton and the museum of Vietnamese revolution. Alot of the Hanoi scene is history and barring that having a couple of Bia Hoi (fresh=draught=beer that was draught poured from a large plastic bottle) on the side of the road.
Well onto Ninh Binh which we arrived at last night. We hoped to stay for 1 night but because of Tet we can't get on the train. Instead we'll get the 12 hour night bus to Hue just south of the demilitarised zone, DMZ. Today we rented bikes and went to Tam Coc which is very like Halong bay on fresh water. Very impressive but I think we've got a bit spoiled. We got in a boat and myself and Caroline helped with the rowing.
We'll probably head to a primate sanctuary in a national park tomorrow and onto Hue tomorrow night. Slan. Happy new year of the pig. Oink oink. Although they're not being too kind to the pigs here with 6 here squealing outside the door.
http://picasaweb.google.com/thesupersaints/KoPhiPhiKualaLumpurHanoi
We headed off to Halong City about 3 hours from Hanoi and continued onto Halong Bay the following day. The fog was bad at the start but it eventually lifted and we got great views of the Karst landscape (read cliffs). We stopped in a floating fishermens village on the way out which was interesting. Here there are about 100 floating houses and even a floating school that the local children attend. We got off in the evening to kayak through a cave and even got in for a swim. It was as cold as Cahore in Co. Wexford. Tried to do a bit snorkelling but you couldn't even see your hand.
We slept on the boat that night and just had a couple of Bia Han Oi with an English couple who gave us great pointers for going south. It was more of the same the next day. While it was beautiful scenery I was happy enough to be going back to the mainland and Hanoi.
We looked into going to Sapa but unfortunately it was booked out due to Tet, which is the Chinese new year. Does the Tet offensive ring any bells? This was one of the major battles that decided the American war. Anyway we couldn't go so we decided on Ninh Binh as our backup that we would go to the following day. The following morning we did the cultural thing going to the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum and the Museum of Ethnology before heading for the train. We also visited the Womens museum detailing their impact in the American war, Hoa La prison museum aka the Hanoi Hilton and the museum of Vietnamese revolution. Alot of the Hanoi scene is history and barring that having a couple of Bia Hoi (fresh=draught=beer that was draught poured from a large plastic bottle) on the side of the road.
Well onto Ninh Binh which we arrived at last night. We hoped to stay for 1 night but because of Tet we can't get on the train. Instead we'll get the 12 hour night bus to Hue just south of the demilitarised zone, DMZ. Today we rented bikes and went to Tam Coc which is very like Halong bay on fresh water. Very impressive but I think we've got a bit spoiled. We got in a boat and myself and Caroline helped with the rowing.
We'll probably head to a primate sanctuary in a national park tomorrow and onto Hue tomorrow night. Slan. Happy new year of the pig. Oink oink. Although they're not being too kind to the pigs here with 6 here squealing outside the door.
Monday, February 19, 2007
Ko Phi Phi, Kuala Lumpur, Hanoi
We got accomodation in Ko Phi Phi in the end for about 1000 bat which wasn't too bad but very expensive by thai standards about 20 euros. This island was hit badly by the tsunami. Was a very nice spot and we headed on a cruise to monkey island followed by maya beach (where the beach was filmed and as a matter of interest universal studios destroyed the beach and there's currently a lawsuit out against them). Maya beach was particularly beautiful and we had to snorkel in and then walk in through a cave to get to the beach. Was fantastic. I'll post photos when I get a chance. We left the following day to get the ferry to Phuket but before we headed a small fire started on the strip running along the beach towards the pier. We actually had to go the long way round as all the area around there was blocked off. What started as a small fire turned into a blaze with 5 shops destroyed before they eventually brought the fire under control. If another disaster was to happen I don't think they'd be any better able to cope.
After all this drama we headed onto Phuket town which was lovely. It was alot more laid back here than it was in the islands. I thought it was lovely. Went down to the port for a bit of grub (by motorbike with myself and Caroline on the back, bit of a squeeze) and headed to the Irish pub to watch the egg chasing against France. Hill 16 looked a bit quiet.
The following day I headed for Kuala Lumpur for a lad from work, David McHugos wedding. The hotel we checked into was lovely. Strange to have a tv in the room. Did nothing much the first night bar a bit of boozing. I'd say before this our only heavy nights were with Irish people. You take it handy but whenever you meet Irish people you revert back to type.
The wedding was the following day. We had a lovely water park attached to the hotel and we headed there for an hour before the wedding. We were like children on the slides. The wedding ceremony was very much like home but they had this tea ceremony afterwards. First the bride and groom give tea to all the elders and they in turn receive tea from all their juniors. The afters was a quiet enough affair as everyone was zonked from the humidity. We managed to dance the siege of ennis though.
The next day we headed off to the Tioman islands. It was a resort but it was fairly remote but very nice. Didn't get up to a whole lot here. There was alot of swimming and snorkelling. The snorkelling was good as the Coral was only 100 metres off the coast. I also saw fish called needlefish who are a shorter version of swordfish and a shark but I think I frightened him off. We were here for 3 days in total.
Then we were off to Singapore. Nice looking city but it's fairly dull. I don't even regard it as a real country. It's only founded for mainly economic reasons. We had a chinese dinner for the new year on Clarke Quay. The starter for this consists of noodles with raw fish and it's considered good luck the higher you can lift your noodles with the chopsticks. The chinese new year was absolutely dire here though. It came and passed and we hardly knew it had passed midnight. Big Anti Climax. The next day I only went to a POW museum so I didn't see a whole lot. Interesting though.
We were off back to Kuala Lumpur then en route to Hanoi. One more night of 5 star before we got back to the backpacker lifestyle. We arrived in Hanoi yesterday and I have to say it's a very chaotic city almost scary at the start. The cars and motorbikes beep at each other all the time. Crossing the road is like a game of chicken. Step out on the road and let the motorbikes drive around you. The city is very French colonial looking. An experience to see the city but the nerves are a bit shot to bits at this stage. Off to Halong bay tomorrow so hopefully I'll get back to full health.
After all this drama we headed onto Phuket town which was lovely. It was alot more laid back here than it was in the islands. I thought it was lovely. Went down to the port for a bit of grub (by motorbike with myself and Caroline on the back, bit of a squeeze) and headed to the Irish pub to watch the egg chasing against France. Hill 16 looked a bit quiet.
The following day I headed for Kuala Lumpur for a lad from work, David McHugos wedding. The hotel we checked into was lovely. Strange to have a tv in the room. Did nothing much the first night bar a bit of boozing. I'd say before this our only heavy nights were with Irish people. You take it handy but whenever you meet Irish people you revert back to type.
The wedding was the following day. We had a lovely water park attached to the hotel and we headed there for an hour before the wedding. We were like children on the slides. The wedding ceremony was very much like home but they had this tea ceremony afterwards. First the bride and groom give tea to all the elders and they in turn receive tea from all their juniors. The afters was a quiet enough affair as everyone was zonked from the humidity. We managed to dance the siege of ennis though.
The next day we headed off to the Tioman islands. It was a resort but it was fairly remote but very nice. Didn't get up to a whole lot here. There was alot of swimming and snorkelling. The snorkelling was good as the Coral was only 100 metres off the coast. I also saw fish called needlefish who are a shorter version of swordfish and a shark but I think I frightened him off. We were here for 3 days in total.
Then we were off to Singapore. Nice looking city but it's fairly dull. I don't even regard it as a real country. It's only founded for mainly economic reasons. We had a chinese dinner for the new year on Clarke Quay. The starter for this consists of noodles with raw fish and it's considered good luck the higher you can lift your noodles with the chopsticks. The chinese new year was absolutely dire here though. It came and passed and we hardly knew it had passed midnight. Big Anti Climax. The next day I only went to a POW museum so I didn't see a whole lot. Interesting though.
We were off back to Kuala Lumpur then en route to Hanoi. One more night of 5 star before we got back to the backpacker lifestyle. We arrived in Hanoi yesterday and I have to say it's a very chaotic city almost scary at the start. The cars and motorbikes beep at each other all the time. Crossing the road is like a game of chicken. Step out on the road and let the motorbikes drive around you. The city is very French colonial looking. An experience to see the city but the nerves are a bit shot to bits at this stage. Off to Halong bay tomorrow so hopefully I'll get back to full health.
Friday, February 9, 2007
Ko Tao, Ko Lanta
We spent another night in Ko tao after and we went scuba diving the following morning. It was just a 50 minute dive but it was amazing. Saw loads. Other than that that pretty much sitting the shade just relaxing trying to avoid too much of a sunburn with the odd bit of snorkelling thrown in. The day after I got a great bit of snorkelling when I swam into a school of fish. At least I think that's what it's called.
This led to 24 hours of hell. We were going Ko Tao --> Surat Thani --> Krabi --> Ko Phi Phi. First leg was by night boat which left at 9 at night and they had almost double booked this. On this they had beds either side with a gap about shoulder width in between where people could walk past. I was "lucky" enough to get a spot in this walkway so I had a smelly foot in both ears. Lovely. Then we got to Surat Thani on time but because the donkeys in the Udomrat office delayed us leaving by 2 hours we missed our connecting ferry in Krabi to Ko Phi Phi. This kind of strangely worked out as Ko Phi Phi was chocabloc and we found a place in Ko Lanta instead. We got a lovely place with a hut nearly on the beach. Didn't do much the first day but we went into the port town, Sipadan last night and got lovely barbequed fish. Today we rented a moped and toured round the island. It was beautiful. This island was actually hit by the tsunami and they have all these evacuation procedures now.
omorrow we're hitting for Ko Phi Phi and hopefully we'll pick up accomodation and if not we'll head on to Phuket. We have a flight from here to Kuala Lumpur on the 12th anyway. Send on any feedback you have over the match in San Marino. Hope all is well. Sweating here in Ko Lanta at 7.30 at night.
This led to 24 hours of hell. We were going Ko Tao --> Surat Thani --> Krabi --> Ko Phi Phi. First leg was by night boat which left at 9 at night and they had almost double booked this. On this they had beds either side with a gap about shoulder width in between where people could walk past. I was "lucky" enough to get a spot in this walkway so I had a smelly foot in both ears. Lovely. Then we got to Surat Thani on time but because the donkeys in the Udomrat office delayed us leaving by 2 hours we missed our connecting ferry in Krabi to Ko Phi Phi. This kind of strangely worked out as Ko Phi Phi was chocabloc and we found a place in Ko Lanta instead. We got a lovely place with a hut nearly on the beach. Didn't do much the first day but we went into the port town, Sipadan last night and got lovely barbequed fish. Today we rented a moped and toured round the island. It was beautiful. This island was actually hit by the tsunami and they have all these evacuation procedures now.
omorrow we're hitting for Ko Phi Phi and hopefully we'll pick up accomodation and if not we'll head on to Phuket. We have a flight from here to Kuala Lumpur on the 12th anyway. Send on any feedback you have over the match in San Marino. Hope all is well. Sweating here in Ko Lanta at 7.30 at night.
Sunday, February 4, 2007
Ko Tao
Went on a Thai cookery course the day after the last post. Nearly burned my eyebrows off. Was tricky enough. Was a bit trickier and a bit more pressurized than putting on pasta.
We set off on the long road to Ko Tao the day after with a 12 hour trip to Bangkok on the overnight train. Was very comfortable and slept brilliant on the train. A bomb wouldn't have woken me. Irish Rail could learn a couple of lessons there. Arrived into Bangkok at 7 in the morning and headed over to Siam square for a McDonalds or a McThai as the company is called here. Got a Samurai pork burger which hit the spot nicely. Other than that we just put in time in the shopping centre until our train to Chumphon was going which was 10 hours away. Stayed overnight here before getting the boat to Ko Tao which is an hour and a half away by Catamaran. It was the boat ride from hell. Started off with the waves coming in over the boat and the kids up the front were loving it but half an hour in that all changed. Mammy started puking followed by kid 1, 2 and 3. My stomach was dodgy so I got a travel tablet off Caroline. If it was in Ireland the boat never would have sailed. Starngely enough while all this was going on I found myself going to sleep. Couldn't believe I could do that in the rough weather.
Arrived into Ko Tao and got another bit of sleep. Must have have been all the mental stress I was under. Yesterday and today we worked on the tan and also did a bit of snorkelling. The reefs here are amazing. There's a bit of snobbery here between the divers and the rest here. Myself and Caroline will be joining the diving classes tomorrow when we do a 1 day intro which has a 50 minute dive. We'll head to Phuket either tomorrow morning or the following day through Surat Thani for Ko Phi Phi and Krabi.
Have photos up here as well:
http://picasaweb.google.com/thesupersaints
Off to watch the egg chasing now.
We set off on the long road to Ko Tao the day after with a 12 hour trip to Bangkok on the overnight train. Was very comfortable and slept brilliant on the train. A bomb wouldn't have woken me. Irish Rail could learn a couple of lessons there. Arrived into Bangkok at 7 in the morning and headed over to Siam square for a McDonalds or a McThai as the company is called here. Got a Samurai pork burger which hit the spot nicely. Other than that we just put in time in the shopping centre until our train to Chumphon was going which was 10 hours away. Stayed overnight here before getting the boat to Ko Tao which is an hour and a half away by Catamaran. It was the boat ride from hell. Started off with the waves coming in over the boat and the kids up the front were loving it but half an hour in that all changed. Mammy started puking followed by kid 1, 2 and 3. My stomach was dodgy so I got a travel tablet off Caroline. If it was in Ireland the boat never would have sailed. Starngely enough while all this was going on I found myself going to sleep. Couldn't believe I could do that in the rough weather.
Arrived into Ko Tao and got another bit of sleep. Must have have been all the mental stress I was under. Yesterday and today we worked on the tan and also did a bit of snorkelling. The reefs here are amazing. There's a bit of snobbery here between the divers and the rest here. Myself and Caroline will be joining the diving classes tomorrow when we do a 1 day intro which has a 50 minute dive. We'll head to Phuket either tomorrow morning or the following day through Surat Thani for Ko Phi Phi and Krabi.
Have photos up here as well:
http://picasaweb.google.com/thesupersaints
Off to watch the egg chasing now.
Friday, February 2, 2007
Bangkok, Chiang Mai
Tuesday, January 30, 2007
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Saturday, January 27, 2007
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Friday, January 26, 2007
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