Cairns was a warm haze on our arrival. The YHA typically reliable and a bunk in a 6 bed room awaited us. A quick scout round the kitchen suggested they did 'backpackers accommodation' better than the previous lodgings. A trip our for lunch and a shopping trip later we felt settled.
Tuesday afternoon was spent in the cinema of all places watching the new Batman film - a good film. Dinner followed and we were being watched in the communal kitchen by all the bad cooks who couldn't understand how we were managing to create such a fantastic... stir fry! I kid you not, food envy indeed.
Wednesday was funday. Think Pat Sharpe, the twins, fun house and then stick it all in a bus and throw it into the australian rainforest and mountains. I give you... Uncle Brian's Tour. It came highly recommended from family and friends and it did not disappoint. Cousin Kye picked us up early in Gus the wonderbus for a day of fun forest and falls. Elmo was there, to wave at the orange people (the roadmen) and of course Barry the bin - do you understand the gist of how this day turned out? Well swimming and food dominated and the second swim was bliming cold, but worth it, it was where I got the timotei shot! (incidently the commercial was filmed there - see the slidesow). I am going to leave the details to when we get back as there is too much to tell in this space.
We met yet more Germans and Canadians - add Germans to the previous blog, the same applies! A evening in the hostel as an early night is in order as Thursday is Reef day, snorkeling and diving to be precise and we are looking forward to it.
Time to dig out the book of sea shantys.
Thursday, 31 July 2008
Wednesday, 30 July 2008
Canadians
Wherever we turn we meet them, be it on the sofa, in the bar of on the coach we kept finding Canadians. All female I note - don't the blokes in Canada go on holiday? Candy in Singappore, Jenn in Port Douglas, Jordan & Fiona on the coach back to Cairns and today Aline on Uncle Brian's tour! This all leads to the standard set of questions every travellers needs:
"Where are you from?"
"oh really"
"When did you get here?"
"cool"
"When are you leaving?"
"wow"
It's all we ever do, but it brightens our day none the less. Give me more of them I say - hey we'll have more soon Canada's only round the corner, well next month at least!
"I bet the flight was long..."
"Where are you from?"
"oh really"
"When did you get here?"
"cool"
"When are you leaving?"
"wow"
It's all we ever do, but it brightens our day none the less. Give me more of them I say - hey we'll have more soon Canada's only round the corner, well next month at least!
"I bet the flight was long..."
Tuesday, 29 July 2008
The winter has got us!
Well we felt the first effects of winter yesterday - and we can bearly move as a result. Following a quick web session in the morning we hit Cape Trib beach complete with pack lunch so we didn't have to move!
We had been warned about the crocs and I certainly spent the 1st 10 minutes tentatively swimming in the lush blue sea lapping at the soft white beach! With arms and legs still attached I decided the crocs were safely sleeping and I made sure Tom was further out so he was eaten first, I jumped in. The water was fantastic, not as warm as Singapore but cleaner and less crowded.
The day rolled on and the book iPod and lunch appeared with occasional dips in the sea. A stroll back via the other beach was enjoyable but then those winter affects appeared. Lobster. The best way of putting it. Both of us. And the pain that went with it, it was not nice - to say the least. Molton Brown was a good idea, to those of you who laughed at me, the moisturiser did the job and eased the pain to allow us to hit a very nice restaurant for dinner. PK's followed dinner, and some beer washed down with a game of cards went well.
To bed as tomorrow is the trek back to Cairns for the next leg. It will be a shame to leave CT as it has looked after us well and afforded us some truely memorable times. Alas the schedule dictates and we're off. - No worries
We had been warned about the crocs and I certainly spent the 1st 10 minutes tentatively swimming in the lush blue sea lapping at the soft white beach! With arms and legs still attached I decided the crocs were safely sleeping and I made sure Tom was further out so he was eaten first, I jumped in. The water was fantastic, not as warm as Singapore but cleaner and less crowded.
The day rolled on and the book iPod and lunch appeared with occasional dips in the sea. A stroll back via the other beach was enjoyable but then those winter affects appeared. Lobster. The best way of putting it. Both of us. And the pain that went with it, it was not nice - to say the least. Molton Brown was a good idea, to those of you who laughed at me, the moisturiser did the job and eased the pain to allow us to hit a very nice restaurant for dinner. PK's followed dinner, and some beer washed down with a game of cards went well.
To bed as tomorrow is the trek back to Cairns for the next leg. It will be a shame to leave CT as it has looked after us well and afforded us some truely memorable times. Alas the schedule dictates and we're off. - No worries
Monday, 28 July 2008
Jurrasic Park
Hi all,
Rather a shock yesterday morning, went to pick up my jacket off the floor and a dirty great big spider crawled out from underneath it! Made me jump a little. Took a few pics that I will upload later.
Still it soon scuttled off behind the fridge (think I spotted an even larger one on the celing just as I was going to bed that night, whatever it was it was gone in the morning! Getting rather paraniod about my walking boots now :/)
Putting them to good use at the moment, we had a tour booked up for the afternoon that would be a good few hours trekking. The description was a half day jungle tour but I could have spent all day there, absolutly amazing place. Trekking through the center of the worlds oldest living rainforest, there are species of plants growing there that date back over 400 million years! To put that into perspective the first mamals did not appear for about another 200 million years.
The jungle was amazing for those of you who have seen the film Predator will have some idea what we were walking through.
Knocked up a decent spag bol in the kitchen for dinner which made up for a rather dismal omlette that I did for lunch (eggs and processed cheese, not even any salt!(mmmmm 64 slices of american cheese) ).
Anyway must sign off, I fancy another swim in the pool, rather refreshing after a day of being every active. Temp still round the 25 degree mark and this is mid winter here! Must be horendously hot in the summer. Think we will hit the local beaches tommorow, we have been warned that crocs use the shores here somtimes so that will make any swimming a little more interesting.
Rather a shock yesterday morning, went to pick up my jacket off the floor and a dirty great big spider crawled out from underneath it! Made me jump a little. Took a few pics that I will upload later.
Still it soon scuttled off behind the fridge (think I spotted an even larger one on the celing just as I was going to bed that night, whatever it was it was gone in the morning! Getting rather paraniod about my walking boots now :/)
Putting them to good use at the moment, we had a tour booked up for the afternoon that would be a good few hours trekking. The description was a half day jungle tour but I could have spent all day there, absolutly amazing place. Trekking through the center of the worlds oldest living rainforest, there are species of plants growing there that date back over 400 million years! To put that into perspective the first mamals did not appear for about another 200 million years.
The jungle was amazing for those of you who have seen the film Predator will have some idea what we were walking through.
Knocked up a decent spag bol in the kitchen for dinner which made up for a rather dismal omlette that I did for lunch (eggs and processed cheese, not even any salt!(mmmmm 64 slices of american cheese) ).
Anyway must sign off, I fancy another swim in the pool, rather refreshing after a day of being every active. Temp still round the 25 degree mark and this is mid winter here! Must be horendously hot in the summer. Think we will hit the local beaches tommorow, we have been warned that crocs use the shores here somtimes so that will make any swimming a little more interesting.
Take me to the wizzard
Our flight to Cairns was uneventful and a little uncomfortable. Something wangled us a move to an emergency aisle and a spare seat meant I didn't have to put up with Tom, I mean gave us more space! 4.5 hrs to Darwin (cold departure lounge) and 2 more to Cairns. A delightful airport where the customs guys seemed happy to have someone to talk to.
Andy took us from the airport to Port Douglas and was informative about an area we, unfortunately, won't have time to see! PD was our home for 4.5 hrs and Jenn out Canadian waitress kept the beer coming, well until she managed to talk us out of staying and sending us to the beach. Well what can I say, awesome (it's an over used word but applicable here. 4 mile beach, Port Douglas (google it) was just that, long and idlic. The sand was soft and gentle and the breaking waves warm and comforting about these weary travellers feet! Tom enjoyed sinking into the sand and was taken by the idea more than exploring the beach! A quick strole back to Jenn for one last pint and then to meet Ozzy and our coach to Cape Tribulation.
CT is wonderful! We would both like to stay for longer and maybe we will never leave! Our booking had not hit the system and there was no room available at the inn. Alas no stable for us, instead a huge kingsize room with ensuite and balcony over looking the pool, instead of a bunk room! The pool was, naturally, our first stop, even if cold bloody refreshing! After dinner we thought we would hit the local night spot. However, despite the reggae and flowing beer we found ourselves in a familiar situation, sleeping at the bar! Too much this time alas, and we dragged ourselves up the hill back to bed.
Oz is growing on me fast and I can see why people don't leave - mother don't expect me home soon!
Andy took us from the airport to Port Douglas and was informative about an area we, unfortunately, won't have time to see! PD was our home for 4.5 hrs and Jenn out Canadian waitress kept the beer coming, well until she managed to talk us out of staying and sending us to the beach. Well what can I say, awesome (it's an over used word but applicable here. 4 mile beach, Port Douglas (google it) was just that, long and idlic. The sand was soft and gentle and the breaking waves warm and comforting about these weary travellers feet! Tom enjoyed sinking into the sand and was taken by the idea more than exploring the beach! A quick strole back to Jenn for one last pint and then to meet Ozzy and our coach to Cape Tribulation.
CT is wonderful! We would both like to stay for longer and maybe we will never leave! Our booking had not hit the system and there was no room available at the inn. Alas no stable for us, instead a huge kingsize room with ensuite and balcony over looking the pool, instead of a bunk room! The pool was, naturally, our first stop, even if cold bloody refreshing! After dinner we thought we would hit the local night spot. However, despite the reggae and flowing beer we found ourselves in a familiar situation, sleeping at the bar! Too much this time alas, and we dragged ourselves up the hill back to bed.
Oz is growing on me fast and I can see why people don't leave - mother don't expect me home soon!
Slinging our hook
Well its been a few days since we've been able to find a PC.
We are now immersed in the oldest rainforest in the world (say with a Jeremy Clarkson emphasis) going back 135 million years.
Singapore seems a distant memory now! We do not miss the heat or humidity, arriving at Cairns to a 25+ deg heat was cold for us and refreshing. Singapore felt safe, the culture is discrete and comfortable. We spent time exploring the city and the Sentosa Island. A jolly time was had with Brian (not Brain), our Sentosa Island guide finishing the day at the beach - even hotter than a UK swimming pool! Tom and I both enjoyed the enhanced view ;), but couldn't work out where she was from!
Our last day was mixed, started with a lie in and was followed by a packing session before heading into the city for lunch. I managed to find a replacement battery for my iPod after lunch and that is now working a treat. With not much else to do, we headed to the Carlton, Peter's hotel, to leave a message and was impressed with the surroundings, why were we in that converted flat Tom and not there? Singapore ended as it had started with a trip to Raffles and another Singapore Sling, not forgetting the peanut throwing!
Here comes the sun and Oz - bye for now!
We are now immersed in the oldest rainforest in the world (say with a Jeremy Clarkson emphasis) going back 135 million years.
Singapore seems a distant memory now! We do not miss the heat or humidity, arriving at Cairns to a 25+ deg heat was cold for us and refreshing. Singapore felt safe, the culture is discrete and comfortable. We spent time exploring the city and the Sentosa Island. A jolly time was had with Brian (not Brain), our Sentosa Island guide finishing the day at the beach - even hotter than a UK swimming pool! Tom and I both enjoyed the enhanced view ;), but couldn't work out where she was from!
Our last day was mixed, started with a lie in and was followed by a packing session before heading into the city for lunch. I managed to find a replacement battery for my iPod after lunch and that is now working a treat. With not much else to do, we headed to the Carlton, Peter's hotel, to leave a message and was impressed with the surroundings, why were we in that converted flat Tom and not there? Singapore ended as it had started with a trip to Raffles and another Singapore Sling, not forgetting the peanut throwing!
Here comes the sun and Oz - bye for now!
Thursday, 24 July 2008
Lag-O-Matic 747
Well, the jet lag finally hit us yesterday afternoon. A mixture of dehydration and humidity didn't help either. We found an English themed pub called 'The penny black' (yeah that's right, we've flown halfway around the world just to find an English pub!).
After being surprised at the price of a pint (more than the cost of a full meal) we grabbed a table by the river and relaxed with a nice cool tiger beer. It didn't take long before Mike started dropping off, I even had to relocate his beer at one point as he was slowly tipping it over as he fell asleep. So we finished the beer and decided it would be a good time to head back to the hostel to relax and catch some much needed shut eye.
I wasn't too tired but a mixture of relaxing in bed in a nice cool room (thank you air conditioning!) and listening to my ipod (thanks Ian) I ended up falling asleep anyway. Neither of us woke up for about 3 hours! Although we did feel much better for it.
Hopefully the leg to Oz (only 6 hours flight away) shouldn't be too bad, lots to do there, can't be nodding off halfway through a jungle trek now can we!!
*Update*
The lag must have been far worse than I first imagined it appears that somewhere along the line I have lost an hour. I set my watch to local time when I arrived at the airport but this morning it was an hour out! I have launched a full investigation as to the whereabouts of this lost hour and will spare no expense in it's recovery. (Jump)
After being surprised at the price of a pint (more than the cost of a full meal) we grabbed a table by the river and relaxed with a nice cool tiger beer. It didn't take long before Mike started dropping off, I even had to relocate his beer at one point as he was slowly tipping it over as he fell asleep. So we finished the beer and decided it would be a good time to head back to the hostel to relax and catch some much needed shut eye.
I wasn't too tired but a mixture of relaxing in bed in a nice cool room (thank you air conditioning!) and listening to my ipod (thanks Ian) I ended up falling asleep anyway. Neither of us woke up for about 3 hours! Although we did feel much better for it.
Hopefully the leg to Oz (only 6 hours flight away) shouldn't be too bad, lots to do there, can't be nodding off halfway through a jungle trek now can we!!
*Update*
The lag must have been far worse than I first imagined it appears that somewhere along the line I have lost an hour. I set my watch to local time when I arrived at the airport but this morning it was an hour out! I have launched a full investigation as to the whereabouts of this lost hour and will spare no expense in it's recovery. (Jump)
Tuesday, 22 July 2008
Sling the Cazy Eephant
Well the day came and went unmometously. We both spent our last day in the UK packing and sorting out. We rocked up at Heathrow at just after 19.0. As this trip we are flying cattle class there was no first class check-in agent to greet us. The queuing begun.
The flight was comfortable for the distance but lacked attention and service. Tom had preordered a veg meal thru the BA exec club and his was always served first. Meanwhile I had a 30 - 45 min wait for my food and booze after him!
We landed early and were greeted by a 30 deg heat! Changi airport was the most efficient international airport I have ever been to and was rapidly off the plane thru immigration and waiting for my bag. Then 10m walk to the taxi.
Out hostel is basic but the bed looks comfortable and will keep us refreshed for our stay.
Welcome to Singapore. We checked in and jumped straight into a cab to head to the carlton hotel to meet Peter and Helene. A stop off at Raffles for a Singapore Sling and some peanuts followed before a quick recce with Peter and then onto dinner.
We went to Hooters whose slogan was "dreadfully tacky, yet unrefined"! It was more about what the waitresses weren't wearing rather than what they were. Peter and Helene left us as we headed to the Crazy Elephant for live music and tiger beer. We spent the night being given the eye by some locals, Tom would say they were attractive but I think that's the beer talking! Tom the alcoholic decided that he couldn't handle another pint so we are back, after a couple mile walk, at the hostel preparing for bed.
We are sharing a 6 bed dorm and whereas I thought we were 6 smelly blokes there seems to be an attractive young German woman in the other top bunk, makes the morning view rather more appealing! Tom is already on first name terms, apparently he was talking to her when I was writing this :(.
So far I like Singapore a lot and feel very safe even if hot and overdressed (the dress code seems to be 'tight and not a lot').
Photos to follow on the slideshow, but its bed time here and a good day had!
The flight was comfortable for the distance but lacked attention and service. Tom had preordered a veg meal thru the BA exec club and his was always served first. Meanwhile I had a 30 - 45 min wait for my food and booze after him!
We landed early and were greeted by a 30 deg heat! Changi airport was the most efficient international airport I have ever been to and was rapidly off the plane thru immigration and waiting for my bag. Then 10m walk to the taxi.
Out hostel is basic but the bed looks comfortable and will keep us refreshed for our stay.
Welcome to Singapore. We checked in and jumped straight into a cab to head to the carlton hotel to meet Peter and Helene. A stop off at Raffles for a Singapore Sling and some peanuts followed before a quick recce with Peter and then onto dinner.
We went to Hooters whose slogan was "dreadfully tacky, yet unrefined"! It was more about what the waitresses weren't wearing rather than what they were. Peter and Helene left us as we headed to the Crazy Elephant for live music and tiger beer. We spent the night being given the eye by some locals, Tom would say they were attractive but I think that's the beer talking! Tom the alcoholic decided that he couldn't handle another pint so we are back, after a couple mile walk, at the hostel preparing for bed.
We are sharing a 6 bed dorm and whereas I thought we were 6 smelly blokes there seems to be an attractive young German woman in the other top bunk, makes the morning view rather more appealing! Tom is already on first name terms, apparently he was talking to her when I was writing this :(.
So far I like Singapore a lot and feel very safe even if hot and overdressed (the dress code seems to be 'tight and not a lot').
Photos to follow on the slideshow, but its bed time here and a good day had!
Sunday, 13 July 2008
Wednesday, 9 July 2008
Aparrel!
Well tonight we designed our t-shirts and the order has gone in.
Tom in his usual way wasn't happy with a Polo shirt so we have different garments with the same design.
A little novelty that looks crisp? What do you think?
Anyhow they will be at home hopefully by the time I get back from work on Friday and I can see how good they look ;). [www.spreadshirt.net]
Tuesday, 8 July 2008
Earth Trek
Earth - our only Frontier. These are the voyages of Mike and Tom. Our two-month mission: To explore strange new bars. To seek out new foods and new beers. To boldy go to where lots have people have probably been before but in a much more glorious fasion!
Preparations
Well preparations are gathering pace right now.
The itinerary was set a while back and we'll soon be in Singapore. We booked the flights and thought how wonderful this trip was going to be, then I had a mad panic the other week when browsing hostels in Singapore to find there were selling out fast for our dates. I had a bit of spending splurgh and booked some stuff up.
The first half of the trip is almost finalised now with some cracking things to do and see. The US leg of the route is still coming together particularly the later part on the east coast- we'll sort it out but there's no rush to plan anything there.
Work finishes this week and then I'm moving back home to do the last bit of planning and packing. I'm really looking forward to it now and just wish we were already in the air!
The itinerary was set a while back and we'll soon be in Singapore. We booked the flights and thought how wonderful this trip was going to be, then I had a mad panic the other week when browsing hostels in Singapore to find there were selling out fast for our dates. I had a bit of spending splurgh and booked some stuff up.
The first half of the trip is almost finalised now with some cracking things to do and see. The US leg of the route is still coming together particularly the later part on the east coast- we'll sort it out but there's no rush to plan anything there.
Work finishes this week and then I'm moving back home to do the last bit of planning and packing. I'm really looking forward to it now and just wish we were already in the air!
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