tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3755045229514118772024-02-18T18:35:17.540-08:00Travel-AddictUnknownnoreply@blogger.comBlogger197125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-375504522951411877.post-53223174108917310452019-11-12T12:49:00.002-08:002019-11-12T12:49:27.692-08:00From Sweden to Finland: Adventures in the Nordic Archipelago<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<span style="color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;">For those of you just
tuning in, I went on a month-long holiday in Europe last summer (yes, I’m
behind). Next stop - Stockholm, Sweden.</span><span style="color: black; font-family: "times new roman" , serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;">Friday August 10, 2018</span></b><span style="color: black; font-family: "times new roman" , serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;">Nothing like landing
in a new country on two hours sleep. If dancing at that Mojito bar
in Macedonia last night hadn’t been so much fun, I’d be really regretting life
right now. The VERY long line for customs, being asked a ton of
questions about my reasons for being there and the crowded 1.5-hour bus
downtown didn’t help – PLEASE LEAVE ME ALOOOONE.</span><span style="color: black; font-family: "times new roman" , serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;">Two of my Macedonian
travel buddies lived in Stockholm, so after a much-needed nap on the couch to
restore my spirits, we went to one of their favorite places, <b><a href="https://www.mahalosthlm.se/"><span style="color: blue;">Mahalo</span></a></b>,
in Hornsgaten. I’m a carnivore, so I’m always suspicious of vegan/vegetarian
restaurants, but this place was fantastic.</span><span style="color: black; font-family: "times new roman" , serif;"><o:p></o:p></span><br />
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<span style="color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;">After food, we went to
a going away party and then once night fell continued on to <b><a href="https://www.visitstockholm.com/eat--drink/nightlife/tradgarden/"><span style="color: blue;">Trädgården</span></a> </b>is an outdoor club located
under the Skanstull bridge in Södermalm. The concept of the place is exactly my
kind of scene, similar to Sisyphos in Berlin – very Burning Man sound
camp. We arrived around 12am, which the locals seemed to think was
fine, but I was shocked to find on a Friday night there weren’t very many
people. </span><br />
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<span style="color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;">However, it being my first time there I still enjoyed
exploring the grounds. There are a bunch of outdoor stages with
spiral staircases leading to second level dance floors and hidden
gardens. Very cool but the vibe sadly wasn’t there that night – we
left just before it closed at 3am after dancing to one DJ who was pretty
good. I would definitely return here even though it was a bit
lackluster that night. Can’t win them all.</span><span style="color: black; font-family: "times new roman" , serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;">Saturday, August 11,
2018</span></b><span style="color: black; font-family: "times new roman" , serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;">This would prove to be
my favorite day in Stockholm. We woke up early to take the 30-minute
ferry to Fjäderholmarna, an island in the amazing Swedish
archipelago. The weather could not have been more perfect – bright
blue skies, warm sun, gentle sea. </span><br />
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<span style="color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;">On arrival, I don’t know how we snagged a
table outside on the water for four people at the height of lunch hour at <b><a href="http://www.rokeriet-fjaderholmarna.se/"><span style="color: blue;">Restaurang
Rökeriet</span></a></b>, but it was a truly magical meal. I had a
salmon dish with lingonberries, which is very Swedish (and
delicious). </span><br />
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<span style="color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;">The next ferry wasn’t for awhile, so we spent the next
hour or so wandering the tiny island taking in the little shops, fishing spots
and (randomly) massive fleet of swans! We didn’t plan very well
because as we returned to the ferry, we realized it was first-come first-served
and we were at the back of a line of close to 100 people. It took
three rounds of ferries before we were able to get back to Stockholm! </span><span style="color: black; font-family: "times new roman" , serif;"><o:p></o:p></span><br />
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<span style="color: black; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;">We hurried back to our
respective apartments to change and then went to a woodland home way outside of
Stockholm for a birthday party. It was an amazing night but probably
not super relevant for anyone else reading this </span><span style="color: black; font-family: "segoe ui emoji" , sans-serif;">😊</span><span style="color: black; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;"> I will say that I absolutely love the
Sweds – everyone was in costume, they’d made really random, yet delicious drink
concoctions, and played fun games that revolved around music. My
kind of people.</span><span style="color: black; font-family: "times new roman" , serif;"><o:p></o:p></span><br />
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<b><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;">Sunday, August 12,
2018</span></b><span style="color: black; font-family: "times new roman" , serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;">Yuck – it rained ALL
day and I spent it cooped up in my friend’s apartment. I did find
this amazing show called Cosplay Melee, which is basically Project Runway, but
the designers create these incredible cosplay outfits based on video games and
other sci-fi/fantasy games and novels. Whoever invented television
marathons…I thank you.</span><span style="color: black; font-family: "times new roman" , serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;">The rain finally let
up, so we ventured out to <b><a href="http://nytorget6.se/?lang=en"><span style="color: blue;">Nytorget 9</span></a></b> in the “trendy” SoFo section
of Södermalm for dinner. I ordered the veal shank with potato puree
and lingonberries – trying to get my Swedish on while I’m here! </span></div>
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<span style="color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;">However, I’m not sure
if they were down a server or not, but the table service was erratic. Also not
sure if I had been overly-charmed by the “cuteness” of the place, but the food
didn’t really live up to the hype for me. They do have some very inventive,
delicious cocktails, which I highly recommend, and the surrounding area is very
cute – perfect for a date night. </span><span style="color: black; font-family: "times new roman" , serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;">Monday, August 13,
2018</span></b><span style="color: black; font-family: "times new roman" , serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;">It was my final day in
Stockholm and I finally had a chance to be a tourist because my friends had to
go back to work – but not before they met up with me for lunch at <b><a href="https://barrels.se/en/"><span style="color: blue;">Barrels Burger</span></a></b> in
Gamla Stan, which is the old town district of Stockholm. SUCH a cool
area and wow that burger was one of the best I’ve had.</span><span style="color: black; font-family: "times new roman" , serif;"><o:p></o:p></span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPQWF-H0C6ZpWYx3lgvmJBaDNwJv9U9feMN7GB-_5PfS7oS3SYc87JUmMXzdBQXQOrnX92pXq1jx2LGTRU1ocSZNuXWwwz5qICwoG8FCCUYYipF6rlv8SpP36A91mtZ7n-FztMGQCDM067/s1600/75362368_10157541900448476_4104320445124182016_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="716" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPQWF-H0C6ZpWYx3lgvmJBaDNwJv9U9feMN7GB-_5PfS7oS3SYc87JUmMXzdBQXQOrnX92pXq1jx2LGTRU1ocSZNuXWwwz5qICwoG8FCCUYYipF6rlv8SpP36A91mtZ7n-FztMGQCDM067/s320/75362368_10157541900448476_4104320445124182016_o.jpg" width="238" /></a></div>
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<span style="color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;">After lunch, I walked
across the bridge towards Hornsgaten and spent the rest of the day taking
pictures, visiting heaps of vintage stores and buying a ton of Swedish licorice
from <b><a href="https://lakritsroten.se/english"><span style="color: blue;">Lakritsroten</span></a>.</b> Omg
I LOVE their licorice – it’s hard and black and salty. I bought so much of it.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvjz7r9GoUSpyCM1uz4-Skkw7nxOZEHH1YdgSya8g-YhjREf4oYiQP80fZVriiOKWw64Nf3Tf6nJKWUU_1fcA87R7o6VKODlwdxmA7gRjXd4kNaRQZJFP8ZC27Swur3hbW0_dHaPxrBn4q/s1600/75226400_10157541900853476_7002838438328139776_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvjz7r9GoUSpyCM1uz4-Skkw7nxOZEHH1YdgSya8g-YhjREf4oYiQP80fZVriiOKWw64Nf3Tf6nJKWUU_1fcA87R7o6VKODlwdxmA7gRjXd4kNaRQZJFP8ZC27Swur3hbW0_dHaPxrBn4q/s320/75226400_10157541900853476_7002838438328139776_o.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;">I hopped on the subway
back towards my friend’s apartment and walked through <b><a href="https://www.moodstockholm.se/"><span style="color: blue;">MOOD Galeria</span></a></b>,
which is a mall, not an art gallery. It had a similar vibe to most
luxury malls, just with fancy Swedish brands. I would be returning
to America as a member of the unemployed, so couldn’t afford much in this area
but it was fun to walk around.</span><span style="color: black; font-family: "times new roman" , serif;"><o:p></o:p></span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaKmWMOrkN60tS0NsONFt9xpjAGWN_CtClSTz-jDC-KGATH3XgLU10tI6IokTfOAkThmn9rguYjV4sCIxAIW5z14abgbRLzXV1Y5DE_xZYuB7SuzwFcyuvstRezWQ7iVNTCOPd9Xw_XX9p/s1600/74463110_10157541900863476_6590857912506122240_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaKmWMOrkN60tS0NsONFt9xpjAGWN_CtClSTz-jDC-KGATH3XgLU10tI6IokTfOAkThmn9rguYjV4sCIxAIW5z14abgbRLzXV1Y5DE_xZYuB7SuzwFcyuvstRezWQ7iVNTCOPd9Xw_XX9p/s320/74463110_10157541900863476_6590857912506122240_o.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjF88JnpMIHBYTlUFolj-PTj_8s8Rx179I1vUcgVV6RbU4kwvLZHD83xsOvAueaioSi2jixL6RM1C3MoqTCixic7wU1fHkp8dnJbMc1yx0rBmXMiiAKl70pbrGTDYB7gs9m2aJH9zni-FkJ/s1600/76916313_10157541900773476_2830429107861323776_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjF88JnpMIHBYTlUFolj-PTj_8s8Rx179I1vUcgVV6RbU4kwvLZHD83xsOvAueaioSi2jixL6RM1C3MoqTCixic7wU1fHkp8dnJbMc1yx0rBmXMiiAKl70pbrGTDYB7gs9m2aJH9zni-FkJ/s320/76916313_10157541900773476_2830429107861323776_o.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;">Low and behold, I ran
into my friend on the street, so we walked back to his apartment together so I
could pack my bags and embark on the next phase of my trip.</span><span style="color: black; font-family: "times new roman" , serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;">The next part of the
trip was one of the things I was most excited about when I booked my
holiday. I’d be traveling by overnight cruise ship from Stockholm,
through the archipelago to Turku, Finland. There are two different
cruise companies, <b><a href="https://www.tallinksilja.com/turku-stockholm-aland-day-cruise"><span style="color: blue;">Tallink Silja</span></a></b> and <b><a href="https://www.sales.vikingline.com/find-cruise-trip/cruise/stockholm-turku-vv/"><span style="color: blue;">Viking</span></a></b>, and I’d decided on
Tallink. In retrospect, I was I knew why I made that decision,
because it was all very old people and families. Usually I can spot like-minded
people and make friends on trips, but there was no one who fit that
description. I was bored by myself, but I could see where this would be really
fun with a group of friends.</span><span style="color: black; font-family: "times new roman" , serif;"><o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj04WXEtKgItrIy-oOZXW0UxLepRxjKsOEEoEXu_w69ub8xnBnih66k7Chp8rw_MJ5i3ad3IXbyr8sSBhRC_X-b6iwTuxTgtHCeHyTaBDDmQ1ms_TP65vTCfwam3kWWZl6WxcOKiu-quQx6/s1600/75250851_10157541899673476_3461859772196716544_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1194" data-original-width="1600" height="238" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj04WXEtKgItrIy-oOZXW0UxLepRxjKsOEEoEXu_w69ub8xnBnih66k7Chp8rw_MJ5i3ad3IXbyr8sSBhRC_X-b6iwTuxTgtHCeHyTaBDDmQ1ms_TP65vTCfwam3kWWZl6WxcOKiu-quQx6/s320/75250851_10157541899673476_3461859772196716544_o.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;">My room was very nice
with my own shower and plenty of cozy blankets because it can get very cold at
night.</span><span style="color: black; font-family: "times new roman" , serif;"><o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiryYJ4r7dGfZLO5CS4zl8WvR8DxQvK-KfsXc3xt7chUlCcsLfLQCy7o_U5XD68OaAiHTTjc8vrdoZKWunQFyR-7Fhu6QWESv_mjmhicZ_7-kCRMQKDYX_NgmzhEswCirf2HWDjVrbc9zWI/s1600/IMG_0745.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiryYJ4r7dGfZLO5CS4zl8WvR8DxQvK-KfsXc3xt7chUlCcsLfLQCy7o_U5XD68OaAiHTTjc8vrdoZKWunQFyR-7Fhu6QWESv_mjmhicZ_7-kCRMQKDYX_NgmzhEswCirf2HWDjVrbc9zWI/s320/IMG_0745.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqUFpuSAACiv6sESLXpd1Oj6BczMkLzvKoZEp2lWsUwwtXnEzXl1oCSX43syyEmUsJHeQmuwe7cqGLTrGGibY8YtiCZhalU1ePCEvAvZSkjp-n_hm3WO2a85Kyvfo8s6r0zPvrCBLBe1_o/s1600/IMG_0748.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqUFpuSAACiv6sESLXpd1Oj6BczMkLzvKoZEp2lWsUwwtXnEzXl1oCSX43syyEmUsJHeQmuwe7cqGLTrGGibY8YtiCZhalU1ePCEvAvZSkjp-n_hm3WO2a85Kyvfo8s6r0zPvrCBLBe1_o/s320/IMG_0748.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
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<span style="color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;">I’d booked the buffet
dinner as part of my ticket, which essentially started right after we
disembarked so I ran to get in line first (not my first buffet).</span><span style="color: black; font-family: "times new roman" , serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;">Some tips for dinner
(although you should just do Viking instead) -</span><span style="color: black; font-family: "times new roman" , serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<ul style="margin-top: 0in;" type="disc">
<li class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list .5in;"><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;">Book the later dinner seating so you can
sit on the top deck and enjoy the scenery before dark (I mistakenly did
the early seating and by the time I finished eating it was pretty much
dark out – how annoying since the scenery is the best part of the
experience and why I did this damn boat)</span><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list .5in;"><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;">Book the buffet (35 Euros a person),
because it comes with unlimited beer and wine (remember you are on this
trip with friends so it’s fun)</span><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list .5in;"><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;">Get in line at the front of the
restaurant before your seating time and <b>make sure to get a table
assignment from the guy at the front</b>. I walked right by
him, grabbed food and then ended up at a shitty table in the middle of the
room (instead of by the window) because I didn’t have a table
assignment. ARG</span></li>
</ul>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;">Because I’d done the earlier table
seating, I made it to the top deck just in time to get a few shots before the
sun went down and then had nothing to do until the “club” started their
entertainment.<span style="color: #222222;"> To be fair, the
entertainment was HILARIOUS, but I eventually grew tired of it and went to bed
early.</span></span><br />
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<b><u><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;">Another important tip</span></u></b><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;">– because I’d basically missed sunset and I
went to bed early, I decided to set my alarm to get up for sunrise (surely that
would be just as beautiful right?) Foiled again! Turns out time shifts
forward an hour in the middle of the night so if you want to catch sunrise you
need to set your clock an hour <b>BEFORE</b> Finnish sunrise - I
completely missed it and barely had enough time to shower before disembarking
the boat. I epically failed this portion of my trip – guess I’ll have to
come back and do it again (with friends on Viking).</span><br />
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<b><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;">Tuesday, August 14,
2018</span></b><span style="color: black; font-family: "times new roman" , serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;">So weird to go to
sleep in one country and wake up in another. I haven’t done that
since the overnight train from Hungary to Prague back in 2011(or was it the
other way around?).</span><span style="color: black; font-family: "times new roman" , serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;">As previously
mentioned, I messed up the time change so I raced off the boat at 7am where my
Finnish friend was waiting patiently to pick me up. You are probably
thinking that my itinerary has been really random – Berlin, Macedonia,
Stockholm, now Turku. Well, summer in Europe is when everyone in
Australia leaves the “cold” (it is never “cold” in Australia) and heads to the
northern hemisphere. So I decided to just meet people wherever they
were, as long as it was a place I hadn’t been before. And now I was
in Turku. If you’ve never heard of it, Turku used to be the capital
of Finland before it was moved to Helsinki.</span><span style="color: black; font-family: "times new roman" , serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;">After “checking in” to
my friend’s family home, we hopped on bikes to tour downtown
Turku. I love that you can just bike around wherever – it’s very
safe. </span><br />
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<span style="color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;"><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;">We boarded the </span><span style="color: black; font-family: "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="color: blue; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;"><a href="https://www.foli.fi/en/waterbus" style="color: blue;"><b>Vesibussi</b></a> </span></span><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;">ferry from Forum Marinum stop and took it to Kansanpuisto stop (it’s an island – love all these islands) so that we could bike to Saaronniemi Beach. It’s one of my friend’s favorite childhood spots – and it was indeed very cute, although WAY too cold to be in the water which was unfortunate. It was very entertaining to see the little weekend "spa" buildings - Fins love their personal spas apparently. </span></span><br />
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<span style="color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;"><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;">We drank some beers and then returned to the pier for lunch at this incredible pizza place called <b><a href="https://ruissalontelakka.fi/en/eat/pizzeria-al-mare/"><span style="color: blue;">Sergio's al Mare</span></a></b>, which is right on the water. By this point, the sun came out, so it was lovely sitting on the deck eating pizza and drinking wine. This was my favorite moment of my Finland experience.</span></span><br />
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<span style="color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;">Back in the city, we
stopped by <b><a href="http://www.turku.fi/en/turkucastle"><span style="color: blue;">Turku Castle</span></a></b> for a bit of
history. What a cool castle and in pretty good shape. You
can wander through most of it for free too. It is actually one of
the oldest buildings still in use and the largest surviving medieval building
in Finland (founded in the late 13<sup>th</sup> century).</span><span style="color: black; font-family: "times new roman" , serif;"><o:p></o:p></span><br />
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<span style="color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;">My second favorite
thing about Turku is that the downtown is built along either side of the Aura
river and along its banks are all these little boats that are floating
bars. We stopped at <b><a href="http://www.donna.fi/"><span style="color: blue;">Donna</span></a></b>, one of the boats, and I was so excited
to learn they had <b><a href="https://kyrodistillery.com/products/napue/"><span style="color: blue;">NAPUE GIN</span></a></b>! What is Napue Gin? Well, it is
only the finest gin in the world – no really</span><span style="color: black; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;"> </span><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;">it won Best Gin at the
International Wine and Spirit Competition (IWSC) in February 2015 and the gold
medal in the San Francisco World Spirit Competition premium gin-series in
2016. And it deserves the titles – literally my favorite gin ever.
Best enjoyed with Fever Tree Indian Tonic, a sprig of rosemary and some cranberries
while sitting on a boat on a river in Finland.</span><span style="color: black; font-family: "times new roman" , serif;"><o:p></o:p></span><br />
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<span style="color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;">Back at the house, I
had the rare treat of dinner with a legit Finnish family – my friend’s parents,
sister, brother-in-law and his two little nephews. In Finland, you
don’t learn English in school until you are nine years old so neither nephew
understood anything I was saying (this will become relevant later in the
post). They were intrigued by the foreigner, albeit shy, especially
when I so readily tucked into the Reindeer soup. Yes, reindeer is a
pretty common protein in Finland, and tastes delicious (sorry
Rudolph!) It’s made into a stew with… you guessed it, potato puree
and lingonberries (while the Sweds and Finnish don’t love each other, they
share an affinity for similar foods). I ate probably three rounds of
the stuff before stumbling into bed exhausted.</span><span style="color: black; font-family: "times new roman" , serif;"><o:p></o:p></span><br />
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<b><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;">Wednesday, August 15,
2018 </span></b><span style="color: black; font-family: "times new roman" , serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;">I woke up and realized
I’d slept for 13 hours straight – the constant travel and early mornings had
finally gotten to me, I guess. After a simple Finnish breakfast with
the family, my friend introduced me to a Finnish game called Molkky – it’s like
bocce ball meets bowling meets pool. The game consists of 12 pins
(like bowling pins but numbered 1 to 12) and a skittle (the “bowling” ball).</span><span style="color: black; font-family: "times new roman" , serif;"><o:p></o:p></span><br />
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<span style="color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;">On the first round,
you draw to see who goes first (subsequent games the previous winner starts,
and you go in order to the person with the lowest score). First, you put all
the pins together in a pile (like pool balls) and draw a throwing line 3-4
meters from the pins. Then you throw the skittle at the pins (always
underhand) and try to knock them over. Your score is either the
number on the pin (if you only knock down one) or the collective score of all
the pins you knock over.</span><span style="color: black; font-family: "times new roman" , serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;">Here’s where it gets
tricky… you can only win if your score adds up to exactly 50 points. If you go
over 50, you go back to 25. If you miss three times in a row, you are
out. I was terrible at first, but once I got the hang of it… I was
unstoppable!</span><span style="color: black; font-family: "times new roman" , serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;">It also made me very
hungry, so I was not upset in the least when my friend’s mom appeared with
leftover reindeer stew – yes, please! By this point, the older of
the two nephews couldn’t contain his curiosity any longer, and in rapid
Finnish, asked my friend if I would like to play UNO. After explaining the
family’s rules for UNO, I sat down to play with his nephew. We had a
GREAT time! He taught me UNO words in Finnish (draw two, skip,
reverse) and I taught him the word in English. It’s pretty cool to
spend the day interacting with someone who doesn’t speak your language and find
that you can have the greatest time without too much talking. Americans
could learn a thing or two.</span><span style="color: black; font-family: "times new roman" , serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;">My friend was eager to
see some friends who lived in Helsinki and I was eager to take advantage of
seeing another Finnish city (I had only planned to do Turku) so we hopped in
the car and spent the next two hours driving through the beautiful countryside.</span><span style="color: black; font-family: "times new roman" , serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;">We met his friends for
dinner at <b><a href="https://www.korjaamo.fi/en/eat-and-drink"><span style="color: blue;">Baari and Keittiö</span></a></b>, which had an amazing
salmon burger that I quickly devoured out on their beautiful
patio. From there, we went to <b><a href="https://www.ondaruokala.fi/"><span style="color: blue;">Onda</span></a> </b>for
drinks (yes, I ordered more Napue) where we sat out on the patio until it got
dark and then moved inside to listen to a DJ. The place kind of
reminded me of bars in Southeast Portland (Oregon). The people watching was
outstanding (smirk).</span><span style="color: black; font-family: "times new roman" , serif;"><o:p></o:p></span><br />
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<b><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;">Thursday, August 16,
2018</span></b><span style="color: black; font-family: "times new roman" , serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;">My final day in<b> </b>Finland
and I felt kind of stupid that I wasn’t just flying out of Helsinki – instead
we’d have to drive back to Turku for my early morning flight the next day, but
not before spending a lovely day walking through most of
Helsinki. We covered a lot of ground.</span><span style="color: black; font-family: "times new roman" , serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;">To start, we woke up
and walked to <b><a href="http://caferegatta.fi/in-english/"><span style="color: blue;">Cafe Regatta</span></a></b> in the Taka-Töölö district
on the western side of the downtown area for their famous cinnamon
buns. It’s such a cute little café right on the water – a must
see. </span><br />
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<br />
<span style="color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;">From there we walked south, more or less following
Mechelininkatu Street to <b><a href="https://www.loylyhelsinki.fi/en/"><span style="color: blue;">Löyly</span></a></b> at the south-western tip of the
city. It’s a really cool multi-tier outdoor sauna and cafe
restaurant – wish I had a swimsuit because I would’ve loved to kick it here all
day. </span><br />
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<span style="color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;">Instead, we opted for a glass of rose to enjoy the water views
and then continued southeast along the water, stopping at occasional bars for
snacks and more until we reached <b><a href="https://www.allasseapool.fi/en/"><span style="color: blue;">Allas Sea Pool</span></a></b> on
the western side. Another multi-tier bar with amazing views back
towards Helsinki.</span><span style="color: black; font-family: "times new roman" , serif;"><o:p></o:p></span><br />
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<span style="color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;">After enjoying the
view for a bit, we walked back through the markets along the port towards home,
stopping for pizza at <b><a href="http://www.linkopizzabar.fi/en/"><span style="color: blue;">Linko</span></a> </b>(delicious) before jumping in the
car for our long drive back to Turku.</span><span style="color: black; font-family: "times new roman" , serif;"><o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
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<span style="color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;">I thought at first my
Finnish adventure was over, but back in Turku, it was Night of the Arts, a
festival that the whole city attends. All the boat bars were
festooned in lights, beer gardens had popped up and all the bars, restaurants
and art galleries were open and teeming with people. It was great
fun just walking up and down the river stopping into the galleries (all free
for the night) and enjoying the energy. It was the perfect end to my
time in Finland.</span><br />
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-375504522951411877.post-47857785914651828142019-11-05T12:34:00.002-08:002019-11-08T15:21:05.240-08:00Three Days in Macedonia - Yes, That's a Country<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;">For those who didn’t
read my recent <b><a href="http://blog.travel-addict.com/2019/09/living-out-my-music-dreams-in-berlin.html" style="color: blue;">Berlin post</a></b>, </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;">I’ll catch you up - I'd spent a week being a music vampire in Germany as the first stop on a month long Europe trip in August 2018. The week of beats and bass in Berlin had left my housemate and I pretty knackered
by the time we landed in Macedonia.</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;">
</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;">Yes.</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;"> </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;">Macedonia.</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;"> </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;">It’s a country next to Albania that you’ve
probably skipped over every time you’ve looked at a map of Europe.</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;"> </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;">After spending a few glorious days there...it
won’t stay hidden for long.</span></span><br />
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<b style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">Monday, August 6, 2018</b><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">We landed early in
the evening and checked into our </span><b style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;"><a href="https://www.airbnb.com/rooms/13825662?source_impression_id=p3_1572988931_AJtllaHmRJhIoWQk" style="color: blue;">Airbnb</a></b><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"> in Skopje, which was fairly hard to
find.</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"> </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Thankfully my housemate is
Macedonian and speaks the language, because English is not very common around
here.</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"> </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">We met up with his cousins for a
few drinks near the main square followed by a lengthy dinner.</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"> </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Rounds of meat and cheese and red wine flowed, intermixed with singing and dancing.</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"> </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">My
stomach was stuffed and my soul satisfied by the time midnight rolled around
and we slowly rolled our way back home.</span><br />
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<b style="color: #222222; font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">Tuesday, August 7, 2018</b><br />
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<span style="color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Macedonia mirrors its Greek and eastern European neighbors when it comes to helping family.</span><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"> </span><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">We tried to convince my housemate’s cousin that he didn’t need to drive us the 2.5 hours (one-way) to Ohrid the next day, but he wouldn't listen.</span><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"> </span><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">The five of us packed into his tiny car and listened to my housemate and his cousin catch up in the front seat for the next hour or so.</span><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"> </span><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">We stopped at a gas station for pastries and coffee which felt very “local.”</span><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"> </span><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">It was a beautiful drive through the mountains, and we were thoroughly enjoying ourselves, when the old car came to a slow, hiccuping stop on the side of the road, taking what seemed to be its last painful intake of gas.</span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">We spent the next hour being helped by every self-proclaimed mechanic in Macedonia.</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"> </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Unsurprisingly, none of them were able to get the car started.</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"> </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">The heat had wrapped its fat fingers around the engine’s windpipe and tightened its grasp.</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"> </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">To top it off, there was no reception, so two of us finally hopped in a car with two Albanian strangers (hoping) they'd take us the rest of the way to Ohrid, so we could send a tow truck.</span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">The strangers spoke zero English so it was utter luck that we got dropped off fairly close to our </span><b style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;"><a href="https://www.airbnb.com/rooms/14620843?source_impression_id=p3_1572988890_Ilvl0m6A5ckoE4C6" style="color: blue;">Airbnb</a></b><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"> which was at the top of the hilly town overlooking the water.</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"> Th</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">e view from the top made the steep incline well worth it.</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"> </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Sonja, our hostess, was lovely, taking a load of laundry from us and treating us to delicious coffees on the deck.</span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">After a week in landlocked, steamy Germany, I was desperate for a swim, so we walked down the hill to the right of town (when facing the water) and found an awesome spot for a dip.</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"> </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">We paid a few bucks for some chairs and beers and settled in to await our mates.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-KdB7WqlV3gtGThA35jo1DE6uJOt3vJLX7YnhxddYGulkuNoc4OKT6U-CB7ofssIHi-96i37FVZ-mUEAeNYV_bEdcMverbitavcRUVJRXNpDpKPgzjxfdfxWbTuiK-Afs_EXDF7usDe72/s1600/75610894_10157527335358476_1407885172912685056_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-KdB7WqlV3gtGThA35jo1DE6uJOt3vJLX7YnhxddYGulkuNoc4OKT6U-CB7ofssIHi-96i37FVZ-mUEAeNYV_bEdcMverbitavcRUVJRXNpDpKPgzjxfdfxWbTuiK-Afs_EXDF7usDe72/s320/75610894_10157527335358476_1407885172912685056_o.jpg" width="320" /></a></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Tired, hungry and understandably irritable, the other two finally made it to town. We excitedly showed them the beautiful swimming area and then continued down the boardwalk to </span><b style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;"><a href="https://www.facebook.com/plazakaneo/" style="color: blue;">Kaneo</a> </b><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">- a perfect dinner spot to watch the sunset.</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"> </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Similar to Croatia, you can excuse yourself mid-dinner for a quick dip in the water before returning to your table – amazing. </span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiht8dXE5eFXJaFK2tLYp6djftglToWbE-Mpx7reVhBcUV53YA8YqFsegXR78AwcNIN5_XJnWO5mrjmjoi5ToOySWqOJ1XLUW2ICtrzdoyZ3udjxOrrjN9InGboZlcmL7HxgVNLrvQ2s_7/s1600/74384702_10157527332093476_3654864495693529088_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1194" data-original-width="1600" height="238" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiht8dXE5eFXJaFK2tLYp6djftglToWbE-Mpx7reVhBcUV53YA8YqFsegXR78AwcNIN5_XJnWO5mrjmjoi5ToOySWqOJ1XLUW2ICtrzdoyZ3udjxOrrjN9InGboZlcmL7HxgVNLrvQ2s_7/s320/74384702_10157527332093476_3654864495693529088_o.jpg" width="320" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">We returned to the Airbnb to change for the evening and made our way down into the town center.</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"> </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">It was well after dark and the main street was buzzing with activity, so we stopped for a few drinks in a central area for people-watching.</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"> </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1194" data-original-width="1600" height="238" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjy6JM6U3k1YQealMnE-J2EjKlIRkF-EYPgRVLQeWz3g1z5zJNcPaabN6DWSFK7zyt7qqI47pGlToolEqERTpt7uyfZE8moD5zSCbIwzrGi3wmtUVvQ6Ch-40loiw5NrgjQX9K5FAsBhqJi/s320/74458868_10157527331743476_4341057938673106944_o.jpg" width="320" /></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">The drinks were so bad and so sugary that we eventually moved on. Around 11pm, there seemed to be a lull in the nightlife… the streets suddenly deserted. The only place we could find people was at</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"> </span><b style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;"><a href="https://www.facebook.com/ShillaCoffeeBar/" style="color: blue;">Shilla</a> </b><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">(I think that was the name?) so we enjoyed some gin n' tonics and beers until 2am before trying out</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"> </span><b style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;"><a href="https://www.facebook.com/cubalibrehavanaclub/?rf=194561217275075" style="color: blue;">Cuba Libre Night Club</a></b><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">.</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"> </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Somehow the club had gone from empty (we'd checked earlier) to packed and we spent the next five hours dancing to American hip hop music from the early 2000's (wah??!)</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"> </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">The locals probably found my white-girl dance moves to be both foreign and either highly entertaining or shockingly embarrassing.</span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><b>Wednesday, August 8, 2018</b></span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">We woke up at 2pm and walked towards </span><b style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;"><a href="https://www.facebook.com/cubalibrebeachbar/" style="color: blue;">Cuba Libre Beach</a> </b><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">(the daytime version of the previous night's club) on the other side of town.</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"> </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Just before the club, we stopped at a cute little boathouse restaurant called </span><b style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;"><a href="https://www.facebook.com/pages/category/Bar---Grill/Restoran-KOTVA-673132396098037/" style="color: blue;">Kotva</a> </b><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">by the bridge for some fresh fish and coffees.</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"> </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">It was a beautiful day to be on the water.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNUlpBU0YZ9AnluRhXsRc58lGJahdtRskxZJUIq5uuiwVhk9Mur9iSKszlUHU_4UDQpmjzoiojJ0I9uFFciRslvHjqyaW1xiA_Pxrrm0hhM1KvuBimChX5dJq_VLsn22CP09b8xeN_kkdu/s1600/75111942_10157527335818476_2222590170601881600_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNUlpBU0YZ9AnluRhXsRc58lGJahdtRskxZJUIq5uuiwVhk9Mur9iSKszlUHU_4UDQpmjzoiojJ0I9uFFciRslvHjqyaW1xiA_Pxrrm0hhM1KvuBimChX5dJq_VLsn22CP09b8xeN_kkdu/s320/75111942_10157527335818476_2222590170601881600_o.jpg" width="320" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Cuba Libre Beach Club was great - definitely my favorite venue.</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"> </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">We snagged comfy lounge chairs right on the water and spent the remainder of the day sipping rose, eating cheese and swimming in the water to the gentle beat of European tropic house music.</span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">We hurried back to hike to the top of the mountain behind our Airbnb for sunset.</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"> The ancient </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">St. Clemente Church and Samoil's Fortress sit atop the hill and are the GO TO spots for sunset.</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"> </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Wow, it was a beautiful view - the brilliant pinks and soothing purples touching down on the high castle walls close enough to touch.</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"> </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Not a whole lot to see besides the view though so I was glad we choose sunset for our visit.</span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Meandering down the hill through the cobblestone streets, we discovered a little restaurant called </span><b style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;"><a href="https://www.facebook.com/pages/Dalga/203404683026627" style="color: blue;">Dalga</a> </b><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">for dinner - the staff was so friendly and the wine was conveniently cheap. After a delightful, meaty dinner (Macedonians know how to do meat!) we landed at the</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"> </span><b style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;"><a href="https://www.facebook.com/pages/The-Duck-Cafe/196704423720971" style="color: blue;">Duck Café</a></b><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"> </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">dancing to a live band playing classic rock covers.</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"> </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">It was an early evening as we’d be getting up early for our drive back to Skopje.</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"> </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">I was sad to leave Ohrid.</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"> </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">While there isn’t a whole lot going on in the town itself, I would’ve loved to spend more time hiking around the hills and lounging by the water.</span><br />
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<b style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">Thursday, August 9, 2018</b><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Thankfully, the ride back was less eventful. Back in Skopje, we checked into another great</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"> </span><b style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;"><a href="https://www.airbnb.com/rooms/15780657?source_impression_id=p3_1572988970_GNnQ4KMM9uX9KiBc" style="color: blue;">Airbnb</a></b><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">. Macedonia is so cheap - we lived like kings and queens!</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"> </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Our friend collects antique watches and had found an old watch shop in the heart of Skopje’s market district, so we followed him there to have a look.</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"> </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">It was such a cool shop – dusty with memories of forgotten ages, only the watches remembering the time.</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"> </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">I was feeling romantic and suggested that we all get watches to commemorate our trip and our friendship.</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"> </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">The boys laughed at me, and then scurried to pick out a watch. Hah.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiem4fMH2HDFLFxeSvKwce94bo61kdZpFd_5UEKBKOT_gwi20JsPezcQineQ_rxH2EOGJgATzmDy6muws5NjsH42oVraTp0AMvnbk6W1_O9Qmp0kw5McGzYgIzXRyNtq4jQ2AAflejuBKVq/s1600/73287720_10157527332728476_137059523176169472_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="716" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiem4fMH2HDFLFxeSvKwce94bo61kdZpFd_5UEKBKOT_gwi20JsPezcQineQ_rxH2EOGJgATzmDy6muws5NjsH42oVraTp0AMvnbk6W1_O9Qmp0kw5McGzYgIzXRyNtq4jQ2AAflejuBKVq/s320/73287720_10157527332728476_137059523176169472_n.jpg" width="238" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">We hurried back to change for dinner.</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"> </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">My housemate’s cousin arrived again (what a guy!) to drive us out into the country for dinner at the family farm.</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"> </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">SO COOL.</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"> </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">We were greeted by a giant, friendly dog who lead us around to the back veranda to a table filled with meats, cheese, veggies and rakia.</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"> </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Ah, rakia – the liquor of Macedonia.</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"> </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Made from grapes or plums or peaches, it is a fruit brandy that’s about 40% ABV.</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"> </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">In our case, we were drinking Uncle’s homemade rakia which was quite a bit stronger.</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"> </span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Fair to say, we were rosy and boisterous by the time we’d made it halfway through dinner.</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"> </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">No one in the family spoke English, except the cousins, which made for a halting, yet hilarious evening.</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"> </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">The food was fantastic – all grown and harvested from the surrounding farm.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="716" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOZ48bUfqBlrrvVSbrrO0qdPDx6YsbOOlG8kihRH_mDBJjjKQv5fwNxMzEiRFOXHGxhhzrGvb9GBQ4ODxWIctv2Xh1rp8oD2v9tr26UelMAb8S7quf-1sMWiRC_ghyphenhypheniQyFnNxowuRtFMxi/s320/75534856_10157527332773476_4268249988078764032_n.jpg" width="238" /></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Riding the wave of good humor and strong liquor, we returned to downtown Skopje to spend the rest of the evening dancing at</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"> </span><b style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;"><a href="https://www.facebook.com/casa.cubana14/?rf=889522857727331" style="color: blue;">Casa Cubana</a></b><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">, home to the deadliest, tastiest Mojito I’ve had in a long time.</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"> </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">I’m pretty sure I danced with a few eleven-year-old kids at one point but forcing the group to return to the Airbnb for an hour of sleep before our next-day flight to Sweden.</span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">It was a fantastic wrap to our short, but sweet adventure in Macedonia.</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"> </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">I would love to come back here, although having an “interpreter” certainly made the trip more interesting and convenient, so I'll have to check his schedule.</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"> </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">It’d be much harder, and less fun, to holiday here without him.</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"> </span></div>
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-375504522951411877.post-58692023886139377432019-09-23T18:40:00.004-07:002019-11-03T13:22:08.582-08:00Living out my music dreams in Berlin, Germany<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Summer of 2018 was a
weird summer. I’d just moved back from three years living in Australia. My work
situation had ended pretty terribly, and I couldn’t bear the idea of jumping
straight into another job.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>At the same
time, I couldn’t bear the thought of leaving people that had become some of my
very best friends.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>So, when my Aussie
roommate invited me to join his month long Europe trip, I jumped at the chance.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">When August rolled
around, I was ecstatic!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It hadn’t
occurred to me that I hadn’t been to Europe since 2014!!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I guess Australia is far away…<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><b>Wednesday, August 1,
2018</b><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">We were up early for
our quick flight from London to Berlin to start our month-long European holiday.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This portion of the trip was my request –
Berlin has been my top destination of interest for over five years.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’d waited because Berlin, for all its art
and history, was really about music for me. When I first moved to Australia,
I’d almost bought a $3,000 flight there, just to meet some like-minded music
friends for a week (yes, I finally decided against it).<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">I share this because I
don’t want to come off as uncultured.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Yes, I saw the Berlin Wall, but I didn’t go to a single museum while I
was there.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I wanted to just <i>be</i> in Berlin.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">It wasn’t until we
checked into <b><a href="https://www.hostelworld.com/hosteldetails.php/St-Christopher-s-Berlin-Alexanderplatz/Berlin/17515" style="color: blue;">St. Christopher Hostel</a></b> near Alexanderplatz that I realized my first
mistake.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Looking back, I’ve only ever
visited coastal European countries in the dead of summer…the lack of AC in the
hostel quickly showcased that Berlin… is not one of those places.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’d booked us a private room in a mini
apartment with a shared bath and kitchen which was roomy and would’ve been
perfect, but it was unbearably hot. So…we did what any good Berliner would
do.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We went looking for beers.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">My roomie had been to
Berlin previously and suggested we walk past the famous Alexanderplatz, along
and across the river, to this outdoor beach club called <b><a href="http://www.sage-restaurant.de/" style="color: blue;">Sage Beach</a></b>.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It was a long, hot walk.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The oppressive architecture of Berlin bore down on
us… long streets of hot, grey stone buildings with few, if any,
decoration.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But it was the perfect easel
for massive, beautiful displays of street art.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>There is a deep, underlying energy of creativity coursing through the
veins of this city just waiting for its opportunity to present itself to you.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Sage Beach has a great
setup – it’s a huge outdoor beach-like space with a stage for music, tables and
lounge chairs and delicious, tropical drinks.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Only problem is, Berlin doesn’t wake up until 6pm at the earliest so it
was completely dead.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Another odd
observation – Berlin is COVERED in bees!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>I could barely finish my drink from all the swatting (and squealing in
terror).<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">We were a bit bored so
we wandered back across the river to see what we might find.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The road along the river was just more of the
same…stoic, uniform buildings one after the other, like silent soldiers
awaiting orders.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But music, was coming
from somewhere near them.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>When it comes
to music, I’m like a bloodhound, stopping at nothing to find the source.</span></div>
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<span style="color: #222222; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;">We walked around a corner and through a rickety-looking arch that </span><i style="color: #222222; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;">felt</i><span style="color: #222222; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;"> like an entryway, although not a very friendly one.</span><span style="color: #222222; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;"> </span><span style="color: #222222; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;">The scene on the other side was shocking.</span><span style="color: #222222; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;"> </span><span style="color: #222222; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;">The wall of unfriendly rock and brick fell away to people laughing and chatting away at picnic tables placed among a lush oasis of greenery and music.</span><span style="color: #222222; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;"> </span><span style="color: #222222; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;">The yard along the water was decorated in pieces of wood painted in wild colors.</span><span style="color: #222222; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;"> </span><span style="color: #222222; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;">The smell of coffee and wood-oven pizza beckoned, and we joined the crowd…for hours.</span><span style="color: #222222; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;"> </span><span style="color: #222222; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;">The vibe felt very similar to a Burning Man camp – dusty, vibrant and secret, yet completely inclusive. It’s a place where pictures and phones are not encouraged, but I snuck just one for the memory.</span><span style="color: #222222; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;"> </span><span style="color: #222222; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;">We would come to know its name – <b><a href="https://www.holzmarkt.com/#orte-projektepampa" style="color: blue;">Holzmarkt Pampa</a></b>.</span><span style="color: #222222; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;"> </span><span style="color: #222222; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;">I think it’s clear I highly recommend it.</span></div>
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<span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Night was falling, so
we finished our final beer and pizza slice and reluctantly returned to our
steamy hostel to change in our costumes for the night.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And by costume, I mean wearing all black –
Berlin-style.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We’d heard about a rooftop
party at a place called <b><a href="https://www.weekendclub.berlin/" style="color: blue;">House of Weekend</a></b>, so we walked through to check it out,
sipping cans of convenience store whiskey-lemon mixed drinks.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Quite the opposite of Holzmarkt Pampa…I
could see Berlin was like New York City or Tokyo - Pick a different street;
enter a different world.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We’d clearly
left the world of Burners and dust for the sprawling views of Berlin, scantily
clad women, hipsters and wildly overpriced drinks.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Don’t get me wrong, I had a great time!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I think I made friends with 14 DJs of
questionable talent and/or notoriety.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">But both of us are
creatures of the deep house music scene and were soon itching for our kind of
tunes.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We stepped out of the club into
the blackness of Berlin.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It’s not just
the clothes that are black, even the night feels heavy like the air has been
painted with thick black paint.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">The best thing about
the late late Berlin music scene?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>There
is something for everyone.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>House Music.
World Music. Techno. Rap. Deep House. Music without label.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We were looking for the deep house variety
which led us to <b><a href="http://water-gate.de/"style="color: blue;">Watergate</a></b>. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Even at 2am, we were
early.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The room didn’t start filling
until closer to 4am, at which point it began to feel like a frenetic, yet
focused, red monster – scuffed sneakers moving in unison to the deep beat mixed
with an occasion snare drum-kick.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Another outrageously expensive bar, but the need for cool drinks to
fight the oppressive heat of summer and bodies drove us back for more.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I love being at the front of the floor, near
the DJ, especially if it’s a DJ who gets really into their set – dancing and
clapping to the beat they produce.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But,
I equally love being able to escape at times for a break, and I loved that
Watergate had an outdoor deck along the river where you could do just
that.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">I don’t smoke
cigarettes, but I felt compelled to share a puff or two…something about them
felt so “Berlin” – perhaps the fact that they are tightly wrapped bundles of
fire, just waiting for a light.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’d
watch the sunrise from that deck before the slow, euphoric walk home.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><b>Thursday, August 2,
2018</b><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">We woke up at
2pm.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This would soon become our pattern
as the music bowels of Berlin stamped us as creatures of the night.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>So hot and sweaty from the sun beating down
on us and the lack of AC, even a freezing cold shower couldn’t help so we
wearily rose like vampires from the dead and entered the city once more.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">I’d like to pretend we
went somewhere new, but we’d had such a perfect day, we literally repeated it…Holzmarkt Pampa for beers and incredible pizza, a long nap and then Watergate.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The only difference this time was rather than
walking home the way we’d came, we ventured across the bridge, just outside
Watergate, to walk along the Berlin Wall.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">I’d hazard to guess
most people visit the Berlin Wall, in the middle of the day, at a historic
section of the Wall, surrounded by the crush and cameras of other tourists.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Not sure that’s the right vibe to really
“take in” the Wall.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">I saw it as the sun
rose. At first a long, dark and indistinguishable piece of concrete stretching
into the distance, and then, raw in the early sunlight, an everlasting scar of
vibrant, artistic depictions painted across its face.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The images were rough and honest and
captivating.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Image after image appearing
as I walked for over an hour alongside the wall.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I can’t begin to know what it was like to face
that wall before, or when, it came down, but you can feel and see the stories
of those who lived it, like a living skin of history.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Friday, August 3, 2018<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Woke up to our “sun
alarm” again at 2pm.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>SO HOTTTTTTT.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We had to try something different, so we
stopped for some sushi.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Not really sure
what about blazing hot Berlin made us think sushi was a good idea, but it
wasn’t horrible.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">We were so hungover,
sleep deprived and probably massively dehydrated that we spent the hot
afternoon in a daze wandering the streets.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>The main streets of Berlin shopping district are filled with shop after
shop.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But it’s the alleyways that hold
the treasure.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>On one such street, a
flash of red caught my eye, so I walked through an arched tunnel into… Italy.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Swear to God, I’d been transported to a
seaside town in Capri.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Nicely dressed,
attractive people sat at wrought-iron tables capped with red umbrellas,
nibbling at cheeseboards and gelato or slow sipping Aperol spritz cocktails.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I don’t think a single person was wearing
black.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Yet another strange Berlin
oasis.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The scene even invited the
feeling of a breeze.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Instantly relaxed,
we grabbed a table and joined in for a long leisurely lunch.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The place was appropriately called <b><a href="https://www.piccolo-giardino.com/" style="color: blue;">Piccolo Giardino</a></b>.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Filled with cheese and salami, we
returned to the hostel for our daily nap, sleeping soundly until 11pm. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Surprise, surprise, we
did not eat, sleep, dance, repeat.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Instead, we picked another direction, this time west </span><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">to see what we might find.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>I was surprised at how quite it was… not many people around, until we
turned yet another corner into bustling </span><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">square of people
eating outside.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The food wa</span><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">s </span><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">Vietnamese </span><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">and th</span><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">e atmosphere transported me there – the plastic cups, the
baskets of shellfish, the chopsticks, the huge bowls of steaming soup.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It was called <b><a href="http://districtmot.com/"style="color: blue;">District Mot</a></b> and they were
closing, yet kindly offered to seat us anyway.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>So grateful because the food was some of the best of the trip.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Our sleep schedule had
certainly affected our body clocks, because it was close to 1am and we were
tired, but not quite enough to sleep again.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>So, we decided to walk off dinner.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>And, as you imagine, we found another alleyway of interest.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’ve lived in New York City and would never normally,
nor boldly, see “interesting-looking, yet scuzzy” people loitering at the end
of a dark tunnel, and been spurred to join them, but something about Berlin
makes this feeling feel normal.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">This was by far the
longest, and sketchiest, alleyway of the trip, but at the end of it was <b><a href="https://www.eschschloraque.de/" style="color: blue;">Eschschloraque</a></b>.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In one way it reminded me of the desolate,
crumbling castle in a romantically dramatic film or novel. More amazing art
covered the high, castle-like, stone walls, crumbling from age, lack of upkeep,
or both.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Twinkling fair lights and
lanterns provide just enough dim lighting to see where you were walking, but it
added a warmth to the otherwise dark and desolate place.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">At the same time, it
felt like a dive bar from a forgotten era, the ghosts of famous rockstars
leaving their footprints on the dusty stone floor.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Most of it was open to the sky, with small,
intimate tables littered around the yard.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Inside, it was cozier and better lit.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>There was a Spanish guitarist was setting up for a late-night performance
in the upper room of the bar, but we were just too tired to wait for him to
start.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We agreed on a few wines in the
yard before heading home.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’ll add those
wines were dirt cheap.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p> </o:p></span><b style="color: #222222; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">Saturday, August 4,
2018</b></div>
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<span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">After feeling like a total
waste-of-space the previous days, we decided to get up early and “Seize the
Day.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You can’t called it a “European
holiday” if you don’t hit up at least one food market, in my opinion, so I
researched one called <b><a href="https://markthalleneun.de/" style="color: blue;">Markthalle Neun</a></b>, conveniently south of our hostel, which
was a new area to explore!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">It was a cute market,
but mostly food.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’d been hoping for one
with more variety, but one of the stalls served the most delicious fresh pasta
- argument for best food of the trip, right up there with Holzmarkt Pampa pizza. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The weather was still scorching,
so we decided to work our way towards this public pool situation built along
the river.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The thought of submerging my
tired, sweat-crusted body in cold water was convincing.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Google Maps showed a
long park called State Park running from where we were all the way to the
water, so we decided that’d be our best route.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Turns out it is NOT a nice park.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>You know that scene in the zombie apocalypse movie where the heroes
think they’ve found safe haven but just went they start to relax, zombies
slowly start appearing out of the brush, surrounding them from all sides?
That’s what happened to us, but drug dealers instead of zombies.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Nothing is more awkward then an unwashed,
loose-toothed man sidling up to you, whispering words under his breath, old
cigarette smoke wafting off his clothes.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>We took a swift exit from that park.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">As expected, the swim
park was nothing less than a shitshow.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Our smart idea to visit the only available cool area in the city was
clearly not that original.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Already
sweaty and dirty, we gave in to Berlin once again, choosing a river bar so that
we could at least pretend there was a breeze.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><b><a href="https://clubdervisionaere.com/" style="color: blue;">Club der Visionaere</a></b> was easily my favorite “bar” of the whole trip.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It’s essentially one long deck that juts out along
the water with great music and pretty tasty gin & tonics that aren’t cheap
but not quite as painful as some of the other venues.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And the people watching was outrageous – one
guy stumbled into the bar (clearly still going from the night before) and managed
to use the excuse of asking for a phone charger to chat up an attractive,
fairly sober girl.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We watched stupefied
as she offered up a charger - within 30 minutes the two of them were sharing a
bottle of rose.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It seemed a long-term
romance could be in their future, when he botched the whole thing by standing
too quickly, knocking the table and the still full bottle of rose all over the
girl.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Secondly later she’d said her
clenched-teeth goodbye and fled. The final kicker? He pulled a phone charger
out of his pocket and plugged it into the wall.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>LOLZ.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We stayed for hours,
watching other Berlin stories unfold, before heading back to change and meet
some friends out.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">You
are probably wondering, for a massive music lover of the most underground
variety, why I haven’t mentioned the most famous of the Berlin clubs, arguably
the most famous in the world.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><b><a href="http://www.berghain.de/" style="color: blue;">THEBERGHAIN</a></b>.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Well, I’m a lover of techno,
weird outfits and even weirder people, but I’m a hater of long lines.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I HATE them.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Blame it on four years of the Hollywood, CA, club scene, but I can’t
imagine any place worth waiting hours in line, unless Ryan Reynolds is inside,
personally waiting to attend my every want.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>BUT – I was also willing to accept that any trip to Berlin would not be
complete without at least one attempt.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I
was with good friends and it wasn’t the middle of German winter, so we decided
to give it a try.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">For
those of you wondering why the drama, what is this place, allow me to explain.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The Berghain is known for having one of the
strictest door policies of anywhere in the world.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Literally, the same man has been policing the
door since 2004 </span><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">and he literally builds the vibe inside the
club, based on who he lets in each night.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>You could gain access three days in a row and then be rejected the next
night with no idea why and no explanation.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>He simply looks at a person and nods his head “yes” or flicks his head
to the exit.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It’s honestly pretty
jarring, but also makes you think – he is literally designing a vibe using
people as the puzzle pieces.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Crazy.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We met up another Aussie mate, who’d been
living in Berlin, and joined the line.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">I’ll
cut the next three hours short to tell you, we did not get in (less than 1/3 do)
but thirty minutes later, it would prove to be the best news ever.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Our
friend hailed a cab, telling us she was taking us to a place she liked even
better.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I always get turned around in
cabs, trusting that the driver or navigator will get us where we need to
be.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>When we arrived at our destination,
it was “so-Berlin,” a big white wall with a maze for a line leading into some mysterious
beyond.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">It
was probably close to 5am as we entered <b><a href="https://sisyphos-berlin.net/" style="color: blue;">Sisyphos</a></b>, and it would captivate me for
the next 5.5 hours.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Similar to Holzmarkt Pampa,
this place reeked of Burning Man vibes, but on five times the scale.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The main outdoor area felt like walking into
a Midsummer Nights Dream… tables and trees and wood and art intermixed - people
limbs dangling and dancing.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It was
mesmerizing, this calm, yet pulsing energy.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>In the middle was a large building with no windows – walking inside felt
like entering the bowels of a dystopian fighting club.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The low light and hard techno bouncing off
steel walls.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It was intense; I could
only stand it for short periods before escaping back outside.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Along
the side of this building was a staircase leading to an upper floor.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The music there was more tech house and more
my speed.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It was a small, intimate dance
floor with the DJ in amongst it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’d
find myself spending my final morning hours in Berlin carving shapes in the
wooden floor.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><b>Sunday, August 5, 2018</b><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">We missed our usual
wake up time, rising two hours later at 4pm.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Turns out everything in Berlin is shut on Sundays anyway so we weren’t
missing much.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Apparently even locals
need a day of rest in this </span><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">city.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>We attempted lunch at Sisal, where the pasta was pretty good, and coffee
at <b><a href="https://www.sucreetsel.de/" style="color: blue;">Sucre et Sel</a></b>, which was great, but I was too tired to taste or appreciate
either.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We returned to the hostel early
and slept through the night.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><b>Monday, August 6, 2018</b><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Turns out five full
days (err nights) in Berlin is impossible to survive.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We were still ruined the next morning,
shuffling our way through hostel checkout and down the street to <b><a href="http://www.commongrnd.de/" style="color: blue;">Commonground</a></b>
to meet our friend for brekkie before heading to the airport.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Another grave error… I’d booked us an
afternoon flight and the four hours we spent in that café were the longest of
my life.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>All I wanted was to sleep –
late morning flights out of Berlin are highly encouraged. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">I would go on to spend
three more weeks in Europe and another year in NYC thinking about Berlin.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>What a place.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>There are few cities in the world that rank so high in my esteem – NYC,
Tokyo, the entire continent of New Zealand to name a few.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">While I’m happy to
have capitalized on my travel partner’s mutual music interests to spend the
majority of my time dancing to the late-night beats of Berlin, I would love to
return one day to see the city that exists above ground, in the light.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Until then, Auf Wiedersehen </span><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-375504522951411877.post-15502522671275703112019-09-02T12:32:00.000-07:002019-09-02T12:32:16.571-07:00Tasmania - The island that has it all<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif;">Just over a year ago, I made it to the part of
Australia I’d been desperate to see – Tasmania.</span><span style="color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif;">
</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif;">Tasmania is one of the more underrated destinations, should you ask most
mainland Australians, yet it would prove to be my favorite place in the country.</span><span style="color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif;"> </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif;">An Oregonian, born of vast forests and
easy-access camping, who over the past years has added California sunshine, New
York culture and Sydney beaches to my list of destination demands, I was
impressed to find Tasmania has all of these things.</span><br />
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<span class="il"><b><span style="background: white; color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;">Thursday, March 29, 2018<o:p></o:p></span></b></span></div>
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<span class="il"><span style="background: white; color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;">The flight from Sydney to Tasmania was a breeze,
even with a vast array of camping equipment.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>It was an after-work flight, so my friend and I landed with just enough
energy to grab our rental car and drive to the <b><a href="https://www.questapartments.com.au/properties/tas/hobart/quest-savoy/overview" style="color: blue;">Quest Savoy</a></b> in downtown Hobart –
the hotel was pretty basic but served our quick overnight needs.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We were hoping for a quick bite at a nearby
restaurant – we would soon learn that Tasmania completely shuts down over the
Easter holidays.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>NOWHERE was open.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Confused, tired and starving, we did the only
thing we could do – pass out.<o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
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<span class="il"><b><span style="background: white; color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;">Friday, March 30, 2018<o:p></o:p></span></b></span></div>
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<span class="il"><span style="background: white; color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;">The next morning, we were up first thing to
take advantage of the short four-day holiday trip.</span></span><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>By 9:30am, we were on the Mona Roma ferry
($22 one-way) to the Museum of Old & New Art (<a href="https://mona.net.au/" style="color: blue;">MONA</a>).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I would revise that to the Museum of Weird
Ass Art (in the best way possible).<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;">The
ferry ride was beautiful, passing along the coast of Hobart, arriving at the
waterfront museum.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It was VERY windy
though – a video for your entertainment.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Also, the coffee and baked goods on the ferry are delicious!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I was shocked that a ferry would have such
good food.</span><br />
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<span style="color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;">We
arrived by 10am and spent the next 2.5 hours (which is plenty) covering all the
levels, including the ones with queues (it’s $50 for entry and the return
ferry).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I highly recommend downloading
the museum tour app, because it shows you which exhibits have the biggest
queues/lines.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Event Horizon, one of the
most popular, was VERY cool.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I also
wanted to check out “Unseen,” but it books out in advance.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>There is a loophole where you can buy the
“Art & Dinner” evening package which comes with access, but we didn’t have
time.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Below are some photos of my
favorite exhibits – very weird, very wonderful.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>My New York itch for culture, weirdos and art had been satiated.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
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<span style="background: white; color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;">Hungry, yet again, we decided to check out <b><a href="https://www.salamancamarket.com.au/Home" style="color: blue;">Salamanca Market</a></b>,
just down the waterfront from the ferry exit. It’s primarily one street of
bars, restaurants and shops.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We ended up
at <b><a href="http://www.jackgreene.com.au/" style="color: blue;">Jack Greene</a></b> – great beers and burgers.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span><o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="background: white; color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><br /></span></span>
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<span style="background: white; color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><br /></span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif;">It was a good thing we’d packed so many activities into four
days, because Hobart was a ghost town, so we decided to jump in the car for the
long drive to Binalong Bay, home of the famous Bay of Fires.</span><span style="color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif;"> </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif;">We tried to stop at </span><b style="color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif;"><a href="https://sullivanscove.com/" style="color: blue;">Sullivan Cove Distillery</a></b><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif;">
(my boyfriend is a huge fan) but the last tour was at 3pm (it’s way cheaper to
do a tasting with the tour) so we decided to come back on our return to Hobart.</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
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<span style="color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;">It
– was – such - a – long – drive.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It was
such a beautiful drive, with speeding “guidelines” for maximum driving
enjoyment, but 3.5 hours straight was over-kill.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We kept looking for places to stop to buy
supplies, since we’d be camping the next few days, and not a single open
place.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I almost crashed the car driving
through the tiny, quaint Campbell Town, because there was ONE open bakery
(<b><a href="http://banjos.com.au/" style="color: blue;">Banjo Bakery</a></b>) – pretty sure we purchased everything in the store. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;">Driving
like a crazy person, we arrived at <b><a href="http://www.pelicanpointsanctuary.com.au/" style="color: blue;">Pelican Point Sanctuary</a></b> in St. Helens (the
town just south of Binalong) just in time for sunset.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>One of the most picturesque places I’ve ever
stayed – highly recommend for a honeymoon or stay-cation for one.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>My only annoyance is that you pay $200/night,
which isn’t cheap for that area, and still must clean and put away any dishes
you use – but I did have the world’s best sleep.</span><br />
<span style="color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
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<span style="color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;"><br />
<b><span style="background: white;">Saturday, April 1, 2018<o:p></o:p></span></b></span></div>
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<span style="color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;"><br />
<span style="background: white;">Our cabin was floor-to-ceiling windows with an
incredible view, so I woke up early for sunrise.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Thank God I did! </span>My friend had also
kindly gifted me a new <b><a href="https://gopro.com/en/us/update/hero6" style="color: blue;">Gopro HERO6</a></b> for the trip, which captured this sunrise
photo – probably my favorite of the trip. I was so impressed with the picture
quality!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Note: Most of the photos in this post
are using that camera.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>GET ONE.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqLUzEAqjpuiNpgPJpRyjtmgFFcB6Rm1AWv1Kp64fO_ZlzdV0tn0T4ZYiRjap3Lq1aiFiB30pJdeD8jB9a0Yixr1mx3lshyphenhyphen4ZDhkEVvsnwrLsjmqcMijrN4Gzv8pE2dYineap5eSXmlss-/s1600/69651318_10157361572258476_5440570567176486912_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="298" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqLUzEAqjpuiNpgPJpRyjtmgFFcB6Rm1AWv1Kp64fO_ZlzdV0tn0T4ZYiRjap3Lq1aiFiB30pJdeD8jB9a0Yixr1mx3lshyphenhyphen4ZDhkEVvsnwrLsjmqcMijrN4Gzv8pE2dYineap5eSXmlss-/s400/69651318_10157361572258476_5440570567176486912_o.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;">I
was sad to leave Pelican Point, but my #1 destination was our goal for the day
– Bay of Fires.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>For those unfamiliar
with this natural phenomenon, it’s a ~30km stretch of beach covered in <span style="background: white;">orange-hued </span></span><span style="background: white; color: black; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;">granite</span><span style="background: white; color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;"> made
from lichen, that makes the bay look like it’s on fire.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;">It was a quick 15 min drive to Binalong Bay.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It’s a little unclear where exactly the best
spot for (safe) photos.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I recommend
staying on Binalong Bay Road until it becomes Main Rd and the bay appears on
the left.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Park in the lot near the
playground and walk down, to the left of the tennis court, to access some of
the better rock views - and a good swim too, if it’s warm enough.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjO56szLt5JiORLDqScljM40yjXFcL_9QWdy2NcNrHM55UUeom0v98gLKzEVS6VfiR5M2Icj5hlPB5BOZOOaLhDkibYvuFLfsgZvbDC1aYOqum5qv8MhhEn3SHv5mirIKbzzbeiV-5TkgvX/s1600/69431088_10157361573303476_5665248621486931968_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjO56szLt5JiORLDqScljM40yjXFcL_9QWdy2NcNrHM55UUeom0v98gLKzEVS6VfiR5M2Icj5hlPB5BOZOOaLhDkibYvuFLfsgZvbDC1aYOqum5qv8MhhEn3SHv5mirIKbzzbeiV-5TkgvX/s320/69431088_10157361573303476_5665248621486931968_o.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<span style="color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;">Once
you leave, I also recommend turning left out of the parking lot (if you are in
an SUV) and continuing along Skeleton Bay Road (dirt) for a fun scenic drive
through the bush that with a close eye on Google Maps will bring you back to
Binalong Bay Road.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;">It
was a gorgeous day, and the next day was meant to bring rain, so we decided to
book it down to <b><a href="https://www.parks.tas.gov.au/indeX.aspX?base=3363" style="color: blue;">Freycinet National Park</a></b> to hike the famous Wineglass Bay.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Suggestion here – search “Freycinet Visitor
Center” in Google Maps rather than “Freycinet National Park” just to ensure you
get to the actual trail-head. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;">We
bumped a bunch of Griz songs as we drove south along the coast.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The chain of lagoons and Douglas River area
before Bicheno looked amazing.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>ARG
Australia – why must you always be so big and beautiful.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I never have enough time to see it all!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;">If
you haven’t noticed a theme yet… we stopped at the Bicheno IGA for picnic
items, because we knew we’d be hungry and there doesn’t look to be too much
near the national park.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;">Two
hours after leaving Binalong Bay, we arrived at the visitor center.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The park pass was $22 each.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If you need to use the restroom – now is the
time!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Another 40 minutes of fast-paced
walking and we were looking out over Wineglass Bay.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The view was nice, but the bay is so far
away, it’s hard to really enjoy the full beauty of it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I thought Bay of Fires was better.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You can hike to Hazard’s Beach on the other
side if you’ve got the time – perhaps those views are better?<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgILs0dNUQmDgEMZ0tTUBqwCpuAWMvOol6GfGGF1XcIZysA-EAFfSy3REUdMHEw4QewxaIEK_u8o3FdKlK9rADcunm3paAuYMXxp_nD4wehCKB8pmGlaLNqu7aSEhrdCLYN_LneVLeXS2Du/s1600/69584767_10157361572843476_1622480284689629184_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1194" data-original-width="1600" height="238" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgILs0dNUQmDgEMZ0tTUBqwCpuAWMvOol6GfGGF1XcIZysA-EAFfSy3REUdMHEw4QewxaIEK_u8o3FdKlK9rADcunm3paAuYMXxp_nD4wehCKB8pmGlaLNqu7aSEhrdCLYN_LneVLeXS2Du/s320/69584767_10157361572843476_1622480284689629184_o.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="background: white; color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;">To be honest, it wasn’t until we were driving out of the park
that we found the most beautiful spot on the whole trip – Honeymoon Bay.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>WOW.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I
think the photos say enough.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Great spot
for a picnic and leisure day laying out and swimming in the clear, warm water.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="background: white; color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
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<span style="background: white; color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;">We drove back to Bicheno and stopped at tourist center to
find out about seeing beach penguins and Tasmanian Devils. Both are night tours
and cost $30 and $50 respectively, which didn’t seem worth it to me, especially
because you can’t take pictures and during other times of the year you can just
see penguins on the beach for free. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="background: white; color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;">Instead,
we <span style="background: white;">checked into <b><a href="https://www.seaviewbicheno.com.au/" style="color: blue;">Seaview Holiday Park</a></b>.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Another learning – Easter is apparently a
VERY popular time to visit Tasmania.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We
were lucky to get the last non-powered campsite.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Apparently some people book a year in
advance, so I highly recommend booking all accommodation in advance. The lady at the front desk was such a legend!<o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
<span style="color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;"><span style="background: white;"><br /></span></span>
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<span style="background: white; color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;">It was a cute campsite with friendly, yet respectful,
neighbors – felt really safe which was nice for two girls.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>After a hilarious attempt to pitch the tent,
we pour wine into some water bottles and decided to enjoy a sunset beach
walk.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Turns out there are red rocks here
too!</span><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;">After
some l<span style="background: white;">ovely sunset photos and singing stupidly
to the Creed song, ‘With Arms Wide Open” (why? I have no idea) we decided to
stop at <b><a href="http://www.sailsatrobe.com.au/" style="color: blue;">Sails Restaurant</a></b> for some prosecco and ice cream.</span> We got a beach view table, but <span style="background: white;">unfortunately the windows were so dirty, we couldn’t
see outside.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Filled to the brim with
sugar, we walked back to camp.</span></span><br />
<span style="color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;"><span style="background: white;"><br /></span></span>
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<span style="color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;">
<b><span style="background: white;">Sunday, April 2, 2018<o:p></o:p></span></b></span></div>
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<span style="color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;"><br />
<span style="background: white;">Woke up early for sunrise and then decided what
to do next over a yum camp breakfast.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>We’d originally planned to stay in Bicheno for two nights but had
already seen Freycinet, and Bicheno town doesn’t have a ton going on, so we
decided to move on.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We’d heard Bruny
Island was beautiful, and near Hobart, so after a warm, delicious cup-a-joe at
<b><a href="https://www.facebook.com/pasinis/" style="color: blue;">Pasini</a></b>, we hit the road again thinking we’d spend the night on the island.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="background: white; color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;">It was another gorgeous drive, this time through lush green
farmland.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We stopped at Devil’s Corner
for some wine-tasting - the view was great; the wine so-so.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We then stopped at Triabunna for another
bathroom break and saw signs for <b><a href="https://encountermaria.com.au/" style="color: blue;">Maria Island</a></b> – apparently covered in adorable
animals like kangaroos, wombats, etc.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Our original plan went out the window and next thing we knew we were on
a midday ferry to the island ($50 per person).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span><o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="background: white; color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><br /></span></span>
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<span style="background: white; color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;">Tasmania is just full of surprises.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Every excursion proved to be better than the
last and Maria Island was the new favorite.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>We rented bikes for $33 and biked all over the island.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You can go anywhere you want.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Some areas are huge cliffs looking out over
the ocean, other areas have beaches and dense forest.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Warning there are some pretty big hills so
need to be in somewhat good shape!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>There
were kangaroos and wombats everywhere – we got up close and personal with one
of the wombats.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I want one!!!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Apparently, there are Tassie devils at night
if you camp (just watch out for your shoes!!)</span><br />
<span style="background: white; color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
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<span style="background: white; color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;">We started off biking along the beach to the right of the
ferry (facing the ocean) to Fossil Cliff.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Make sure you walk to the far end of the quarry for a spectacular view
of high cliffs in the distance.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Then
take the inland track back and you enter a cool forest before coming out behind
the little village of Darlington - they sell delicious fudge by the way.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="background: white; color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
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<span style="background: white; color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;">But the best part of the whole island is the Painted
Cliffs.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You want to arrive here around
3pm, when the tide is out, so that you can walk along these amazing
cliffs.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It was my second favorite thing
about Tasmania, after Honeymoon Bay.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We
couldn’t spend too much time there because we needed to get the last 5pm ferry
back, but I got fantastic pictures!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="background: white; color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="background: white; color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;">By the time we got back to Hobart it was dark and I was very
over driving (Bicheno to Hobart is 2.5 hours).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Once again everything was closed, because it was Easter Sunday, but we
managed to sneak a spot at <b><a href="https://peacockandjones.com.au/" style="color: blue;">Peacock & Jones</a></b> because someone was late for
their reservation!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I was so tired I
could barely stay awake, but the restaurant was lovely – I had the wallaby
which was pretty good but maybe a bit “one-tone” in taste.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="background: white; color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
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<span style="background: white; color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;">While in the car, we decided to “go big” on the holiday and still
see Bruny Island.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We booked an Airbnb
room in Snug, just outside Kettering and Bruny Island. It was a little
frustrating to pay for another night when we’d bothered to bring all this camping
gear but $73 seemed reasonable for a soft bed and shower. Also it was a weird, yet adorable little cabin.</span><br />
<span style="color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgeWUHPXJcM2-hAUI2rrYSIHxpQCemcB8pbYGL0T-kyGhivGVxjOhuvxwvyEIlwLzKhv3kzUDuBAYt6Ia3NGLPrVNpHB978LTGA3Bkzn3LEvn3sf-UojYVN8KiXcGGg-Eu8hG_lEqdrgg_/s1600/69449590_10157361573008476_3413439680996179968_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgeWUHPXJcM2-hAUI2rrYSIHxpQCemcB8pbYGL0T-kyGhivGVxjOhuvxwvyEIlwLzKhv3kzUDuBAYt6Ia3NGLPrVNpHB978LTGA3Bkzn3LEvn3sf-UojYVN8KiXcGGg-Eu8hG_lEqdrgg_/s320/69449590_10157361573008476_3413439680996179968_o.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;"><br />
<b><span style="background: white;">Monday, April 2, 2018</span></b><br style="mso-special-character: line-break;" />
<!--[if !supportLineBreakNewLine]--><br style="mso-special-character: line-break;" />
<!--[endif]--><span style="background: white;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="background: white; color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;">Another early morning catching the <b><a href="http://www.brunyisland.org.au/" style="color: blue;">Bruny Island</a></b> car ferry at
10am.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Thirty minutes later and we’d
arrived and drove straight to the famous “Neck” (the thinnest, highest point of
the island) to battle a bunch of other tourists to get that perfect Instagram
shot.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Another “meh” in my opinion…right
up there with Wineglass Bay.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’ve been
far more impressed with the remote, random places in Tasmania so far.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="background: white; color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
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<span style="color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;">Next
we drove to <span style="background: white;">Adventure Bay on a quest to see a
white wallaby.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If I were to stay on
Bruny Island, I’d stay here.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It’s beautiful.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We sadly didn’t see any of the evasive white
wallabies, but we did get in a nice beachfront walk.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
<span style="color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;"><span style="background: white;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><br /></span></span></span>
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<span style="background: white; color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;">It was on this walk, that I started to feel really apprehensive.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The last ferry of the day is at 4/5pm and
they are first-come first-serve and our flight out the next morning was first
thing so I was a bit panicked about getting off the island.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’d definitely recommend staying at least one
night on the island so that you feel less rushed.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="background: white; color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;">Needless to say, we took our time heading back to the ferry
stop.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I bought some chocolate licorice from
the Bruny Island Chocolate Co. and had a delicious lunch of pizza, cheese and
beers at <b><a href="https://brunyislandcheese.com.au/" style="color: blue;">Bruny Island Cheese & Beer Co</a></b>.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>They make a lot of stuff on this island!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>The lunch stop had a great atmosphere – outdoor picnic tables in a lush
green garden area.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="background: white; color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
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<span style="background: white; color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;">We arrived at the ferry stop and spent the next 2 hours
waiting – we decided to hangout on the side of the road and have a picnic “second
lunch.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It at least made the waiting a
bit better.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If you find yourself in that
same line with no snacks you can walk down to the ferry station. In general,
you should stay the next and leave on the first ferry out.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
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<span style="background: white; color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;">Back on the mainland, we completed our final drive to Hobart,
had a good sleep and then headed out on our 10am flight the next morning.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="background: white; color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;">As I write this blog post over a year after visiting, I’m contemplating
a visit back, but unfortunately, it’s October and it will just be too cold.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I loved this trip so much, even with the 10
hours of driving over 3 full days and waiting 2 hours for the Bruny Island
ferry (680 km/422 miles).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I was so
impressed with the kind, relaxed nature of the people, the weird art at MONA,
the world-class food in Hobart and the incredible beach and forest landscapes
of Binalong Bay, Freycinet, Maria Island and Bruny Island.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It’s such a beautiful place with so few
people that you kind of feel like you are the only people in existence which adds
something to the experience.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I cannot
wait to visit again, and to think I only did the east coast of the island.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>There is so much more Tasmania has to offer!</span></div>
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-375504522951411877.post-41340016201700997252019-08-18T15:02:00.000-07:002019-08-18T15:04:57.612-07:00Birthdays, Pool Crawls and Volcanoes in Nicaragua<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif;">For those of you who read my <a href="http://blog.travel-addict.com/2019/08/celebrating-brides-in-costa-rica.html" style="color: blue;"><b>recent Costa Rica blog</b></a>, this is
a continuation of the same trip, spending a second week in Nicaragua.</span><span style="color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif;"> </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif;">I’d always been interested in Nicaragua since
Anthony Bourdain’s episode of </span><i style="color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif;">No Reservations</i><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif;"> years earlier.</span><span style="color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif;"> </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif;">It’s a country that’s been through so much, a
stark contrast from the more “Americanized” areas of Costa Rica I’d visited the
prior week.</span><br />
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<span style="background: white; color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;">We had exactly seven days to tour as much of the country as
possible and find somewhere fun to celebrate my birthday.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We decided to hit up the beach town of San
Juan Del Sur for their famous Sunday Funday pub crawl, then spend some time in
the heritage city of Granada before ending the trip at a yoga center near the
tiny beach town of Popoyo.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I wish we’d
had more time to visit some of the other places I’d heard so much about, but we
felt this gave us diversity without spending our whole trip in a car.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span style="background: white; color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;">Sunday, March 4, 2018</span></b><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;"><br />
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<span style="background: white;">My cousin and I were up and out the door of our
Costa Rican villa in Nosara at 7:30am, aiming to return the rental car to the
airport in San Jose by 9am.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>There are
four options for getting to Nicaragua from Costa Rica – taking a chicken bus
(cheap, local transport), the <b><a href="https://www.ticabus.com/" style="color: blue;">Tica Bus</a></b> (a bit nicer bus option), a taxi to the
border (and then hopefully another one on the other side) or fly.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We were trying to get to San Juan Del Sur by
1pm to celebrate “Sunday Funday” for my birthday.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Even if we managed to get through each
checkpoint of the trip on the time, we’d barely make it.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="background: white; color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;">We made it to the car rental by 9am, but soon learned that we
couldn’t buy a Tica Bus ticket, because the bus office is closed on
Sundays.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We didn’t have a cell phone, a
laptop or enough Spanish to sort out the chicken bus so we finally gave up and
flagged down the only taxi we could find for a ride to the border.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>From San Jose, we had the option of $80 flat
fee or the meter. It’s an hour ride so we took a chance that $80 would be
cheaper.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;">We
arrived at the border at 10:30am to a bit of chaos.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It’s very unclear what line to get in and a
man popped up eager to help us through the line (for a fee of course).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Leery of handing my passport to a stranger,
we decided to go it alone, which we found cost us 1.5 hours of waiting in line
as people who opted for a “helper” went straight through (as did anyone
arriving on a bus).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It also meant
haggling for a cab to San Juan Del Sur on the Nicaragua side, without much
bargaining power.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We agreed on $30 for
two people, which was FAR cheaper than anything in Costa Rica.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="background: white; color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;">An hour later we pulled up to the famous, <b><a href="https://nakedtigerhostel.com/" style="color: blue;">Naked Tiger Hostel</a></b>,
creators of the equally famous Sunday Funday pool party pub crawl. We paid the
deposit for a towel and $15 for our pub crawl ticket and quickly changed into
swimsuits in our co-ed, 8-person dorm room.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>I know I’m probably too old for “party hostels” but man I sure do love
them.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>There is no easier, better way to
make new friends.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="background: white; color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;">Turns out 1pm was a “loose” start time so we joined the
growing crowd of people downstairs at the bar.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>The payment policy is both easy, and dangerous – you simply hand over
your passport which acts as your “tab” and then pay at the end.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Luckily drinks are Nicaragua-cheap.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="background: white; color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;"><b><a href="https://nakedtigerhostel.com/sunday-funday/" style="color: blue;">Sunday Funday</a></b> consists of three stops with free drink tickets
at each stop and haphazard transportation in between - just jump in the first
available truck.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The first stop was
<b><a href="https://www.tripadvisor.com/Hotel_Review-g528745-d3784071-Reviews-Hotel_Anamar-San_Juan_del_Sur_Rivas_Department.html" style="color: blue;">Anamar</a></b>- a Vegas hotel pool vibe.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We
arrived with the rest of our dorm roommates who turned out to be a bunch of
unruly Australians.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>A note to first time
travelers – if you’re looking for a wild time, find Australians.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
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<span style="background: white; color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;"><i>Photo Credit: Anamar / TripAdvisor</i></span></div>
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<span style="background: white; color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;">Anamar was pretty fun, but you could tell everyone was still
kind of getting to know each other – the classic first stop sussing of any pub
crawl.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The next stop was (hilariously)
back at Naked Tiger - the perfect casual, cheap pool + bar with a view of the
ocean.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The vibe and music were so good
we were hesitant to leave for the third bar, since we’d need to find our own
way back, but felt we had to “give it go” (Naked Tiger is not in the main town
area; it’s quite a way up the hill overlooking town, but worth it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>There are shuttles every 30 mins to an hour).<o:p></o:p></span><br />
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<span style="color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;">If
you’ve ever been to the main bar street of Cabo San Lucas, you can imagine
exactly what Stop #3, <span style="background: white;"><b><a href="https://arribasbar.negocio.site/" style="color: blue;">Arribas</a></b>, was like – a lot
of very drunk people dancing.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The bar opened
directly onto the beach so you could dance, then swim, then dance, then
swim.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’d been told by a friend that
pickpockets are a serious problem, especially on Sunday Funday, because of the
easy targets, so I was careful to keep an eye on my wallet and camera.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Sure enough, one of the girls in our group
woke up to half the money in her purse gone. You don’t need an ID in Nicaragua
so at least I didn’t have to worry about my passport.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Also be careful not to drink the tap water!<o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
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<span style="color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;"><span style="background: white;"><i>Photo Credit: Arribas Facebook Page</i></span></span></div>
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<span style="background: white; color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;">It was a very fun night and a wonderful birthday and we made
a ton of new friends.</span></div>
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<b><span style="background: white;">Monday, March 5, 2018</span></b><br />
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<span style="background: white;">We woke up early the next day for some pool time,
only to find out that the rowdy Australians had pulled an all-nighter.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>One still hadn’t returned from town and the
other lamented his “favorite shirt” (purchased a few days earlier) now in
tatters.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Unfortunately, the one that
hadn’t returned had my camera.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>To be
honest, I was more worried about him than the camera which had seen its share
of good times.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;">We
spent the rest of our “Monday Funday” watching Jackmatazz and TimmyT perform
terrible magic tricks while sipping frozen drinks by the pool.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Turns out the hostel food is really good – I
recommend the Nica Lunch, the Chicken Parm Sandwich and the Mixed Bowl.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We learned that it took a collective 106
hours for Jack to get all the tattoos covering his body.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;">Fairly
late in the day, our missing member finally appeared at the hostel.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He’d had quite the adventure… and my
camera!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It’s was a scene from <i>The
Hangover</i> going through the pictures- he continued to take photos
documenting his night.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We all had a good
laugh.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="background: white; color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;">The whole hostel was pretty tired, so everyone ordered
chicken parm sandwiches from the kitchen and watched a group movie before going
to bed.</span><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span><br />
<span style="color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><br /></span></span>
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<span style="color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;">
<b><span style="background: white;">Tuesday, March 6, 2018</span></b><br />
<br />
<span style="background: white;">We’d planned to play our departure by ear,
either staying one more night or continuing on, but our friends were leaving so
we decided to book a $15 group shuttle to Granada at 3pm.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Since we’d spent very little time in town, we
took the 8am shuttle to see what we’d missed.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>We soon learned nothing was open until 9:30am except a tiny taco shop with
astoundingly tacos for a couple bucks.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>We stopped in a few shops before taking the next shuttle back up the
hill – there are a couple cute surf shops, but not much else.</span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;"><br />
<span style="background: white;">We packed up our things before 12pm so we didn’t
have to pay for another night and spent our remaining time by the pool.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I was in shock when I found out my total food
and bar tab was only $100 for two full days and nights! The shuttle arrived 30
mins late and was over-packed with people and luggage.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It was a miserable, hot ride.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Sounds snobby, but I wish we’d paid the extra
$25 for a private one. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="background: white; color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;">Luckily Nicaragua is a small country (especially to someone
living in massive Australia at the time).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>It took less than 2 hours to get to Granada and our accommodation, the
<b><a href="http://hotelcasasanfrancisco.com/" style="color: blue;">Granada Casa San Francisco</a></b>, was so romantic!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>It had old world Spanish architecture (like much of the city) with a homey
feel.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Our room was small and the bed was
not very comfortable, but it was a clean and had character.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We immediately booked the double tour to
Lagana Apoyo and Masaya Volcano (an active volcano) at the front desk before
they closed down for the day.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It was $32
USD per person – this country is so conveniently cheap after overpriced Costa
Rica.</span><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrmOjY-DHE-RvssDtAmw4ttJNxGcjSu00QI5Fn6Lr_oTtH4APUOvz9oU0wLxZCPE_QFpjUaG7YYVV99J0VluOvXe9VRpgG_EpxW57mjamMLLAxtyYp4eSM-bWYjl7lpMktSDxKSKtCc8RY/s1600/IMG_7768.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrmOjY-DHE-RvssDtAmw4ttJNxGcjSu00QI5Fn6Lr_oTtH4APUOvz9oU0wLxZCPE_QFpjUaG7YYVV99J0VluOvXe9VRpgG_EpxW57mjamMLLAxtyYp4eSM-bWYjl7lpMktSDxKSKtCc8RY/s320/IMG_7768.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
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<span style="color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;">My
cousin had lived in Costa Rica and had visited Granada accidentally so she knew
of this amazing restaurant called the <b><a href="https://www.gardencafegranada.com/" style="color: blue;">Garden Café</a></b>.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We didn’t have a reservation and the
restaurant was fully booked, but the hostess took pity on us after my cousin
told her how much she loved the place and said if we waited around and had a
drink she’d try and sneak us a table.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We
lucked out and snagged a small table in the garden area.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The food was delicious and tasted “homemade”
which was really comforting after two days of naughty food and drink. We loved
the pesto goat cheese appetizer and the salpicon entrée.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And I was introduced to the best pina colada
I’ve ever had – it was thick like a milkshake and so flavorful!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It was such a nice night to spend eating great
food with my best friend.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;"><i>Photo Credit: Garden Cafe Instagram</i></span></div>
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<span style="color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<span style="color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;">We
wanted to go out for a beer, but after walking a few blocks, we both felt a
little uncomfortable as two young female blondes.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>There were very few people on the poorly lit
streets and not much was open, so we returned home for the night.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;">
<b><span style="background: white;">Wed, March 7, 2018<o:p></o:p></span></b></span></div>
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<span style="color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;"><br />
<span style="background: white;">Breakfast is included at hotel and, my god, get
the cinnamon pancakes, they are outstanding.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>The coffee in Central America, however, is way too intense for my
stomach.</span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;">The
tour shuttle <span style="background: white;">picked us up at 10am and it was an
easy ride to Laguna Apoyo.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The shuttle
dropped us off at <b><a href="https://www.hostelparadiso.com/" style="color: blue;">Paradiso Hostel</a></b>, which looks out over the lake and is AMAZING.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span>It’s a multi-level complex that is
mostly outdoors and they <span style="background: white;">provide lockers, locks,
towels and cards that you use to pay for things and then close out at the end.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You just need to bring a change of clothes to
shower, sunscreen, etc.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They have free
kayaking and inner tubes on the lake, a paddle boat, massages, mani pedis,
smoothies and a huge patio on the lake.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>I am 100% staying here next time I visit.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;">There
were quite a few people on the shuttle so make a mad dash to the lakeside to
grab a sun chair – they are few and far between.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The next few hours were my favorite part of
the whole trip – we tanned and swam and drank frozen drinks on the patio.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I even got a cheap massage with the sun
flickering in through the drapes.<span style="background: white;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="background: white; color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;">The shuttle to Masaya Volcano arrived at 4:30pm.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This would be the least favorite part of my
trip – the people in the shuttle were loud, playing terrible music and once you
arrive at the volcano you sit for hours in a massive line of cars waiting to be
let up the hill.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It’s an active volcano
that could erupt at any moment, so they only let a few vehicles up at a
time.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I wish I’d known so I could’ve
packed some snacks. We were miserable and starving by the time it was our turn
to go up the volcano.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;">Each
“round” of cars has 15 minutes at the top to look around before you have to go
back down.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I was in the worst mood when
I got out of the car, but “wow” looking down into a live volcano, filled with
red hot lava, is pretty damn cool.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I
definitely had a mild “Frotto” moment.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I
recommend walking as far to the right as the fence allows, because that’s where
there are the least amount of people and the best view down into the center.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="background: white; color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;">I was pretty satisfied and slept the rest of the shuttle to
Granada.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We were too tired from the day
to deal with people, and our hotel was so homey, we ate dinner at the bar of
the hotel restaurant, Bocadillos.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It was
one of the best enchiladas I’ve ever had and oddly the best Sazerac cocktail
too (I’m an aficionado of both).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We were
lulled into a relaxed stupor by the excellent music and friendly bar staff.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Neither of us wanted to go to bed, but
eventually said our goodbyes as our eyelids started to droop.</span><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;"><o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="background: white; color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
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<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="background: white; color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;"><i>Photo Credit: Hotel Website</i></span></div>
</div>
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<b><span style="background: white; color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;">Thursday, March 8, 2018<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<span style="color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;"><br />
<span style="background: white;">After packing up and eating another delicious
breakfast, we walked through Granada towards the lake for a quick self-guided
city tour before our shuttle at 11am to Popoyo.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Granada is such a beautiful, romantic town.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I would totally come back here with a
boyfriend.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;"><span style="background: white;">This time we had a private
shuttle ($80) with AC, which was heavenly.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>You might notice that we decided not to rent a car in Nicaragua – we’d
heard the roads aren’t well-maintained and people do steal things out of your
car when stopped at lights.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;">We’d
be staying at <span style="background: white;"><b><a href="https://magnificrock.com/" style="color: blue;">Magnific Rock</a></b>, a hostel-meets-yoga
center that had been recommended to me by a friend who used to live in
Nicaragua.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It’s quite an arresting view
on arrival.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The hostel is built into the
side of a cliff with the restaurant fully open to the sea.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It’s beautiful!!!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We’d only be staying for one night because we
had to get back to Costa Rica the next day for our flight out, but I could’ve
spent a week there.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;"><span style="background: white;">That is, until we
got to our room.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We’d booked <b><a href="https://magnificrock.com/loft" style="color: blue;">The Loft</a></b>, but there was a yoga retreat so they’d moved us into the
<b><a href="https://magnificrock.com/chalets" style="color: blue;">Chalet</a></b>, which is allegedly an upgrade but it was awful – basically a
wooden box with no deck and sparse decoration and bedding. Nothing like the picture on the website.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I was pretty pissed, and there were only
really nice, very $$$ apartments left, which we decided wasn’t worth it for one
night.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="background: white; color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;">We walked down to the restaurant for quesadillas, which were
pretty good, and then spent the rest of the day at the pool making friends and
drinking beers.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div>
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<span style="background: white; color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;">The hostel is completely
isolated from anything else, so you have to luck out with the other people
staying there if you want company.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We found
a few nice people to chill with for the rest of the night.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>One of them was staying in one of the nice
apartments so we ended up getting the view we wanted for most of the night
anyway… before retiring early to our room. The sunset was out of this world.</span></div>
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<b><span style="background: white;">Friday, March 9, 2018</span></b><br style="mso-special-character: line-break;" />
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<span style="background: white; color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;">We woke up early to join one of the yoga sessions.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It was on a platform jutting out over the
ocean.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The class was relaxing, yet
challenging, just how I like it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We
quickly scarfed down another plate of quesadillas, before our shuttle to the
border arrived. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I wish we could’ve spent
the day wandering the ocean or relaxing by the pool, but the hotel staff said
it wasn’t a good idea to get stuck at the border at night, especially without a
guaranteed ride on the other side in Costa Rica.</span><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;">The
border ended up being so much easier this time around (yes, we threw some guy a
few bucks to slip us through the short line).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Originally, we’d planned to stay right near the airport since we had an
early flight, but we weren’t quite done “vacationing” so instead we splurged on
a car for $140 (we’re nuts, I know) to drive to a beach for the night
instead.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I wanted to go to Tamarindo,
but it was too far, so we decided on Playa Hermosa.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We spent the late afternoon at <b><a href="https://www.facebook.com/pages/category/Seafood-Restaurant/Robertos-432844610143216/" style="color: blue;">Roberto’s</a></b> on
the beach before eventually hopping in the car to Playa de Coco – we couldn’t
afford Hermosa! Turns out Playa de Coco is like Florida – we went to dinner and
were the only people under 80 years old!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Luckily, we need to tuck in early anyway.</span></div>
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<span style="background: white;">The next day was an early, easy departure from
Liberia airport, ending our trip on a nice high note.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I wish I’d had more time to spend in
Nicaragua… it feels like one of the few places left in the Americas that is
still a bit wild and entirely foreign for visitors.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The food was delicious, the hospitality
outstanding and the natural habitats (and architecture in Granada) were
break-taking.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’d had an amazing
birthday, stared a live volcano in the mouth, and practiced yoga on a precipice
over an ocean.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’d say it was a very
successful trip and certainly a place I’d like to visit again.<b><o:p></o:p></b></span></span></div>
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-375504522951411877.post-16875329989435402102019-08-06T07:05:00.000-07:002019-08-06T07:10:26.081-07:00Celebrating Brides in Costa Rica<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<span style="background: white; color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;">Back in February 2018, I finally got the opportunity to visit
a part of the world made famous to me by Tony Bourdain - Central America.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’d been invited by one of my oldest,
closest friends to attend her bachelorette party at a yoga center in Costa Rica.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Another close friend in the same group was also getting
married around the same time, so we decided to celebrate
her nuptials by traveling around Costa Rica for the week leading up to the other bachelorette.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span style="background: white; color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;">Saturday, February 24, 2018<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<span style="background: white; color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;">At the time I was still living in Sydney, Australia, so it
was quite the trek to San Jose airport, but I was
welcomed by a mischievous smile and equally mischievous sign.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I arrived in the late afternoon, so we
immediately grabbed our rental car and hit the road as La Fortuna, our first
stop, was close to 3 hours away.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="background: white; color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;">This trip required a lot of research and compromise, because we both had little time off work and knew we’d have to end our
excursion in Nosara for the bachelorette.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>This meant most of the west and southern areas of Costa Rica weren’t convenient, which have some of the best beaches.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We wanted
a bit of both adventure and beach relaxation so we decided to spend a few
nights in La Fortuna to hike near the Mt Arenal Volcanic National Park and go
white-water rafting.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="background: white; color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;">I’d heard the roads would be a bit scary, but we didn't have any problems,with the exception of a “shortcut” we tried to take off the 141 as we
approached La Fortuna; it was all big rocks of gravel and holes; I recommend
sticking to the highway and a 4-wheel drive SUV and you’ll be <i>just</i> fine.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="background: white; color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="background: white; color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">We checked in to the <b style="background-color: transparent;"><a href="http://www.tifakara.com/en/" style="color: blue;">Tifakara Hotel</a></b> quite late (Ti<u style="background-color: transparent;">F</u>a<u style="background-color: transparent;">K</u>ara
not Ti<u style="background-color: transparent;">K</u>a<u style="background-color: transparent;">F</u>ara – I made this mistake a lot and almost
thought I’d lost our hotel reservation when I was searching Gmail!)<span style="background-color: transparent;"> </span>The place was SO cute; perfect for a
reasonably priced honeymoon.<span style="background-color: transparent;"> </span>You stay in
your own little “villa-like” studio surrounded by jungle with the most heavenly
bed.<span style="background-color: transparent;"> </span>The only downside was the shower
water didn’t want to warm up quite fast enough.<span style="background-color: transparent;">
</span>There were also open-air slates in the shower roof which were fun
when it rained but not at night when the mosquitoes arrived.<span style="background-color: transparent;"> </span></span></span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif;">We were </span><i style="color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif;">starving</i><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif;"> so we asked the front desk guy for a
local recommendation that would still be open.</span><span style="color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif;">
</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif;">He seemed pretty stoned, which meant it took awhile to get a straight
answer, but also meant the restaurant he suggested was LEGIT.</span><span style="color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif;"> </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif;">Sure enough we walked into </span><b style="color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif;"><a href="https://goo.gl/maps/dMi2nJ4bSFrB1eaS8" style="color: blue;">Soda Viquez</a></b><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif;"> (on Calle 468 between highway 142 and Av 325) to a restaurant filled with locals.</span><span style="color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif;"> </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif;">The food is SO cheap and SO good.</span><span style="color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif;"> </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif;">I ordered casado, a local favorite - a plate of rice, black beans, plaintains, salad, a tortilla and an optional
“topping” of chicken, pork, fish, beef, etc.</span><span style="color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif;">
</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif;">Sounds simplistic, but the flavors were complex!</span><span style="color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif;"> </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif;">With a Costa Rican Imperial beer to wash it
down, I was hooked.</span><br />
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<span style="background: white; color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;">The beer also signaled bedtime after a long day of flying and
driving so we headed back to our adorable villa-studio to sleep.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span style="background: white; color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;">Sunday February 25, 2018<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<span style="background: white; color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;">We woke up at 8:30am feeling strangely refreshed.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>A homemade breakfast burrito and orange juice were both outstanding and included with
our room.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We are notorious for not
booking things in advance, so today would be our hiking day, because we woke up too
late for the white-water rafting.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I was
a little nervous, because the sky couldn’t decide if it was smiling or crying.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="background: white; color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="background: white; color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;">We hopped in the car and headed for <b><a href="https://www.arenalobservatorylodge.com/en/ style="color: blue;">Arenal Observatory Lodge</a></b>,
the only access to Mr Arenal National Park, which is about 30 minutes from our
hotel on the other side of the volcano.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>We’d purposely decided to stay near town in case
we wanted to hit up the bars and drink, but if you are just coming to hike or
spa, it’s more convenient to stay on the other side.</span></div>
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<span style="background: white; color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="background: white; color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;">La Fortuna reminds me a little bit of Ubud in Bali, minus the
rice paddies – something about the unnatural electric green of the grass
and blue of the water.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You feel a bit
like you’ve stepped back in time.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="background: white; color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
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<span style="background: white; color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;">There wasn’t a ton of parking, so I recommend getting there
early!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It cost $10 each for entry into
the parking area, but at least you get a free map!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The map is a bit confusing, so don’t
feel bad if you get a little lost (not in a scary way).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Growing up in Oregon, national parks usually
involve sky-high trees and narrow dirt paths winding into the grass and
shrubs.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This park felt a bit more like walking through someone’s farm – there were even livestock and a barn!<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="background: white; color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
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<span style="background: white; color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;">Being a mischievous pair, we headed for the
outskirts of the park, because we’d heard there was a trail where you could hike
to the top of Cerro Chato, an inactive volcano next to Arenal.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It’d blown along time ago creating a lake in
the center of the crater where you can hike down
to swim.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="background: white; color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="background: white; color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;">To find the “secret” entrance to the trail, go to the far end of the map (Cerro Chato is on the map) and look for a Prohibito sign (yes they made it
easy for us).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>No, we aren’t super crazy,
we’d just been told by locals that “everybody does it.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It’s about 6 kms to the top and is a hectic
hike.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Better make sure you’ve got very
good hiking shoes; we slipped and slid our way uphill for over an
hour.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We were exhausted and freezing by
the time we reached the top thanks to an early afternoon downpour the trees
couldn’t fully shield us from.</span><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;"><o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="background: white; color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
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<span style="background: white; color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;">At the top is a lookout, but unless it’s a completely clear
day, you won’t see the lake.</span><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Left takes you down to
the lake, right takes you down to La Fortuna.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Turns out that trail takes 2-2.5 hours and is even more intense than our
way.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>No thanks.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Feeling a bit cheated, we made our way back
down the hill, only to run into some very funny looking possums.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We spent 30 minutes stalking them for
Instagram ops until our stomachs started to rumble.<span style="background: white;"><o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
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<span style="background: white; color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;">The Observatory Lodge, while wildly overpriced, is perfect
for those looking for amazing views, food, beers and somewhere to finally sit
down.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The place is like a beautiful resort meets high-class summer camp.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The pork sandwich was pretty incredible
though.</span><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We’d been hiking for about 4 hours, including
our slip n slid up Chato, so we headed to the park entrance (the <span style="background: white;">park closes at 4pm so give yourself time to enjoy
it!).</span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><br /></span></span>
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<span style="color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"></span></span><br />
<span style="color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;">On
the way back to La Fortuna, we passed under an overpass across from Tabacon Spa, to find a bunch of locals parking their cars and wandering down the embankment
to the river.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We obviously pulled over
for a closer look, only to find a bunch of young people hanging out in natural
hot springs, laughing and shouting, beers in hand.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Felt a little sketchy, but just our
style.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Unfortunately, as darkness
started to fall, we realized we were lacking towels, water shoes (very rocky
and slick), headlamps and beers. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="background: white; color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;">After showers, we wandered down to a steak restaurant called
<b><a href="https://www.facebook.com/pages/Bar-Restaurante-La-Garrapata/302608813539963" style="color: blue;">La Garrapata</a></b>.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We were hoping for another
great local spot, but instead if felt like a wild west BBQ joint at
Disneyland.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The meat was alright, but we
left underwhelmed.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="background: white; color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
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<span style="color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;">
<b><span style="background: white;">Monday Feb 26, 2018</span><br />
</b><br />
<span style="background: white;">Up early again to be picked up at 8:30am for our
rafting trip.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Our guide, Dionis, was
hilarious.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>There are a number of rivers
you can float, but we wanted a more challenging course with some solid white-water so we opted for the Rio Sarapiqua.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>It was an hour drive to the put-in and then a two-hour float - about
70-80% of the stretch were quality rapids where you could sit on the front of
the raft and “ride the bull.”<o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
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<span style="background: white; color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;">What an incredible day.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>The weather was warm, the sky was clear and our lunch of chicken, rice,
salsa and plantains was fresh and mouth-watering.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We got to try some local moonshine and sugar
cane juice which was <i>strong</i>.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="background: white; color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;">After two days of “roughing it,” we were keen to land a
massage at <b><a href="https://www.tabacon.com/" style="color: blue;">Tabacon</a></b>, which is arguably the nicest spa in the area, but we
couldn’t get a reservation so we chilled for a bit before dressing up for our
final dinner in La Fortuna at <b><a href="https://www.tripadvisor.com/Restaurant_Review-g309226-d1232382-Reviews-Nene_s_Restaurant-La_Fortuna_de_San_Carlos_Arenal_Volcano_National_Park_Province_.html" style="color: blue;">Nene's</a></b>.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Weirdly enough, we ordered wine and hamburgers, which seems so American,
yet they were SO good.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The ceviche
appetizer was delicious as well.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We
stopped by <b><a href="https://www.tripadvisor.com/Restaurant_Review-g309226-d7273982-Reviews-Nanku_Restaurant-La_Fortuna_de_San_Carlos_Arenal_Volcano_National_Park_Province_o.html" style="color: blue;">Nanku</a></b>, a fun bar with outdoor seating and live music for a few beers
before heading home to bed.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It’d be a jam-packed
day!</span><br />
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<b><span style="background: white;">Tuesday Feb 27, 2018</span><br />
</b><br />
<span style="background: white;">We’d debated back and forth about spending
another night in La Fortuna, because we’d had such a lovely time, but the call
of unknown adventure beckoned us to packed up our things and head
beach-ward.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="background: white; color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;">We set our sights on Tamarindo Beach as our next destination
mostly because the place we found on Hotels.com was too good to pass up.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It took us about 4 hrs thanks to a lot of pit
stops for pictures and coffee. </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;"><b><a href="https://www.cafe-macadamia.com/" style="color: blue;">Cafe e Macadamia</a></b> was the favorite with beautiful views of the lake and
delicious coffees and baked goods!</span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;"><b><a href="http://laramonahoteltamarindo.com/" style="color: blue;">La Ramona</a></b> was one of the most charming hotels - clean, quiet
and high quality, but with personality and an intimacy due to its small
size.</span><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;"> </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;">It also wasn’t too close to the
main town area so it felt remote and relaxing while not being a long walk into town.</span><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;">
</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;">There are only a few cabins surrounding a pool inside a walled courtyard
so you felt like you own the place!</span><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;"> </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;">If
you ever decide to stay there #5 is the one with the outdoor bathtub!</span><br />
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<span style="background: white; color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;">Marianna is the owner of the place and was so cute to help me
sneakily create a bachelorette crown for my friend.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Little did my friend know tonight would
be her 2-woman bachelorette party.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Luckily, I have enough energy in me to equal a whole flock of ladies.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="background: white; color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;">We spent the remainder of the afternoon soaking up rays and
watching this crazy woman in one of the other cabins yell at what appeared to
be her young Costa Rican lover. Continuing my random Balinese comparisons, I’d
say Tamarindo is a bit like the Gili Islands.</span></div>
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<span style="background: white; color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;">After dressing up in the first dresses and makeup of the
trip, I gave my bestie her crown and we headed to <b><a href="https://www.seasonstamarindo.net/" style="color: blue;">Seasons</a> </b>for dinner – what a
lovely meal of spicy tuna tartar, black miso fish, Mahi Mahi, and cauliflower.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Oh, and a rousing round of applause from the
other diners sitting out on the patio for the bachelorette!</span><br />
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<span style="background: white; color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;">Having finished the “polite” portion of the evening, we ended
up at <b><a href="http://sharkysbars.com/" style="color: blue;">Sharky’s</a> </b>for drinks.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I was
intrigued by the name, as a loyal patron of Sharkie’s Hermosa and Manhattan
from my days living in Los Angeles, and sure enough it was as fratty as I had
hoped.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I might as well have died and
gone to heaven when I found out there’s a Costa Rican version of a pickleback
called “pepi guaro.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>A couple of those
and we were eagerly joining the late-night karaoke sesh with a couple of
dads out on a boy’s night during their family trip.</span><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We ended up leaving <i>before </i>the dads <span style="background: white;">at 1am.</span></span><br />
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<span style="color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;"><br /><b><span style="background: white;">Wednesday, Feb 28, 2018</span></b><br />
<br />
<span style="background: white;">Another debate about whether we
should stay another night in Tamarindo, which we loved, test out another beach, or arrive in
Nosara a day early (the bachelorette festivities officially started on Thurs).
We had a pretty long drive and we’d heard that the roads closer to Nosara
do get pretty intense so we decided to hit the road.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The last 1.5 hours of the road was really
awful… we basically had to ford a small river at one point, because the bridge
was under construction.</span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>A bunch
of the girls were already at the center when we arrived because they’d done the
week-long retreat earlier in the week.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><br /></span></span>
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<span style="color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;"><b><a href="https://www.nalunosara.com/" style="color: blue;">Nalu</a></b> is everything for someone looking to relax in nature.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It’s quite the compound; when you arrive you
come in through a high-walled gate to park.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>From
there, it’s a maze of beautifully-groomed pathways leading to little villas
among the ferns.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The villas were so
lush.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I was staying in a two bedroom
with the bride, her sister and her cousin and we had our own pool and a
huge open floor plan kitchen and living room.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Relaxation started seeping into my bones the minute I arrived and
continued to massage my brain as we walked down to the beach for sunset.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>A homemade dinner of sausage and rice was
served and we sat getting to know each other.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
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<span style="background: white; color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;"><b>Thursday, March 1, 2018</b><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="background: white; color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="background: white; color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;">Like any good yoga center, we greeted the day with a relaxing
yoga practice and then walked down the street to <b><a href="https://www.facebook.com/La-Casa-Nosara-500507116770673/" style="color: blue;">La Casa</a></b> for lunch.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This place is a must-eat.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The BBQ sandwich was unreal.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Yes, I ordered meat in yoga-ville; may the
vegans flay me alive.</span><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;"><o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="background: white; color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
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<span style="color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;">I
digested by the pool before we dressed ourselves up for dinner and walked the
beach to <b><a href="http://www.elchivo.co/" style="color: blue;">El Chivo</a></b> – it may have been the ribs, the wet burrito, the fun music or the countless
margaritas, but we were quickly interrogating the staff about the after-party
location.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Sure enough, a full moon party
was in the works and a van was called to carry us to deep into the jungle.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;">We debated the likelihood of kidnap, but the size of our group and our sense of adventure overruled; we found ourselves being dropped at less of a “bush doof” and more of a “beach club party.” I instantly felt safe, minus the future scar on my shin from some stupid beach fern that night.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<span style="color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;"></span><br />
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<span style="color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;">The ride back to Nalu was much crazier as we had to pack into four-person human-pedaled tuk tuks.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Pretty sure one crashed and another broken down but we eventually all made it back safely.</span></div>
<span style="color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
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<b><span style="background: white; color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;">Friday, March 2, 2018<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<span style="color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;"><br /><span style="background: white;">The next day was spent lazing around the pool like fancy mermaids, drinking delicious drinks and painting sunhats (one of our
bachelorette activities).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>A local chef
arrived to cook us dinner and we did the traditional “giving of the
lingerie” before returning to bed early.</span></span><br />
<span style="color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
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<span style="color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;"><br />
<b><span style="background: white;">Saturday, March 3, 2018</span></b><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;"><b><span style="background: white;"><br /></span></b></span></div>
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<span style="background: white; color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;">The bride is all about fitness so we woke to another exciting
morning workout – this time boxing at Enchanted Forest with Brenda.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Gotta call out the name of this place because
it IS an enchanted forest!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You wander
into the jungle and weave through a bunch of brightly colored bungalows before
arriving at the gym and boxing arena.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="background: white; color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="background: white; color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;">We stretched our tired limbs walking along the beach to look
into the tide pools – a couple small crabs and starfish but nothing compared to
the Oregon Tide Pools (yes, I’m a little biased).</span><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;"><o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="background: white; color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
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<span style="color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;">I
couldn’t say “no” to <span style="background: white;">La Casa for lunch again,
this time trying the chicken bacon sandwich which was almost as good as the
BBQ one, but pretty heavy!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I trudged back
to the villa because I knew I had to work on my resume for a job back in
Australia for the rest of the afternoon while everyone else continued their
vacation.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I stopped in time to shower and dress
for our final dinner together at <b><a href="https://www.facebook.com/pages/category/Greek-Restaurant/LA-LUNA-187210908478/" style="color: blue;">La Luna</a></b>.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>It was a beautiful dinner, right off the beach, watching the sunset as
we devoured fish tacos and margaritas.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>It was such a fitting end to a relaxing time with great people.<o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
<span style="color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;"><span style="background: white;"><br /></span></span>
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<span style="background: white; color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;">Sadly, I’d spend the remainder of the night finishing my
resume so I wasn’t able to partake in the late night drunken pool swim, but I’d
had an incredible time in Costa Rica. While I probably don't need to go back (there's other places I'm more interested in visiting) I was impressed by that feel of relaxation that echoes throughout the country. The only thing I dock it on a little is that it feels like it's been settled by a lot of Californian yogis. Granted most of the places I went were not off the beaten path so it might be an unfair assessment. Anyways, a wonderful trip and a highly recommended, easy place to visit.</span></div>
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-375504522951411877.post-3240335555046997842019-06-17T16:14:00.006-07:002019-06-17T16:59:45.368-07:00A Kiwi Christmas on New Zealand's North and South Islands<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<b><span style="background: white; color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Dec 23, 2017 - Jan 7, 2018</span></b></div>
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<!--[if !supportLineBreakNewLine]--><br style="mso-special-character: line-break;" />
<!--[endif]--><span style="background: white;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="background: white; color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 107%;">I’ve been to over 50
countries in my lifetime.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Many of these
are places I’ve loved visiting, but don’t feel any need to revisit, while others
continue to open new doors to exploration each time I return.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>New Zealand is one of those places.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’ve been there five times, the most I’ve
visited any country outside of places I’ve lived.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’ve seen more of the country than I have
probably any other country in the world.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>And, it receives one of the highest honors I could bestow on a place –
I’ve be willing to live there.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="background: white; color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 107%;">So, it was no surprise that
when my family agreed to come visit me in the South Pacific in Dec 2017, I
rerouted them from Australia (where I was currently living) to New Zealand for
an amazing 2.5 week holiday, ticking off more of my never-ending checklist of
Kiwi adventures.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="background: white; color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 107%;">In the time, we’d explore
the North Island from Auckland to Paihia and the South Island from Queenstown
to Nelson along the wild West Coast.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>I’ve provided the details from our trip in the blog post that follows but
thought I’d start with some general advice upfront.</span></div>
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<ul style="text-align: left;">
<li><span style="background: white; color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 107%;">While we had a great time
and stayed in some beautiful Airbnbs and hotels, there’s a reason most people
see New Zealand (especially the South Island) by campervan. It gives you the freedom to stop anywhere because
you aren’t trying to get to a certain location to sleep and you can stay longer
if something is cancelled or full when you arrive.</span></li>
<li><span style="background: white; color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Avoid driving more than two
hours in a day; by the time you add in all the stops it’s ALOT </span></li>
<li><span style="background: white; color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 107%;">You need a hat and a beach
towel for this trip; just too many amazing water spots to jump in!</span></li>
<li><span style="background: white; color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Snorkel and aqua socks would
be good too since most places require a bit of a hike to access</span></li>
<li><span style="background: white; color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 107%;">And a waterproof camera!</span></span></li>
</ul>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 10pt; text-indent: -0.25in;">Our adventure started in the
North Island after an easy flight from Sydney to Auckland.</span><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 10pt; text-indent: -0.25in;"> </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 10pt; text-indent: -0.25in;">We stayed in a very small Airbnb for six
people (I’d rethink that next time) but it was otherwise central.</span><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 10pt; text-indent: -0.25in;"> </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 10pt; text-indent: -0.25in;">There was six of us (Mom, Dad, Brother,
Soon-to-be-Sister, and Boyfriend) so we ended up renting a hilariously large
minivan for our roadtrip of the island.</span></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u><span style="background: white; color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Hobbiton<o:p></o:p></span></u></b></div>
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<span style="background: white; color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 107%;">The apple didn’t fall far
from the family-obsessed-with-fantasy-movies, so you can imagine the excitement
when my family found out I’d bought everyone tickets to <a href="https://www.hobbitontours.com/en" style="color: blue; font-weight: bold;">Hobbiton</a> for their
Christmas gift.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The only downside of
Hobbiton is it’s not <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">really </i>“on the
way” to anything, so we had to dedicate a full day for the trip.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="background: white; color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 107%;">I’ve been to Disneyland,
Wizarding World of Harry Potter, SeaWorld, Aquatica, Universal Studios, Knotts
Berry Farm and countless other amusement parks all over the world… none of them
compare to the magic of Hobbiton.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You
literally expect to see hobbits appear around any corner.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Every single detail is there from the 200,000
leaves added to the Party Tree to the man-made lake to Bilbo’s 12 window
house.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The best part is you are in
groups of about 10-15 people and they spend enough time at each spot that you
can get that perfect photo op, without random people milling about in the
background.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I really appreciated that….
And the beer included in the ticket price.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>The food was really good too! I was so impressed; it was well worth the
$84 for the two hours; I’d highly recommend a visit whether you are a Lord of
the Rings geek or not.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u><span style="background: white; color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Paihia / Bay of Islands<o:p></o:p></span></u></b></div>
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<span style="background: white; color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 107%;">We were up early the next
day for our looooong drive to Paihia, up the coast to the famous Bay of
Islands.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’d researched a good coffee
stop, but crazy-looking Café Eutopia was closed indefinitely for renovation, so
we went across the street to Café Bianca (1958 State Highway 1) in the little
town of Kaiwaka.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Some of the best hot
cakes I’ve ever had.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="background: white; color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 107%;">It’s was a long drive to
Paihia, so we needed another pitstop and decided on Whangarei, just over
halfway there.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>As we approached, we
passed Uretiti campsite on the beach which looked like a great spot for those
looking for camping.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="background: white; color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 107%;">You have to be VERY patient
when looking for parking in Whangarei; there are a lot of one-way streets and
entrances and roundabouts so you might go in a few circles to get where you
want to be.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Aim for the pier.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It’s a cute little port-side boardwalk with
restaurants and shops lining the dock filled with boats.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We had delicious bloody mary’s at <b><a href="https://www.facebook.com/numbereightkitchen/" style="color: blue;">No. 8 Restaurant and Bar</a></b> while listening to a live band.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Perfect stop before the final leg to Paihia.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 107%;">The <b><a href="https://www.airbnb.com/rooms/13452077?guests=1&adults=1" style="color: blue;">Airbnb</a> </b>we booked in Paihia was one of the best accommodations
I’ve ever experienced.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>WOW.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The main house has two bedrooms (and
bathrooms) a kitchen, dining room and living room that all look out onto a wraparound
deck.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Down below is a separate studio
with its own bathroom.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>For ~$250/night
it was a steal.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The pictures on Airbnb
don’t do it justice and the host couple were amazing (they don’t stay onsite
but are in the area if you need anything).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>It’s walking distance to the main downtown area (just turn right along
the beach for a 10 min walk).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If you
turn left, you can access a large Countdown for groceries.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span><br />
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<span style="background: white; color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Paihia itself isn’t that
exciting of a town to be honest – most of the excitement is out in the Bay of
Islands.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I wish I’d booked more aquatic
adventures, but at the same time it rained many of the four days we were there,
which was a bit of a bummer.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
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<span style="background: white; color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 107%;">The one adventure we did
book was the <b><a href="https://www.dolphincruises.co.nz/bay-of-islands-cruises/swim-with-dolphins/" style="color: blue;">Dolphin Eco Experience Cruise</a></b> from Paihia with Fullers Greatsights
Tour Company. I did a lot of research and felt that this boat was the best
value for swimming with dolphins ($120 per person for the boat + $30 to swim
with the dolphins).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They max the boat at
35 people and take you out for four hours so you have a pretty good chance of <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">seeing</i> dolphins.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Unfortunately, you aren’t allowed to swim
with a pod if they have babies and the pod we saw did, so we didn’t get to
swim.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>That was a pretty big bummer
considering that’s why I booked it, but we did get our $30 dolphin fee
back.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Regardless it was nice to be out
on a boat, albeit pretty chilly and windy – bring a coat!<o:p></o:p></span><br />
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<span style="background: white; color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 107%;">If you have additional time,
I’d recommend doing a boat trip around the islands.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Hindsight 20/20, since I was hoping to <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">swim</i> with the dolphins, I kind of wished
I’d done the island tour instead.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We did
get a free drop-off in Russell, the town across the water from Paihia.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Much cuter little town; we</span><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 107%;"> had l<span style="background: white;">unch at the Marlborough
Tavern, which has amazing chips and chicken burgers.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We walked off lunch with a 30 min, very steep
hike to Long Beach.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>There’s a coffee
cart ON the beach with epic cappuccinos.</span></span><br />
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<span style="color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><br /><span style="background: white;">When you aren’t gallivanting on the high seas,
here are other restaurants and activities near Paihia that I enjoyed.</span></span></div>
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<ul style="text-align: left;">
<li><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="background: white; color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Coastal walk from Paihia to Opua</span></b><span style="background: white; color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 107%;"> – A beautiful walk, but beware the time of
year because parts of it end up underwater. There is also no bus or ferry in between
so be prepared to walk the whole thing or hitchhike your way back (we learned
the hard way).</span></li>
<li><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="background: white; color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><a href="https://www.facebook.com/pages/Alongside-Paihia/780952188611254" style="color: blue;">Alongside</a> </span></b><span style="background: white; color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 107%;">– great bar on the water that takes reservations.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>A bit expensive, but great cocktails and the
bar food was pretty good.</span></li>
<li><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="background: white; color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><a href="https://www.charlotteskitchen.co.nz/" style="color: blue;">Charlotte's</a> </span></b><span style="background: white; color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 107%;">– also on the water with a more homey vibe than
Alongside.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The pizza is delicious as are
the margaritas.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Bring a jumper though
because it can get a bit windy and cold later in the evening.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Wasn’t a huge fan of the staff though…</span></li>
<li><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="background: white; color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Movenpick Ice Creamery -</span></b><span style="background: white; color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 107%;"> super fresh waffle cone and who doesn’t love
ice cream when it’s hot out?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Also, if
you’ve never had Hokey Pokey flavor it’s a Kiwi classic.</span></li>
</ul>
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<br />
<b><u><span style="background: white; color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Mermaid Pools</span></u></b><br />
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u><span style="background: white; color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><br /></span></u></b></div>
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<span style="background: white; color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 107%;">A few days after Christmas,
we left our amazing Airbnb and began the drive back towards Auckland.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’d heard of the Mermaid Pools in Matapouri
which I had to see!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It was a very long,
very windy road to get to beach (Take Highway 1 to Hirangi and then turn off).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The beaches on the way to Matapouri were
equally beautiful, especially Sandy Bay.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="background: white; color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="background: white; color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 107%;">It was still very windy when
we arrived at Matapouri and I may have underestimated how difficult it is to <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">get</i> to the Mermaid Pools themselves.
From the carpark, you have to walk the entire length of beach to the left.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You then follow the coastline to a very steep
trail going uphill.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I recommend
exploring with nothing more than waterproof camera and sunnies because you will
have to wade through ocean up to your neck to get to the trailhead.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It can be a little intimidating if you aren’t
a strong swimmer. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="background: white; color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 107%;">I found it easier to hike up
the trail without shoes.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Make sure to
give the person in front of you plenty of space – very slick in places.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>My boyfriend almost took me out.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="background: white; color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="background: white; color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 107%;">There are beautiful views
from the top of the hill looking back towards the beach.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You go a bit farther down the far side of the
hill and the Mermaid Pools appear below you.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>You have to be very careful you aren’t in the pools when the tide comes
in (or if it’s a choppy day) because you are right next to the open ocean and
you don’t want to end up smashed against the side of the cliff.</span><br />
<span style="color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><br /></span>
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<span style="color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 10pt;">If it’s a super sunny day
I’d recommend bringing a hat and slopping on the sunscreen and leaving your
towel in the car (you airdry pretty quick).</span><span style="font-size: 10pt;">
</span><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 10pt;">You can see why they are called Mermaid Pools as people pull themselves
out of the pools to suntan on the surrounding rocks.</span><span style="font-size: 10pt;"> </span><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 10pt;">Unfortunately, for us it wasn’t wonderful
weather, so we didn’t stay long.</span></span></div>
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<span style="background: white; color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Before reaching Auckland, we
made a pitstop at Whangarei Falls because it’s located just off the main road -
easy to stop and see.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I wish we had
longer because you can swim around at the base of the falls.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Love how much Kiwis make use of their natural
habitat!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u><span style="background: white; color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Auckland<o:p></o:p></span></u></b></div>
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<span style="background: white; color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 107%;">After our exquisite Airbnb
in Paihia, our Auckland Airbnb was a huge disappointment.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It was promoted as a two-bedroom apartment
that fits four people, but the beds weren’t even big enough to fit my boyfriend
or my dad.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We ended up giving my parents
the Airbnb and booked ourselves a room at the Adina, which were very nice
apartments.</span><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 107%;"> We
were exhausted from a long drive, but still decided to grab dinner at <b><a href="https://cafehanoi.co.nz/" style="color: blue;">Café </a></b><span style="background: white;"><b><a href="https://cafehanoi.co.nz/" style="color: blue;">Hanoi</a></b>.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Good
thing we did, as the beef and veggie curry with rice would end up being the best
meal of trip!</span><br />
<br />
<span style="background: white;">I’ve been to Auckland many times but always as a
stop on the way to somewhere else.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I was
excited to spend the next day getting to know this amazing city.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="background: white; color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 107%;">I started the day with a
delicious coffee at <b><a href="https://chuffedcoffee.com/" style="color: blue;">Chuffed</a> </b>before brunch at <b><a href="http://www.thefed.co.nz/">Federal Delicatessen</a></b>, which I
wasn’t that impressed by.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The rest of
the afternoon was spent walking Ponsonby Road, a hot bed of hip restaurants,
shops and bars.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The Lane is a little
“market” of restaurants including <b><a href="https://burgerburger.co.nz/" style="color: blue;">Burger Burger</a></b>, heralded as once of the best
burgers in Auckland… and yes, it lived up to the hype!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="background: white; color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 107%;">We walked off lunch by
traversing the city to <b><a href="https://brothersbeer.co.nz/pages/brothers-brewery-juke-joint" style="color: blue;">Brother’s Brewery</a></b>, which I had visited on a previous
trip.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Unfortunately, it was closed, so
we went back to the hotel to change before dinner at <b><a href="https://www.mekongbaby.com/" style="color: blue;">Mekong Baby</a></b>.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The pork belly and spicy chicken curry were
incredible, but the cocktails were overpriced and not very good.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Very cool atmosphere and décor in the
restaurant and the staff was lovely.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It
was a great ending to our Auckland stay.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u><span style="background: white; color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Queenstown<o:p></o:p></span></u></b></div>
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<span style="background: white; color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Next day we were up early
and out the door for our flight to the South Island.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It was a quick trip down to Queenstown where
we checked in to <b><a href="https://www.peppers.co.nz/beacon/" style="color: blue;">Pepper’s Beacon</a></b> - amazing views and a spacious two-bedroom
apartment, but a little dated.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I thought
the shower door was going to come off in my hand.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But the private deck looking out over Lake
Wakatipu made it all worth it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It’d be a
perfect viewing spot for the New Year’s Eve fireworks!<o:p></o:p></span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">As the only person who’d
been to Queenstown before, I eagerly lead my parents and partner to my favorite
restaurant, </span><b style="color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;"><a href="http://www.winnies.co.nz/" style="color: blue;">Winnie's</a></b><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">, for some delicious pizza.</span><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">
</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">Winnie’s is somewhat famous among backpackers and locals alike.</span><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;"> </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">It’s known for the retractable roof that they
occasionally open during snowfall so that the snowflakes float down onto the
dance floor!</span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">We spent the rest of the day
window-shopping, sipping coffees and eating.</span><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;"> </span></div>
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<span style="background: white; color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Some of my favorite spots in
Queenstown:</span></div>
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<ul style="text-align: left;">
<li><b><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 107%;">B<span style="background: white;">ase Shop</span></span></b><span style="background: white; color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 107%;"> - bought a very cute rain jacket that I then
had to use an hour later<o:p></o:p></span></li>
<li><b><span style="background: white; color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Joes Garage</span></b><span style="background: white; color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 107%;"> – very good coffee (and espresso martinis)<o:p></o:p></span></li>
<li><b><span style="background: white; color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Below Zero</span></b><span style="background: white; color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 107%;"> – hokey tourist bar where the entire bar is made of ice, but
still fun! Just make sure to wear closed
toed shoes… I almost froze my toes off.</span><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 107%;"> Also, there are
plenty of promoters handing out cards in town for free entry (save $20)!<span style="background: white;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></li>
<li><b><span style="background: white; color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 107%;">No 5</span></b><span style="background: white; color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 107%;">
– great dinner option with a tasting menu including dessert and wine<o:p></o:p></span></li>
<li><b><span style="background: white; color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Bespoke</span></b><span style="background: white; color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 107%;">
– tried to go here for breakfast (best brekkie) but it was packed<o:p></o:p></span></li>
<li><b><span style="background: white; color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 107%;">World Bar</span></b><span style="background: white; color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 107%;"> – delicious chicken and waffles <o:p></o:p></span></li>
<li><b><span style="background: white; color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 107%;">The Winery</span></b><span style="background: white; color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 107%;"> – wine shop where they are happy to give you a few free
tastes if you look like you’ll buy some bottles<o:p></o:p></span></li>
<li><b><span style="background: white; color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Coalfire</span></b><span style="background: white; color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 107%;">
– incredible BBQ (grilled chicken, pork belly, ribs, Mac n’ cheese)<o:p></o:p></span></li>
<li><b><span style="background: white; color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Barmuda</span></b><span style="background: white; color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 107%;">
– dance club with house beats (good NYE option!)<o:p></o:p></span></li>
<li><b><span style="background: white; color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Bardeaux</span></b><span style="background: white; color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 107%;">
– after dinner drinks or pre-party drinks.
Great wine list.<o:p></o:p></span></li>
<li><span style="background: white; color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><b><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 107%;">Fergburger</span></b><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 107%;"> – famous burgers but the line these days is insane.</span></span></li>
</ul>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">For
NYE, they had a whole festival setup down by the water with live music and food
stalls.</span><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;"> </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">We listened to the band for a
bit and then when back to our awesome deck for champagne and fireworks! Dad accidentally
popped the champagne two minutes early which was pretty hilarious.</span><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;"> </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">Turns out our hotel was a bit far from the
fireworks so they were small and the display was very short, but still fun to
ring in the new year together!</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">New
day, New Year!</span><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;"> </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">We were up early to see
off my boyfriend – it’d just be my parents and I traveling the rest of the
South Island.</span><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;"> </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">After an amazing breakfast
at <b><a href="http://pubonwharf.co.nz/" style="color: blue;">Pub on the Wharf</a></b>, we took the <b><a href="https://www.realjourneys.co.nz/en/experiences/cruises/tss-earnslaw-steamship-cruises/" style="color: blue;">TSS Earnslaw Steamboat Tour</a></b> to Walter Peak
Farm at the other end of Lake Wakatipu ($105 ticket per person which you can
buy at the wharf).</span><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;"> </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">It was sunny and warm
and we drank cold craft beer on our way to the farm.</span><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;"> </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">Granted I’d still bring a light jacket
because it can get breezy sitting outside on the deck. The ticket includes an
all-you-can-eat BBQ lunch on the water.</span><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">
</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">The food was outstanding (which is unusual for a tour).</span><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;"> </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">In fact, it was the best part of the tour.</span><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;"> </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">We learned how to shear and herd sheep (two
skills I had been lacking) and went for a swim in the lake with the ducks.</span><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;"> </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">In total it’s a 1.5 hr boat ride plus 2 hours
on the island, which was the perfect amount of time.</span><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;"> </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">A LOVELY day.</span><br />
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<b style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;"><u><span style="background: white; color: #222222; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 107%;"><br /></span></u></b></div>
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<b style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;"><u><span style="background: white; color: #222222; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 107%;">Lake Wanaka </span></u></b><b style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;"><u><span style="background: white; color: #222222; font-family: "wingdings"; font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 107%;">à</span></u></b><b style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;"><u><span style="background: white; color: #222222; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 107%;">
Fox Glacier</span></u></b></div>
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<span style="background: white; color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 107%;">Next
day, we </span><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 107%;">l<span style="background: white;">eft Queenstown to drive Highway
6 towards Lake Wanaka. We stopped in
Arrowtown for lunch at <b><a href="http://www.arrowtownhouse.com/activities/the-chop-shop-food-merchants/" style="color: blue;">Chop Shop</a></b>, which was my other favorite meal of the
trip. The pork belly bao, corn fitters
and beef cheek are outstanding!</span>
They have outdoor deck sitting and give you funny straw hats to ward off
the sun. Very cute. It’s right next to
Blue Door, which is a great wine bar, but it was too early in the day to be
open.</span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">The
goal was to get to Fox Glacier by the end of the day, but we took our time
getting there passing lakes and waterfalls and picturesque little towns.</span></div>
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<ul style="text-align: left;">
<li><b><span style="background: white; color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Amisfield Winery</span></b><span style="background: white; color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 107%;"> – stopped for a tasting. Wines were okay.</span></li>
<li><b><span style="background: white; color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Cardrona Canyon</span></b><span style="background: white; color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 107%;"> – you drive through the canyon to get to Lake Wanaka;
amazing views</span></li>
<li><b><span style="background: white; color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Lake Wanaka</span></b><span style="background: white; color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 107%;"> – spent a few hours here – great for swimming, fun shops and
delicious beers. I’d spend more time
here next trip</span></li>
<li><b><span style="background: white; color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Albert Town</span></b><span style="background: white; color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 107%;"> – we passed a bunch of people swimming and tubing down the
river which looked very fun</span></li>
<li><b><span style="background: white; color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Lake Hawea</span></b><span style="background: white; color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 107%;"> – huge, beautiful photo opportunity</span></li>
<li><b><span style="background: white; color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Blue Pools Walk</span></b><span style="background: white; color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 107%;"> – just past Makarora. Be on the lookout because it’s not obvious.</span></li>
<li><b><span style="background: white; color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Haast</span></b><span style="background: white; color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 107%;">
- first coastal town and the last petroleum for 120km (be sure to stop!)</span></li>
<li><b><span style="background: white; color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Bruce Bay</span></b><span style="background: white; color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 107%;"> - pretty beach with waves</span></li>
</ul>
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<span style="color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 10pt; text-indent: -0.25in;">Advance warning – there is no wifi or data
from Lake Wanaka to Fox Glacier so make sure you’ve taken a photo of the map
(or bring a physical one).</span><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 10pt; text-indent: -0.25in;"> </span><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 10pt; text-indent: -0.25in;">You’ll also
have to wait to upload all those Instagrams!</span><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 10pt; text-indent: -0.25in;">
</span><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 10pt; text-indent: -0.25in;">The portion of the trip also showcased why so many people choose to take
a month and do New Zealand by campervan.</span><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 10pt; text-indent: -0.25in;">
</span><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 10pt; text-indent: -0.25in;">I did feel a bit rushed and would’ve stopped to stay in some of the
natural areas if I’d been able to camp.</span><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 10pt; text-indent: -0.25in;">
</span><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 10pt; text-indent: -0.25in;">Oh well, next time!</span></div>
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<span style="color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Fox Glacier is a<span style="background: white;">
small town with two pubs.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We stayed at
the <b><a href="https://www.alpineglaciermotel.com/" style="color: blue;">Alpine Glacier Motel</a></b>, which was straight out of the movie, Hot Tub Time
Machine.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The rooms were huge so I
recommend booking the cheapest option. It was a quick walk to <b><a href="https://www.glaciercountry.co.nz/operators/dining/blue-ice-restaurant-bar/" style="color: blue;">Blue Ice Café and Bar</a></b> for delicious pizza. </span></span><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">Everything in the town,
besides the bar, closes at 9pm (even the gas station snack shop) so make sure
if you are hiking the glacier that you buy all your snacks early the day
before.</span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">You might have guessed by
now, why we stopped in Fox Glacier / Franz Josef – yes, I would be hiking the glacier (alarm
clock set to 6:45am for the 8:30am departure via helicopter).</span><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;"> </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">I packed up my
camera, sunnies, etc, and whistled my way down to the </span><b style="color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;"><a href="https://www.franzjosefglacier.com/" style="color: blue;">Franz Josef Glacier Guides</a></b><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;"> tour office for my $480 heli glacier hike, only to find
out that the glacier trip was cancelled due to the downpour.</span><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;"> </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">I was devastated.</span><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;"> </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">This was the thing I’d been most looking
forward to on this trip (other than Hobbiton of course).</span></div>
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<span style="color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Nothing else was open until 10am and I was
wide awake – at least the coffee I got at Full of Beans was good.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Let’s just say I was in a dark mood as we got
back in the car and started driving towards Punakaiki.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 107%;">The weather just kept getting better and
better…and my mood got darker and darker.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>My parents tried to lighten the mood with some cheesy gold mining in
Ross (terrible) and brewery lunch at Monteith in Greymouth (beer was great,
food was less great), but it wasn’t until Coal Creek Falls that my mood got
better.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I couldn’t help myself; the 30
min walk down to the falls, under the shield of trees in the middle of nature,
brought me back.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And the falls
themselves were gorgeous, definitely the highlight of the day before pulling
into the <b><a href="https://www.punakaikiresort.co.nz/" style="color: blue;">Punakaiki Resort</a></b>.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span><br />
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Punkakaiki<o:p></o:p></span></u></b></div>
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<span style="color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 107%;">The resort is right on the beach and we had a
little two-bed share house with a deck.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>We arrived just before sunset, so we made a mad dash for Pancake
Rocks.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Wow, what a cool natural
landscape.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I completely forgot my
morning and was lulled into absolute peace by the sun setting to the waves crashing
on the pancake-shaped rocks.<span style="background: white;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Pancake Rocks is one of the top destinations
on the West Coast of the South Island.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>The name comes from the appearance of the rocks – thin layers of
limestone and animal/plant sediment have undergone immense pressure giving them
the squashed look of a bunch of pancakes stacked on top of each other.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>So cool.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>The sea has also eroded the underside of the rock formations in many
places, creating blowholes that at high tide cause eruptions of water high up
into the air.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">Thoroughly satisfied we
returned to the resort.</span><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;"> </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">Unfortunately,
we realized too later that our room did not have A/C and only a small fan, so
we spent the night arguing over leaving the windows open to the mosquitoes or
sleeping in deathly heat.</span></div>
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<span style="background: white; color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="background: white; color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 107%;">A bit grumpy and tired of
driving, we got back on the road headed for Westport where we stopped at the <b><a href="https://www.portsidebistro.co.nz/" style="color: blue;">Portside Bistro</a></b> for breakfast.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Probably random to
have fish cakes for breakfast but they were pretty good!</span><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We then wasted two hours
seeing a bunch of seals before getting back on the road and then stopping <span style="background: white;">at Hokitika Suspension Bridge where I attempted to
swim in the river but the sand flies were awful.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We pushed on towards Nelson, our final stop
of the trip.<o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u><span style="background: white; color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Nelson</span></u></b><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><o:p></o:p></span></u></b></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u><span style="background: white; color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><br /></span></u></b></div>
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<span style="color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Staying in Nelson was my first mistake.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We had come to hike in the Abel Tasman
National Park, which is another hour drive from Nelson.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If you are planning to spend most of your
time in the park, I recommend staying in Moteuka instead.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>My second mistake was the Airbnb I booked was
actually just a little room off someone’s house, so I ended up on a couch
instead of a bed. At least it had an awesome deck.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><br /></span></span>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">We were exhausted on arrival
so grabbed a quick, easy dinner at Char, which was delicious with a welcoming staff
- needed after such a long drive. sad to hear they've closed down since my trip...</span></div>
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<span style="background: white; color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="background: white; color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 107%;">We were moving pretty slowly
the next day and found out that the tours for Abel Tasman depart very early, so
we decided to dedicate the day to wine-tasting instead – a favorite family
activity.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We grabbed a very good
breakfast at the <b><a href="https://www.boatshedcafe.co.nz/" style="color: blue;">Boat Shed Café</a></b> on the water before heading to the
wineries.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We are red wine drinkers, and
New Zealand is known for white wine, so we picked wineries based on views and
if they had any reds to try.</span></div>
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<ul style="text-align: left;">
<li><b style="text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="background: white; color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><a href="https://www.kinacliffs.co.nz/" style="color: blue;">Kina Cliffs</a></span></b><span style="background: white; color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 107%; text-indent: -0.25in;"> - beautiful views but wine was only okay</span></li>
<li><b style="text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="background: white; color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><a href="https://www.himmelsfeld.co.nz/" style="color: blue;">Himmelsfeld</a> -</span></b><span style="background: white; color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 107%; text-indent: -0.25in;"> Beth was lovely and her Sav Blanc was
incredible. This was my favorite winery as Beth does it all herself with the help of her Romney sheep who keep the vines in shape.</span></li>
<li><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="background: white; color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 107%;"><a href="https://www.neudorf.co.nz/" style="color: blue; font-weight: bold;">Neudorf</a><b> - </b>had a beautiful back patio where we consumed a lot of cheese; could've stayed all afternoon</span></span></li>
<li><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="background: white; color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 107%;"><a href="https://www.kahurangiwine.com/" style="color: blue; font-weight: bold;">Kahurangi</a><b> - </b>Amanda was awesome</span></span></li>
</ul>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">We ended the day in Mapua
township which was very quaint and cute.</span><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">
</span><b style="color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;"><a href="http://www.goldenbearbrewing.com/" style="color: blue;">The Golden Bear Pub</a></b><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;"> had live music and you can bring in amazing fish and
chips from </span><b style="color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;"><a href="https://www.smokehouse.co.nz/" style="color: blue;">Smokehouse</a></b><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">.</span><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;"> </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">Spent the rest of
the afternoon sitting in the sun – loved it.</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;"><br /></span>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">We finished out the evening
at </span><b style="color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;"><a href="https://www.urbaneatery.co.nz/" style="color: blue;">Urban Eatery</a></b><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;"> which also had amazing food – the salad with zucchini
flowers, bao buns & Kung pao chicken were our favorites.</span><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;"> </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">It’s very popular, so be prepared for quite a
wait to get a table during peak times, but very worth it.</span><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;"> </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">Great espresso martinis too!</span></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u>Abel Tasman<o:p></o:p></u></b></span></div>
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<span style="color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 107%;">We all agreed that we needed a break from
walking and driving so we decided to do a day trip to Abel Tasman by sea!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We booked the <b><a href="https://www.abeltasman.co.nz/a-day/sea-kayak/kayak-abel-tasman-beaches-bays-seals/" style="color: blue;">Beaches, Bays & Seals Guided Kayak trip with Wilsons Abel Tasman</a></b> for $175 per person.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The ticket includes your water transportation
(you can’t drive into Abel Tasman) to the kayaks, a full day of kayaking with
lunch, and transport back.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You can also
do an unguided hike at the end which I decided to do (Mom and Dad went back
early).<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 107%;">The water transportation is called a “scenic
boat cruise” but not really the case.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>You are in a tiny boat getting sprayed with water and only one side of
the boat is really getting the photo opportunities.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Better hope your camera is waterproof because
I wouldn’t use your phone.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Very bumpy
too so more likely your phone will end up in the ocean.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You pass Split Apple Rock, a famous rock
formation, that I thought was pretty…whatever.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
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<span style="color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Next was the guided kayak tour, which was
awesome.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You kayak from Torrent to
Frenchman’s Bay which takes about 2.5 hours (not including breaks) and you get
to see the seals playing near Pinnacle Island.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>It was pretty hectic, rough seas so I don’t recommend for kayaking
newbies or people with a fear of the ocean.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Definitely almost turned over a number of times.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
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<span style="color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 107%;">You then get water transport back to
Kaiteriteri (where you parked your car).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>I decided to do the unguided hike with a couple girls my age that I met
on the tour which is another 2 hours through the national park.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Highly recommend bringing a towel, a rain
jacket and a fleece just in case.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We got
hit by a huge thunderstorm and I was freezing by the time I returned to the car
hours later but the hike itself was scenic and sunny (for the most part). There was even a mini-falls you could slide down. </span><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">Overall, a must-see, must-do part of New
Zealand.</span><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;"> </span><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">One day was not enough; this
would be top of the list to return to on my next visit.</span><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;"> </span><br />
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<span style="color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">In conclusion, yet another incredible visit
to New Zealand. Every time I visit, I expect to finally have seen it all, but
instead one stop opens doors to so many more adventures I want to try.</span><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;"> </span><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">And, I’ve got to go back to Fox Glacier since
it evaded me this time!</span><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;"> </span><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">Maybe next time
with just have to be by campervan.</span></div>
</div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-375504522951411877.post-9896709515633504822019-03-27T13:03:00.001-07:002019-03-29T10:58:28.243-07:00A Lovely Long Weekend near Sydney - Gymea, Cronulla and Royal National Park<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">I recently was asked by some friends visiting Australia for a
good weekend getaway from Sydney and it brought to mind my trip to Gymea, Cronulla and Royal National park back in October 2017.</span><br />
<b style="background-color: white; font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></b>
<b style="background-color: white; font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">September 31 - October 2, 2017</b><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Cronulla is 30 minutes by car (no traffic) or 60 mins by train from downtown Sydney, making it extremely convenient for a weekend away.</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">My boyfriend and I took the train so we wouldn’t have to deal with weekend traffic and parking.</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"> </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">We used our regular Opal transit card (max $10-$15 ride) to Gymea station. </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">The station is right in the middle of the little town, so we easily walked to grab groceries and stock up on wine.</span><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"> </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">We were starving on arrival, so we decided to have dinner at</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"> </span><b style="color: #222222; font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;"><a href="https://www.tripadvisor.com/Restaurant_Review-g3602126-d10831404-Reviews-Renato_s_Cafe-Gymea_Sutherland_Shire_Greater_Sydney_New_South_Wales.html" style="color: blue;">Renato's Cafe</a></b><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">.</span><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"> </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Delicious, affordable pizza and pasta and you can BYO wine – I was shocked at how much cheaper things are outside of Sydney!</span><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"> </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">It was already feeling like a true vacation away from home.</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">The best part of the whole weekend was our Airbnb accommodation.</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"> </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">It was in a
</span><b style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;"><a href="https://www.airbnb.com/rooms/8294494?guests=1&adults=1" style="color: blue;">treehouse</a></b><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">.</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"> </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">But not the kind cartoon
animals from Winnie the Pooh live in, we are talking an Architectural Digest
type of home.</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"> </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Situated on the side of a
cliff overlooking the owner’s house, it featured a studio setup with floor to
ceiling windows.</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"> </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">At $91 AUS a night it
was a STEAL!</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"> </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">The owner dabbles in
homemade skincare so the bathroom had coconut oil, lotions, and everything else
for a spa weekend.</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"> </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">They’d even stocked
the kitchen with snacks, milk and other essentials.</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"> </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">We felt right at home.</span>
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<span style="background: white; color: #222222;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: xx-small;"><i>Photos from Airbnb website</i></span></span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">We spent the following day in Cronulla.</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"> </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Turns out not having a car is a bit of a nuisance, because the Tree House was in a residential neighborhood called Gray’s Point (not near anything) and we were spending a fair amount of time and money on Ubers to/from places. At least it only took 15 minutes to get to downtown Cronulla, which isn’t that bad.</span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">We had an amazing brunch at </span><b style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.nextdoorcronulla.com.au/" style="color: blue;">Next Door</a></b><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">, right near the beach.</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"> </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Some of the best cocktails I’ve ever had and the people watching was pretty amusing.</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"> </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">We spent the rest of the afternoon wandering the beach, swimming and window-shopping.</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"> </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Everything is very walkable. </span>
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<span style="background: white; color: #222222;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: xx-small;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><i>Photo Credit: theleader.com.au</i></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">As it started getting dark, we moved on to </span><b style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;"><a href="https://northies.com.au/" style="color: blue;">Northies</a></b><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">, a classic Aussie pub.</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"> </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Turns out it’s part of three separate venues all run into each other.</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"> </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">If you start at Northies, you wander through a pizzeria-meets-bar (pizza looked amazing BTW) and end at Joe’s, which is a bit clubbier (a DJ came on around 9pm).</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"> </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Embarrassingly we were so obsessed with our treehouse that we left Cronulla to spend more time dancing to Marvin Gaye and drinking wine in our PJs.</span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Sunday, we accidentally slept in and then decided to have a leisurely breakfast so we were super late getting to the Cronulla ferry stop.</span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">We were headed to Royal National Park, our main reason for the trip.</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"> </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">We planned to walk to Wedding Cake rock which is quite a hike. For $7/person one-way, the </span><b style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.cronullaferries.com.au/" style="color: blue;">Cronulla Ferry</a></b><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"> drops you in Bundeena and then you can walk left along the water to the start of the Coastal Trail. It's a quick trip along some beautiful coastline.</span>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Wedding Cake rock is 3.4km (2 miles) from the start of the coastal
walk.</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"> </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">It shouldn’t take that long to
walk, but when you stop every two seconds to take pictures of the amazing
coastline and have a leisure picnic lunch, the hours dwindle away quite
quickly.</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"> </span><br />
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<span style="background: white; color: #222222;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: xx-small;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><i>Photo Credit: abc.net.au</i></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">We soon realized that we had
arrived way too late to the park and weren’t going to make it to Wedding Cake
rock and still catch the last ferry back at 6pm.</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"> </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">I wasn’t planning on sleeping in the park
without any camping gear. </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">So we hoofed it back to the boat to ride back to Cronulla.</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"> </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">We still had the most amazing day even if we didn’t make it to the famous outlook.</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"> </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">We did luck out on the boat ride back with some dolphins swimming alongside us. </span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">B</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">ack at the tree house, we had another lovely night in watching movies and then headed to bed early for our train trip back in the morning.</span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">It’s been over a year since I went on that weekend away and it remains one of my favorite memories in Australia.</span><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"> </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">The convenience of location and transportation, the utter beauty of the accommodation and national park land and the tantalizing restaurants and people-watching made for the perfect long weekend.</span><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"> </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">I’d highly recommend!</span><br />
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-375504522951411877.post-37953075705466321902018-12-23T14:45:00.000-08:002018-12-23T16:25:40.486-08:00Western Australia: Perth & Rottnest Island<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><b><span style="background: white; color: #222222;">August 24-27, 2017</span></b><span style="color: #222222;"><br />
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<span style="background: white;">You know when you visit a new place and it
weirdly feels like home?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>That’s how I
felt when I first visited Perth, Australia, in Feb 2017.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’d spent an afternoon there after a grueling
week long road-trip to Exmouth and instantly fell in love, so my boyfriend and
I decided to return in August to take advantage of a work trip.<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="background: white; color: #222222;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">We booked an amazing <b><a href="https://www.airbnb.com/rooms/13157416" style="color: blue;">Airbnb</a></b> on Wellington Street near the Northbridge
district, just outside the bar scene so that it wouldn’t be too loud, but close
to the action ($105/night which for Perth is pretty cheap).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Our number one objective was seeing the
quokkas on Rottnest Island, but we’d read somewhere the boat is 3 hours one-way
and $80 each.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We did some digging ang
found out you can take a private three-person Cessna plane with <b><a href="https://www.rottnestairtaxi.com.au/rotto-transfers/return-flights/" style="color: blue;">Rottnest Air Taxi</a></b> for $380 total split
between three.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The best part?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You get to see Rottnest from the air, which
as you’ll see from pictures later on in this post, was well worth the money!<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="background: white; color: #222222;">Since the plane leaves from the airport at 10am each day and
we’d slept in, we had to book for the next day, so we decided to take the river
ferry to Fremantle or “Freo” locally.</span><span style="color: #222222;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But not before a delicious
pulled pork egg benny and coffee from <b><a href="https://www.unclejoes.com.au/" style="color: blue;">Uncle Joe's</a></b>, a very cool brunch café
near the Airbnb.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">To get to Fremantle from Northbridge, you have to walk to
Elizabeth Quay and take the Barrack St ferry ($30 one way).</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"> </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">There was one at 11:15am so we could make a day
of it.</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"> </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">The river ferry was lovely!</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"> </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">We sat out on the back deck looking at some
of the biggest houses in Australia.</span></div>
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<span style="background: white; color: #222222;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">As everyone on holidays does, we decided to eat again upon
arrival in Fremantle.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Fremantle is the “hipster”
area of Perth, similar to Williamsburg in Brooklyn, NY, or Los Feliz in LA.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In true hipster fashion, we decided to have
lunch at the <b><a href="https://www.fremantlemarkets.com.au/" style="color: blue;">Fremantle Markets</a></b> which have been around since 1897, a long time
for a country as young as Australia.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The
market is massive and caterers to the hungry and thirsty as well as those looking
for clothes, shoes and other non-edible items. I love trying random food at
markets because if you don’t like it, it’s a $5 mistake, so I went for the
Gozeme, Turkish bread with spinach, chicken and chili.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It was delicious!!<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="background: white; color: #222222;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">I’d come to Fremantle during that afternoon in February so I
sort of knew my way around a bit and suggested that we walk down to <b><a href="https://littlecreatures.com.au/locations/fremantle/" style="color: blue;">Little Creatures Brewery</a></b> for a beer tasting flight on the water.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Along the way, my poor boyfriend was forced into a couple shops, where I
found an awesome bejeweled jean jacket (it’s cuter than it sounds okay!)<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="background: white; color: #222222;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Another amazing thing about Perth, is that it’s on the WEST
side of Australia and that means one thing where Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane and
every east coast city can’t compete…sunsets.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>We were already on the ocean so we continued down the boardwalk to <b><a href="http://www.bathersbeachhouse.com.au/" style="color: blue;">Bathers Beach Hotel</a></b> where I had an incredible caramel espresso
martini while watching an incredible sunset.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Since we hadn’t had “official” dinner (hadn’t we be eating
all day??) we strolled down to </span><b style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><a href="https://www.breadincommon.com.au/" style="color: blue;">Bread In Common</a></b><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">, recommended by a close friend
from Perth.</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"> </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">We shared some small plates
which were good although not as exciting as I'd have hoped. </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">A $30 Uber and we were tucked into bed.</span></div>
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<span style="background: white; color: #222222;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">The next morning we quickly searched for a nearby breakfast
spot before heading to the airport.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We
settled on Eros Café, which had great coffee although the food wasn’t
particularly memorable. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="background: white; color: #222222;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">For the Cessna flight, the plane maxs out at 300kg,
including people and their packs so we could only bring essentials – snacks,
sunscreen, hats, snorkel gear and a selfie stick for the famous quokka
pic!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’d also recommend wearing athletic
clothes and sneakers over a bathing suit because you’ll want to bike around the
island comfortably.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It’s not fancy.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #222222;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">The
flight was only 15 minutes but it was magical.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>You fly out over Perth for some awesome city shots, then a short stint
over open ocean and then you arrive at the island.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The water around the island is just deep enough
for sailboats to moor, causing an array of brilliant shades of blue emanating out
from the island’s bright white shores.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Highly
recommend walking into town and doing the “bike n’ bus” option for </span><span style="background: white; color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">$45 each from <b><a href="http://www.rottnestisland.com/pedalandflipper" style="color: blue;">Pedal & Flipper</a></b>. It
allows you to bike wherever you want on the island until you are tired and then
you can leave the bike at a bus stop and take the bus back to the town. The island is much larger than you think, so
the bus is a nice backup, just don’t forget to ask for a bike lock because you
are still responsible for the bike. Of
equal importance is remembering to RETURN the bike key before you leave the
island.</span></div>
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<span style="background: white; color: #222222;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">We decided to bike the island clockwise from the main town,
heading out in the general direction of Salmon Cove.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>One of the most enjoyable and beautiful bike
rides of my life, not too strenuous but a good workout for someone that doesn’t
ride often.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Unfortunately, my boyfriend
suddenly started feeling really sick after about 2 hours so we dropped the
bikes at Stop #8 and took the bus back in.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>We were both feeling not great considering we hadn’t really eaten since
breakfast (reminder to bring some snacks!!)<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">In another unfortunate turn of events, I’d had the selfie
stick stuck halfway into my backpack and somehow in transit the clicker for the
stick fell off and was lost.</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"> </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">So when we returned
to town for the famous quokka pic, we realized the stick wouldn’t work.</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"> </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">My boyfriend was shattered… both physically
and mentally, but I wouldn’t give up.</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">
</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">So, instead I set the iPhone to 10 sec timer mode and chased down
quokkas hoping they’d just happen to smile when the timer went off.</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"> </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">I think we got some good ones, saving the
day!</span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">Starving, we grabbed lunch at </span><b style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.hotelrottnest.com.au/" style="color: blue;">Hotel Rottnest</a></b><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">, which had great
outdoor seating on the water and pretty incredible burgers.</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;"> </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">You have to keep an eye on your food because
the seagulls are QUITE bold.</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;"> </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">I lost a
couple fries mid-conversation.</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Finally, our 4pm departure arrived so we headed back to the island
airport for our flight back.</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"> </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Poor guy
was feeling so sick that we went straight back to the Airbnb for a quiet Saturday
movie night before he flew out the next day.</span></div>
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<span style="color: #222222;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">I
combated my lonely Sunday blues with shopping on Williams Street (as you do)
and then checked into my hotel for work, <b><a href="https://alexhotel.com.au/" style="color: blue;">The Alex Hotel</a></b>.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Wow.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>It, to this day, so my favorite place I have ever stayed, other than
maybe that safari villa in South Africa.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>I felt like I was staying in someone’s beautiful home.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>There was an honor bar in the common area
filled with amazing local beers, free breakfast that included some of the most interesting
and tasty muffins, and a gorgeous rooftop looking out of Northbridge.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>To top it all off, the way the room was
structured, the entire wall of the shower was glass allowing the sun to stream
in through the window, without anyone being able to see you.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">I spent the rest of the afternoon sunning
myself on the roof before meeting up with some mutual friends for dinner at
</span><b style="color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><a href="https://cottesloebeachhotel.com.au/" style="color: blue;">Cottesloe Beach Hotel</a></b><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">.</span><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"> </span><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Cottesloe
is a beach town north of Fremantle similar to a Bondi Beach in Sydney or
Manhattan Beach in LA.</span><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"> </span><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Yet another
incredible sunset from the hotel restaurant while enjoying a delicious duck
curry.</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">The next few days, I linked up with some work mates and we hit
up some eclectic cocktail bars, hole-in-the-wall restaurants and even a drag
show in Northbirdge!</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"> </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">The most memorable are listed
below:</span></div>
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<ul style="text-align: left;">
<li><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><b><a href="http://www.thestandardperth.com.au/" style="color: blue;">The Standard</a></b> - pretty good dinner</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><b><a href="https://www.ezrapound.com.au/" style="color: blue;">Ezra Pound</a></b> – they make a great Sazerac cocktail
(with cool ice!!)</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><b><a href="http://mechanicsinstitutebar.com.au/" style="color: blue;">Mechanics Institute</a></b> – very tasty burger with a cool
outdoor picnic area </span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><b><a href="http://www.williamstreetbird.com/" style="color: blue;">The Bird</a></b> - live music with a great backyard and
beer specials.<span style="color: #222222;"> </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;">They even make a decent espresso
martini for a dive bar.</span><span style="color: #222222;"> </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;">The backyard has
Anya Brock paintings, one of my favorite Australian artists</span></span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><b><a href="http://connectionsnightclub.com/" style="color: blue;">Connections</a></b> (affectionately called “Connie's”) -
gay bar with a drag host and ladies mud wrestling on Weds</span></li>
</ul>
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<span style="color: #222222;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Overall,
a very satisfying trip and a town that I’d arguably live in once I’ve slowed
down a little more.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Such unique
restaurants, bars and cafes, lovely, friendly people and some of the best
sunsets I’ve seen worldwide.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’d highly
recommend visiting, although due to the sheer size of Australia, it’s a trip on
its own.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I will most definitely be back.</span></span></div>
<br /></div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-375504522951411877.post-59781095043125485082018-12-22T16:45:00.001-08:002018-12-23T14:45:21.166-08:00Tokyo, Japan: A Decade Later<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<br />
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<span style="background: white; color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt;"><b>July 8 - 16, 2017</b></span></div>
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<span style="background: white; color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<span style="background: white; color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt;">In 2007, my
brother decided to spend a year living out his childhood dream, attending a
year of high school in Gifu, Japan. As the school year neared its end, my
parents and I took advantage of the free translator in a country we’d always
wanted to visit. The resulting two weeks opened my eyes to a place of wonder.</span><span style="color: black; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 13.5pt;"><o:p></o:p></span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">After earthquakes, wars, atom bombs and typhoons, Japan maintained
a way of life centuries old and globally unique. From lazy days wandering the
art galleries and tea houses of Gifu to exploring the temples of Kyoto to
taking in the bright lights of Tokyo, we were definitely worlds away from the
USA.</span></div>
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<span style="background: white; color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt;">But, it was the people that struck me most. My
brother’s host family made very little money, living in a small house, that my
6’1” brother had to duck to enter. He slept each night on a thatched cot barely
long enough to reach his toes. And yet they were so kind; inviting us to dinner
at their (ironically) Chinese restaurant, refusing, of course, to let us pay
one yen for the feast. His other host families were equally accommodating. We
ran into other lovely characters throughout the rest of the trip from
restaurant owners dusting of giant bottles of free sake and joining us for
dinner to old ladies on the street who’d count back Mom’s extra change when she
accidentally paid too much for an item.</span><span style="color: black; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 13.5pt;"><o:p></o:p></span><br />
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<span style="background: white; color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt;">In summary, it's a country I’ve been desperate to revisit. In
July 2017 (yes, I know it’s taken awhile to get back to the blog), I had the
chance to return to Japan for a work summit and could barely contain my
excitement as the train rolled towards Tokyo from Haneda airport.</span><span style="color: black; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 13.5pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="background: white; color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt;">The resulting week could not have been more different from my
2007 trip....</span><span style="color: black; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 13.5pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="background: white; color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt;">First, I was without parents and my translator brother.
Secondly, it was over a decade later. I was in my mid-thirties so I had
the independence, money and travel experience to put big city Tokyo to the
test. And lastly, I had a crew of fellow miscreants eager to join in the fun.</span><span style="color: black; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 13.5pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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Six of us crammed together in a tiny Airbnb in Harajuku right near the Reebok
Classic store. Though cramped, it was very cute and realistically by
Japanese standards, quite spacious. was cute.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Eager to get our adventure started, we dropped our bags and headed straight
to the famous Shibuya Crossing, arguably the busiest intersection in the
world. It was definitely VERY busy!</span><span style="color: black; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 13.5pt;"><o:p></o:p></span><br />
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It was already getting fairly late, so we returned to the Airbnb to change into
our "going out" clothes and stopped for some of the best dumplings in
my life at <b><a href="http://harajukugyoza.com/" style="color: blue;">Harajuku Gyoza</a></b> (I later learned that there’s one in Sydney!)</span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">Luckily, I hadn’t
stuffed myself because our next stop featured some of the coolest little
restaurants and bars I’ve ever seen.</span><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">
</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">Welcome to Shinjuku's </span><b style="color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;"><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shinjuku_Golden_Gai" style="color: blue;">Golden Gai</a></b><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">, a district of Tokyo known for its tiny bars that
only hold a max of 8-10 people and each have their own unique personality.</span><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;"> </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">The small size of each bar and sheer number
of them packed into a few streets, meant we inevitably lost track of each other.</span><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;"> </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">We finally ran back into each other on one of
the narrow streets and decided to try out one of the restaurants.</span><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;"> </span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">We followed the
waiter up tiny tiny stairs to a tiny tiny room with a tiny tiny table.</span><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;"> </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">I was with three guys minimum 6’2” feet tall.</span><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;"> </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">It was pretty hilarious to see us trying to crowd
into the seats (pillows on the ground).</span><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;"> </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">No
one spoke or could read a lick of Japanese so we just left it to the waiter to
bring us whatever he though was good.</span><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">
</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">And damn, was it good.</span><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;"> </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">The
restaurant ended up being a yakitori restaurant so our meal was course after
course of skewers – red meats, veggies and seafood.</span></div>
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Our muscles were beginning to seize up, so we said our goodbyes, and decided to
stretch it out by going to a club.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We
found ourselves at <b><a href="http://www.vision-tokyo.com/" style="color: blue;">Sound Museum Vision</a></b> club which had good reviews on Google
Maps. We clearly we had no idea what we were doing, showing up with zero cash
to a cash-only club at 10pm.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Let’s just
say we were the only 20 people in a club that holds hundreds.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We were close to cashed out by the time the
good music came on and suddenly the place was packed (1am).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>There were multiple rooms, of varying sizes,
playing different genres of music, so there was something for everyone.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I had a great time although I’d advise
arriving after 12am with loads of cash if you decide to visit.</span><span style="color: black; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 13.5pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="background: white; color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt;">You can imagine the hangover the next morning, which could
mean only one thing… more dumplings down the street at Harajuku Gyoza.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Harajuku has streets and streets of amazing
boutique shops.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Personally, I LOVE
Japanese fashion, though it can be hard to find clothes in my size.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And forget shoes… a size 9 US is almost impossible
to find!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span><br />
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<span style="background: white; color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt;">Harajuku is
equally well known for some weird as f—k restaurants, one of which is <b><a href="http://kawaiimonster.jp/" style="color: blue;">Kawaii Monster Café</a></b>.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It is so weird that you have to
pay before you can go inside because they know how Instagrammable it is.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The concept is set up similar to a comedy
club where you pay a fee to enter and then have to spend a minimum amount on
food and drinks.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I have a soft spot for
neon colors and rainbow, so my rainbow sundae selection was a given.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We were just about to tuck into our food, when
crazy lights and music came on… and a show unlike any other began.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>People in wild costumes, electronic-moving
animals and a rotating stage filled with singers and dancers took over the
restaurant.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
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<span style="background: white; color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt;">We left the
restaurant filling a little bit like someone had taken a ton of photos of us with a very
bright flash, but it was worth the money to see it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>As you can imagine the food was not particularly
good, since that’s not really what you are paying for, so we wandered down the
street looking for something else.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<span style="background: white; color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt;">You’d be remiss
to visit Tokyo without searching for ramen, so we once again consulted Google
Maps and found ourselves at <b><a href="http://kyushujangara.co.jp/shops/harajuku/" style="color: blue;">Kyushu-jangara</a></b>.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>MY GOD.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It is the best ramen I’ve
ever tasted and a restaurant that we would return to throughout the remainder
of the week.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Granted by the end of the week,
I was sleeping in my ramen more than eating it.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="background: white; color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt;"><br /></span>
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<span style="background: white; color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt;">One of the other,
great, or dangerous, things about Tokyo is that it’s legal to drink on the
street.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It’s also bloody expensive.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>For better or worse, we soon discovered one
of the best places on Planet Tokyo… Lawson’s.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Lawson’s is the Japanese equivalent of 7-11, but with considerably better
food and far deadlier drinks.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Our combo
of choice?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Cans of whiskey lemonade (9%
ABV) and spicy chicken balls in a cardboard box.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It’s impossible to stay hungry, or sober, in
Tokyo.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
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<span style="background: white; color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt;">The remainder of
the night was spent wandering the different districts before eventually ending
up at the other Tokyo specialty…Karaoke.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<span style="background: white; color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt;">That ended our
first weekend in Japan, which was followed by a very painful Monday, and our
two-day work summit.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But we still
managed to venture out for three very exciting activities before the week was
over.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<span style="background: white; color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt;">Considering how
non-classy we’d been so far, we decided to head to the other extreme and dress
up for an evening of cocktails and famous sushi in the fancy district of
Ginza.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The parents of a colleague (and
close friend) on the trip are major distributors of Australian beef to other
parts of the world, including (you guessed it), Tokyo.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This resulted in a close, long-standing
friendship with the sushi grandmaster of <b><a href="http://www.ginza.jp/en/shop/887" style="color: blue;">Sushiko Honten</a></b>, a 130 year old restaurant with a Michelin Star.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The dinner would cost us $500 each, but wow
was it worth it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<span style="background: white; color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt;">Imagine sitting
at an intimate bar seating for 10 people (that’s the whole restaurant) facing
the kitchen prep area.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> The grandmaster </span>personally
served us sashimi and sushi by hand, even making our wasabi fresh from the
root, right in front of us.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We enjoyed some
of the finest Japanese sake and even a bottle of Australian sparkling wine that
had been specially made for the sushi grandmaster (his name was on the
bottle!)<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>To go from the bright lights and
crazy costumes of Harajuku to this old world of traditional Japanese was such a
cool experience.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This city is unreal.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="background: white; color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt;"><br /></span>
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<span style="background: white; color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">At the close of
the $500 USD per person evening, </span><i style="color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">he </i><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">thanked
</span><i style="color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">us</i><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;"> for coming, comped about $1000
worth of sake and wine and then personally walked us down the street to his
favorite wine bar. My friend who’d organized the evening profusely thanked him
and offered to take him to the best Japanese restaurant, Tetsuya, should he
ever visit Sydney.</span><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;"> </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">He smiled graciously
and in the least egotistical manner ever, mentioned that Tetsuya was a close
personal friend.</span><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;"> </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">Of course he is…</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<span style="background: white; color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt;">Arriving at the
wine bar, he gave leave of us and we went in alone.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Imagine my shock, when the main brands sold
were from Oregon (my home state).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Excitedly I explained this to the waitress, who misinterpreted me,
thinking that I was “of the wine families of the Willamette Valley” serving us
more free wine. I admittedly didn’t hurry to correct her.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<span style="background: white; color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt;">The next few
days, we attended a baseball game, danced our hearts out at <b><a href="http://www.eletokyo.com/" style="color: blue;">Ele Tokyo</a></b>, gamed at
the largest video arcade I’ve ever seen and visited a number of weird cafes where
you could pet an array of animals from snakes to <b><a href="https://hedgehoghome.cafe/en/?gclid=EAIaIQobChMIjuWY-tu03wIVCVqGCh0JQACuEAAYASAAEgLI0fD_BwE" style="color: blue;">hedgehogs</a></b>.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But none of those cafes were as weird as <b><a href="https://www.shinjuku-robot.com/pc/" style="color: blue;">The Robot Restaurant</a></b>.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="background: white; color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt;"><br /></span>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">Similar to the Monster
Café, the Robot Restaurant is themed… with robots!</span><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;"> </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">You are brought into a room where you are
seated on either side of a long arena (for those who have been to Medieval
Times you can visualize this).</span><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;"> </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">You can
buy beers and DELICIOUS kettle corn from the cart before the show begins.</span><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;"> </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">The lights dimmed and we were sucked into the
storyline of fairies and robots and a number of other fantastic creatures
battling it out for ownership of their strange land. It was AWESOME!</span><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;"> </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">Afterwards, we had just enough energy for some
Japanese BBQ before passing out early, excited for another fun activity.</span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">The next day was
the day I’d been waiting for since we first found out about this trip to
Japan.</span><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;"> </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">At the time, Tokyo was the only
city in the world where you could dress up like Mario and drive Mario carts on actual
streets with a company called </span><b style="color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;"><a href="https://maricar.com/en/akihabara.html" style="color: blue;">MariCar</a></b><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">.</span><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;"> </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">There is even a RAINBOW
bridge.</span><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;"> </span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;"><br /></span>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;"><br /></span>
<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">But there is a catch.</span><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;"> </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">For some odd reason, you must have an
international driver’s license, or they will not let you do it.</span><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;"> </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">There is no paying your way around this so
bring along or be prepared to watch in ultimate sorrow as your best friends,
Luigi, Princess and Toad drive off without you.</span><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">
</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">This experience was one of the coolest things I’ve ever done (yes, up
there with Burning Man, Yacht Week, etc).</span><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">
</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">You literally feel like you are in the game because there are other cars
passing you on the streets (no closed course here).</span><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;"> </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">My only regret is not strapping a Go Pro to
my head.</span><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;"> </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">I would hands down pay to do
this again!!</span></div>
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<div style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in; orphans: 2; text-decoration-color: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;">
<span style="background: white; color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt;">Mario Kart would close out an epic, though tiring, week in
Tokyo.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Far different from my previous
family vacation, but arguably just as “cultural” in its own unique way.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I walked away from that trip having formed
friendships with people who would become my closest friends to this day (yes
1.5 years later).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And Japan sure knows
how to give you a good send-off… after my final night in an Airbnb with a
broken shower, I was so happy to find I could pay $18 USD for a private “refresh
room” with a shower and couch at the Haneda airport.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>God I love this place and I can’t wait to
come back again.</span></div>
</div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-375504522951411877.post-75326900672224664552018-03-24T23:28:00.001-07:002018-03-24T23:28:24.641-07:00Cage Diving with Great White Sharks (Port Lincoln, South Australia) <div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: small;"><b><span style="color: black;">April
21 - 24, 2017</span></b><span style="color: black;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: small;"><span style="color: black;">We
are soon approaching the best time of year to cage dive with Great White Sharks
in South Australia (late April - June). But before I share this particular travel adventure…I
need to give you a bit of context. </span><span style="color: black;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: small;"><span style="color: black;">For
as long as I can remember, I’ve been terrified of the ocean. It’s
not just sharks and jellyfish, or a fear of drowning, that keeps me from going
more than thigh deep. It’s a “fight or flight” instinct that is immediately
triggered every time I step foot in the water. As humans, the ocean
is not our natural habitat. Even Olympics swimmers can’t compete
with the grace and ease of an ocean otter, its body slicing through the water
as it looks for dinner. In the ocean, our senses are immediately
deafened… our bodies crushed by waves, our sight refracted by glaring light,
our ears battered by pressure, and our taste buds, assaulted by
salt. But scariest of all is the 360 nature of this
world. There are no walls. Danger can approach for any direction -
up, down, side to side. I hate it.</span><span style="color: black;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: small;"><span style="color: black;">For
those of you who have traveled or lived in Australia, you’d know that the ocean
courses through the blood of most every Australian. From birth,
their toes are constantly connected to the water. Surfing and
swimming are extensions of their bodies. Tell an Australian, you
hate the ocean, and you’ll get thrown in repeatedly until you change your
mind. </span><span style="color: black;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: small;"><span style="color: black;"><br />
I realised if I was going to live in Australia, I had to confront the
ocean. My training started each weekend forcing myself a little
farther into the waves of Bondi Beach. On my trip to the
Philippines, I forced myself to snorkel with whale sharks, shocking myself with
my enjoyment! For those of you who read that <b><a href="http://blog.travel-addict.com/2018/01/the-great-expedition-roadtrip-from.html">post</a></b>, you know that
whale sharks were spotted the day I arrived and my travel partner forced me
into the water with them. It was the first time I really started to
realise a potential love for the ocean. Those magnificent beasts
gently gliding through the shallow water… couldn’t give a crap that I was
swimming alongside. Their ignorance of me, made me
calm. I was so engrossed that I completely forgot about the vastness
surrounding me. It was such an amazing experience that I knew I had to keep the
momentum going… resulting in this blog entry.</span><span style="color: black;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: small;"><span style="color: black;">Great.
White. Sharks. One of the most feared animals of the
ocean. Fuelled by movies like Jaws and Deep Blue Sea and unhealthy
obsession with Shark Week, these beasts inspired fear, as well as
a deep admiration and curiosity, even behind glass at the
aquarium. Generally when I decide to do something… I go all
in. So of course, as soon as I thought I was “cool” with the ocean,
cage diving with Great Whites seemed like a natural next step. So I
booked a non-refundable ticket on the <b><a href="https://sharkcagediving.com.au/"><span style="color: blue;">Calypso Star</span></a>,</b>
a famous cage-diving boat out of Port Lincoln, South Australia.</span><span style="color: black;"><o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: small;"><span style="color: black;"><br /></span></span>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: small;"><span style="color: black;">To
get to Port Lincoln, I spent a few days driving and camping my way from
Adelaide past Mount Remarkable National Park to Port Lincoln. I had
sunrise coffees with campsite kangaroos and beachside lunch stops at Greenly
Beach and The Point. It’s a lovely drive, although you can fly to
Port Lincoln if you prefer.</span><span style="color: black;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<b><i><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">For those of you interested in the road trip portion of the trip (Adelaide, Mount Remarkable National Park and Barossa Valley wine region, I’ve provided see my other blog post <a href="http://blog.travel-addict.com/2018/03/south-australia-roadtrip-from-adelaide.html"><span style="color: blue;">here</span></a>. </span></i></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: small;"><span style="color: black;">The
day of the cage dive, I was up and at the boat by 6am. It’s a three
hour ride to the Neptune Islands, south of Port Lincoln, temporary home to
Great Whites. I watched the sunrise, while frosty salt water whipped
my face. </span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">We were divided into groups of 8 and put into a dive order. We were outfitted in 3mm thick wetsuits because we’d be down with the sharks for about 20 mins and it is VERY cold. The tour provides a wet suit, masks, booties and sunscreen. You can buy sickness tablets for a couple dollars and rent a Go Pro for $50. All you need to bring is swimmers, a towel and dry change of clothes. They’ll also sell you the pics they take for $35 (I always buy these because hell when am I going to do this again!). </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: small;"><span style="color: black;">Calypso
Star is the best shark boat because they have a license to
“chum.” If you are unfamiliar with the term, “chum,” it's dead fish
guts and blood that they pour into the ocean to attract the
sharks. It wasn’t long before the fish bits attracted a 6 meter
shark. WOW. At first I looked over the edge of the boat
to catch a glimpse until I saw him clear the water a few yards out… no more
looking over the side of the boat!</span><span style="color: black;"><o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: small;"><span style="color: black;">How
does cage diving work? Essentially the cage hangs off the back of the boat and
you enter the cage from the top, climbing down a metal ladder, to the bottom of
the cage. You have a weight belt around your waist to help you stay
under the water to look at the shark and a dive respirator so you can
breathe. Between the intense rocking of the cage, the icy cold
water, and the unnatural breathing, you have barely enough concentration to
find the shark in the murky water and snap a pic. </span><span style="color: black;"><o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: small;"><span style="color: black;">
I was in Group 2 which turned out to be the best group because the water was
clear because of the clouds in the sky (sunlight causes light to refract
against bubbles in the water making it hard to see). This guy was
HUGE and VERY curious. The best position in the cage is on either
end because there isn’t a vertical bar in the corner of the cage, so you get a
sweeping view of the shark without a stupid bar in your
video. However, it’s also the most disconcerting position due to the
LACK of a bar. I was so sure I’d panic. I’d never used a
respirator, I’d never been in water that rocky and cold, and I’d never been two
feet away from a 6m shark before with no glass to separate us.</span><span style="color: black;"><o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: small;"><span style="color: black;">He
was magnificent. With the slightest turn of his tail he’d speed past
us, one eye following our movements. He was far more interested in
us than the chum. Pass after pass he’d approach the cage and lazily
glide past, clearly the dominant species. There is something about
the lack of a glass wall that makes you really feel like you are out there with
him. It was probably the same “fight or flight” instinct that kept
me intensely drawn to the edge of the cage scanning the murky darkness for
another pass. I was a mouse caught in the stare of a
viper. It was the coolest fucking thing I’ve ever done. I
probably would’ve died of exposure before willingly leaving the shark, if he
hadn’t eventually wandered on his way. After his departure, I
realised how bloody cold I was and shot back up the surface. </span><span style="color: black;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: small;"><span style="color: black;">Adrenaline
pumped through my veins warmed my body much faster than the dry change of
clothes. If I’d had the chance to get back in I
would’ve. I was so excited and awed and bloody proud of
myself! I did it! And boy, would I do it
again. Since this trip a year ago, I’ve spent more and more time in
the ocean, continuing to probe my fears. It’s a gradual
process. If you have an intense fear of something, don’t let it get
the best of you! And if you have a fear of sharks; get in there with em!</span></span></div>
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-375504522951411877.post-36433191797993765422018-03-24T22:44:00.002-07:002018-03-24T23:30:38.196-07:00South Australia roadtrip from Adelaide to Port Lincoln and back through the Barossa Valley wine region<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<span style="font-size: small;"><b><span style="color: black; font-family: "georgia";">April 21 - 24, 2017</span></b><span style="color: black; font-family: "georgia";"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: black; font-family: "georgia";"><span style="font-size: small;"><br />
While my main reason for traveling to South Australia was to cage dive with
Great White Sharks (see blog post <a href="http://blog.travel-addict.com/2018/03/cage-diving-with-great-white-sharks.html"><b>here</b></a>), I had an amazing time road tripping to
Port Lincoln from Adelaide and spending a few final days in the Barossa
Valley. These aspects of the trip deserved a short post for those
looking to visit the area. I’d recommend a minimum of 4 full days to do the
drive and probably 3 full days to properly do the Barossa wine
region. We did all of it in 4 days plus the cage diving, which was a
little gruelling. Good old Australia… so much to see and none of it
close together! <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: black; font-family: "georgia";"><span style="font-size: small;">We only spent the evening in
Adelaide. It’s quite normal but filled with delicious restaurants
like <a href="https://www.africola.com.au/" style="color: blue;"><b>Africola</b></a>. It
was one of the best meals I’ve had in Australia. There’s also a ton
of cute bars off Hindley Street that’s apparently awesome; we didn’t go out
because we had an early start.</span></span><br />
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<span style="color: black; font-family: "georgia";"><span style="font-size: small;">The first half of the drive to Port Lincoln is
BEAUTIFUL. I wish we’d had more time to explore some of the beaches
and parkland on the Adelaide side. They come highly
recommended. Mount Remarkable National Park was a great pit
stop. You really feel like you are out in the middle of the bush,
surrounded by wildlife. So many kangaroos (and spiders). We
stayed at <a href="http://www.exploreaustralia.net.au/South-Australia/Flinders-Ranges-and-Outback/Wilmington/Mambray-Creek-Campground"><b>Mambray
Creek Campgrounds</b></a> which provided exactly what we needed - nature,
a car park and tent area and bathrooms with showers.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: black; font-family: "georgia";"><span style="font-size: small;">The second half of the trip to Port Lincoln
was a little less scenic. You pass through a lot of small
petrol-stop towns filled with more industrial structures than natural ones,
before you reach Port Lincoln. We stopped to hurriedly set up camp while
it was daylight, and then continued on down the coast to Farm
Beach. </span></span></div>
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<span style="color: black; font-family: "georgia";"><span style="font-size: small;">It was pretty meh, so we continued on to
Greenly Beach which was well worth the terrible dirt road we had to drive
down. The car park is on a cliff and you walk down to the most secluded,
lovely beach. Very romantic! We spent the rest of the day there and
caught the sunset before heading back to Port Lincoln. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: black; font-family: "georgia";"><span style="font-size: small;">Port Lincoln is apparently quite lively on
Friday and Saturday nights. There are a couple bars on the water.
We had an early morning for the cage diving so we didn’t make it out but
we were told it was good fun for a night. We stayed in the <a href="http://www.portlincolntouristpark.com.au/" style="color: blue;"><b>Port Lincoln Tourist Park</b></a> a
little ways out of town on the ocean, which was nice but I kind of wished we’d
been within walking distance of town. Kind of up to you, what you’re
looking for.<o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
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<span style="color: black; font-family: "georgia";"><span style="font-size: small;">I was up at dawn to head to the port for
cage-diving. You can read about my experience <b><a href="http://blog.travel-addict.com/2018/03/cage-diving-with-great-white-sharks.html">here</a></b>.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: black; font-family: "georgia";"><span style="font-size: small;">Back in Adelaide, post road trip, we dropped
the rental car and took the train out to the Barossa Valley for our final
day/night of the trip. We arrived very late at <a href="https://www.discoveryholidayparks.com.au/sa/tanunda/barossa_valley#content" style="color: blue;"><b>Discovery Parks Tanunda</b></a>,
which was straight out of an American summer camp movie. Our cabin
was made completely of wood paneling and straight out of the 70s. It
was pretty hilarious. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: black; font-family: "georgia";"><span style="font-size: small;">It was pouring rain so we ran to the first
restaurant that looked open. The neon “Open” sign swung in the rain,
the restaurant dark behind it. Straight out of an 80s horror
flick! But inside The <b><a href="http://bvbeer.com.au/" style="color: blue;">Barossa Valley Brewing</a></b> was
cozy and had "all you can eat" chicken wings!!! YUM!<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: black; font-family: "georgia";"><span style="font-size: small;">Within minutes we’d made friends with the only
other patrons of the pub, a few young people who worked at some of the wineries. Before
we knew it, we’d been offered a private wine tour for free! It was
the guy’s day off and apparently he loves nothing more than showing people the
grapes.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: black; font-family: "georgia";"><span style="font-size: small;">The next day we hit four wineries throughout
Tanunda. The scenery along the way was breathtaking!!</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><b><span style="color: black; font-family: "georgia";"><a href="https://www.twohandswines.com/?v=6cc98ba2045f" style="color: blue;">Two Hands Wines</a></span></b><span style="color: black; font-family: "georgia";"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: black; font-family: "georgia";"><span style="font-size: small;">Our new friend works at this winery. It
felt like an upscale family estate. Everything in place, a nice hearth
and two adorable dogs napping near the entrance, but perhaps not quite cozy or
unique. I thought the wine was quite good though!<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><b><span style="color: black; font-family: "georgia";"><a href="https://www.izway.com.au/" style="color: blue;">Izway Wines</a></span></b><span style="color: black; font-family: "georgia";"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: black; font-family: "georgia";"><span style="font-size: small;">This is my type of winery. Small, cozy
and uniquely decorated like an upscale hunting lodge. And the wine was
delicious. Definitely my favourite stop of the day.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><b><span style="color: black; font-family: "georgia";"><a href="http://kaesler.com.au/" style="color: blue;">Kaesler Wines</a></span></b><span style="color: black; font-family: "georgia";"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: black; font-family: "georgia";"><span style="font-size: small;">What a beautiful outdoor area for a quick
lunch and wine tasting. It felt like an old, brick Italian villa with
flowers and sunshine all around you. I soaked up the wine about as fast
as I soaked up the sun. Mmm.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><b><span style="color: black; font-family: "georgia";"><a href="https://www.yalumba.com/" style="color: blue;">Yalumba</a></span></b><span style="color: black; font-family: "georgia";"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: black; font-family: "georgia";"><span style="font-size: small;">Australia's oldest family winery; you can feel
the history here. It's a huge, sprawling property that feels resort-like
yet comfortable. It felt like a family estate. The wine and the
cheese/meat board were yum!<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: black; font-family: "georgia";"><span style="font-size: small;">Our lovely friend returned us to the train
station so my friend could head to the airport and I could crash in Adelaide
before leaving the next day.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: black; font-family: "georgia";"><span style="font-size: small;">Overall, South Australia was a lovely
holiday. I wish I'd had more time to spend here. I would definitely
come back!</span></span></div>
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-375504522951411877.post-45355135162621457622018-01-29T04:38:00.000-08:002018-02-05T01:40:06.879-08:00The Great Expedition - Roadtrip from Perth to Exmouth, Western Australia<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;">March is approaching, and with it, the start of whale shark season in Western Australia.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>So, what better time to post about my experience road-tripping from Perth to Exmouth in late February of last year (yes, I am behind!)</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;"><br />My yoga instructor just asked me the other day whether it was worth it.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>Well I arrived in Perth at midnight on a Sunday and left Perth at 11pm the next Friday (red eye flight back to Sydney).<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>So in 4.5 days, my mate and I drove a campervan 3,120 km or 1938 miles.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>It was an amazing experience but very gruelling.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>It was cool to do it once, but I’d say if you have the money it might be worth it to fly to Exmouth or take longer to truly enjoy everything along the way (minimum two weeks). From my experience most of the good stuff was closer to Coral Bay and Exmouth but again I had to hit the highlights with only five days. <span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;">Know before you go</span></b></div>
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<li><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;">If you get a park pass at the van rental place it’s $65 but only $44 if you get it at the first park that is part of the pass. It’s a good deal if you are going to 4+ parks and don't want to deal with paying cash at each park, but otherwise probably not worth it.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;">Advanced notice, Optus gets ZERO reception in Western Australia so better have Telstra or be really onboard with spending every waking moment talking with your travel partner or sitting in silence.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>Same goes for the radio.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;">If you EVER see a gas station that is open, stop and top up the tank no matter how close you are to full.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>We almost ran out of gas TWICE on the trip due to road closures where we had to turn back or gas stations that were out of gas.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>Yes, literally OUT OF GAS.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;">Camper van rental companies will not insure you driving on “unsealed roads” (aka unpaved roads).<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>Unfortunately a lot of the cool stuff is on dirt or gravel roads over the main streets.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;">We spent over $650 AUD in fuel across 4.5 days.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>Like I said.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>A lot of driving.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>That’s your return ticket from Perth to Exmouth so you aren’t <i>really</i> saving money driving.</span></li>
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<b><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;">Packing List</span></b></div>
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<li><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;">Binoculars</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;">Snorkel<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;">Swimsuit</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;">Long sleeve, light weight outfit for nighttime (lots of bugs)</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;">Thongs for camping bathroom</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;">Two swimsuits so one can dry while you wear the other</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;">Good shoes for hiking up stuff<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;">Underwater camera - would be good to have a nice one to catch great shots of whale shark (my shitty one didn’t do it justice)</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;">Aqua shoes since some of the ocean beaches can be quite rocky</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;">Beach towel</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;">Bath towel</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;">Sunscreen</span></li>
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<b><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;">The Menu</span></b></div>
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<li><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;">Single Fin Pale Ale from Gage Roads is not only indigenous to WA but the best fucking beer in Australia.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>Nothing goes better with a sandwich eaten on the beach than a Single Fin.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;">Red wine (not a lot of fridge space)</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;">Plums, apples and whatever fruit you like to go with Greek yogurt for breakfast - just makes you feel light and fresh in the morning after a cramped campervan sleep</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;">Meat, cheese, lettuce, tomato and whatever else you like on sandwiches for lunch - easy to make in a small camper and require few utensils so less washing!</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;">Hamburger meat, chilis, tomato sauce, buns and whatever else you like with your hamburgers for dinner - a hearty, meaty meal is perfect after a long travel day and the hot food goes down a treat</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;">Pasta with your choice of sauce for the other dinners (when you get tired of hamburgers)</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;">Snacks for the drive - you cannot buy enough of these because you are in the car ALOT.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>Chips, hummus, crackers, lollies, chocolate, anything easy to eat while driving.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;">Total we spent about $200 AUD on food across 4.5 days which is pretty damn good for two people!</span></li>
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<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;"><b>The Itinerary</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;"><b>Sunday - 26 Feb 2017</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;">We cheated a little because my mate was already in Perth and picked up the camper van and stocked it with food (and booze of course) before I arrived so we were able to hit the road and make some progress before 2-3am when we finally pulled over to sleep near Lancelin at the Nilgen Nature Reserve (warning no toilets!) We rented from <b><a href="https://www.letsgomotorhomes.com.au/"><span style="color: blue;">LetsGo</span></a> </b>for the camper and it was the perfect size for two! </span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;">Monday - 27 Feb 2017</span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;">We woke up bright and early, had our yogurt and plums brekkie and headed to our first tourist stop - The Pinnacles (2 hrs from Lancelin). Can’t say I was that impressed unfortunately.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>It’s a bunch of rocks.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>Not even worth the entry fee.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>There are way cooler rocks in Colorado, Utah and other western states in USA.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>Unless you love rocks, I’d pass.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;">We stopped in Jurien and Leeman for fuel and liquor and then again in Geraldton to stretch our legs before the turnoff to Kalbarri National Park. I was super excited about Kalbarri. I’d heard amazing things about the hikes, rock formations and views of the sea. We decided to stop in Grandstand which provided beautiful ocean views for our sandwich and Single Fin lunch.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;">We were in fine spirits as we approached the turn-off to the entrance to Kalbarri, only to find out the park was closed.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>SO UPSET.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>And we’d driven 2 hours out of our way AND the road heading north was closed as well so we had to backtrack the 2 hours back to Geraldton.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>What a waste of a day.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;">Not only that but we’d made our first, almost fatal, mistake of the trip - we didn’t stop for petrol in Geraldton because we thought we had enough to make it the 30 minute drive to the BP Station in Northampton.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>Unfortunately, we passed the closed BP realising it was 2 hours to the next petrol station.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>We rolled into Billabong Roadhouse just in time.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>We swore we wouldn’t make that mistake again!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;">From there, it was another 2 hours to the Shark Bay Caravan Park in Denham.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>We were exhausted after 10 hours in the car and maybe only 2 hours doing anything!<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>But at least between the turn-off from National Route 1 (main highway) to Shark Bay, we saw at least 10 kangaroos.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>So cool!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;"><br />Shark bay Caravan Park was certainly an upgrade from our pullout off the road the night before - hot showers, toilet paper, hand soap, water and electric.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>We topped up on everything and crashed pasta with tomato sauce and grilled chicken breast.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>The main office is only open 8am-6pm so just take a spot if closed and pay in the morning.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;"><b>Tuesday</b> <b>- 28 Feb 2017</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;">We woke up SUPER early to zoom 30 minutes across land to Monkey Mia to feed the dolphins (can only do between 7:30am-12pm).<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>The earlier the better before the crowds show up.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>If you’ve seen dolphins before this will be another buzzkill… only a couple people are chosen who actually get to feed the dolphins, everyone else has to watch from shore.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>And of course, they pick the little kids.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>It was a waste of $12/person (not included in the park pass we’d purchased!) But at least there was amazing coffee at the resort restaurant next to the feeding spot.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;">Another tip!<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>Monkey Mia is famous for the dolphins, but also for the northern tip of the peninsula.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>Unfortunately you need a boat or 4WD vehicle to see a lot of it because it’s off the beaten path.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>With our tight schedule and top heavy camper van with thin tires, there was no chance.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>Yet another bummer…</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;">At least we found a beautiful spot, Little Lagoon, for bacon, cheese and egg breakfast rolls and a swim.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>Wish I’d had a snorkel so I could swim around and see some of the fish in the salt water.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;">We took the turnoff fo the “scenic route” back to Denham.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>You come in on the ocean side which has nice views and can you can stop at the estuary that leads from Little Lagoon to the ocean. <span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;">Because we were so depressed with our luck thus far on the trip, we decide to just stop and whatever looked interesting on our way back to the National highway.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>Next stop was Eagle Bluff (warning 4km on unsealed roads but we decided to risk it).<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>WOW what a view!<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>According to the sign you can see sharks, stingrays, dugongs, turtles, and more.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>We only saw one ray. The boardwalk is up on the bluff so bring binoculars!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;">There was another amazing bit of beach between Eagle Bluff and Goulet Bluff that I didn’t see a name.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>Shell Beach was also worth a stop.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>It’s very shallow and pristine white due to millions of shells ground into a fine sand.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>We saw really cool rays but they swam away too quickly for me to get a pic.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfrxOuioYPJgNoXuuuGhX1TgUxyvy4bJXtrwlosle-igVpH29OhEA90QtrqycR-RsDgLAjDTZHL7e2HlAC_Ou6BbP2M08EXU4Il265QaAhY46Tzmemo-WHoKAkmb3yDAP5dKVO6vadpijW/s1600/19055332_10155332958668476_3210302106414624144_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfrxOuioYPJgNoXuuuGhX1TgUxyvy4bJXtrwlosle-igVpH29OhEA90QtrqycR-RsDgLAjDTZHL7e2HlAC_Ou6BbP2M08EXU4Il265QaAhY46Tzmemo-WHoKAkmb3yDAP5dKVO6vadpijW/s400/19055332_10155332958668476_3210302106414624144_o.jpg" width="400" /></span></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzdIpIYRBiOQ6tqoPGcS_sVmdGxbtx3qeTnbAuvMCqigXoSilnZmYCNiWv9pDR7v-vKC98fKBKWjNXo8vYKit2zm1X6YCvDUeqPDu4jeb_vtKHzKIukDhu6Lu7NeEkEqWPYWVRpFsTwNNA/s1600/27164901_10155990198618476_8214894923439237228_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><img border="0" data-original-height="899" data-original-width="1600" height="223" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzdIpIYRBiOQ6tqoPGcS_sVmdGxbtx3qeTnbAuvMCqigXoSilnZmYCNiWv9pDR7v-vKC98fKBKWjNXo8vYKit2zm1X6YCvDUeqPDu4jeb_vtKHzKIukDhu6Lu7NeEkEqWPYWVRpFsTwNNA/s400/27164901_10155990198618476_8214894923439237228_o.jpg" width="400" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;">Last stop before the main road was Hamelin Pool which was swarming with bugs and very hot.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>Took a quick look and pic and then ran back to the car.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhc-tUnJIxNQZK4xp25B8B8AcqzoMOYuFOfj49P-Lj8yOUkKZW1_cAFfVItgfJUjtNwUojAYL8qsV35i0FqoWqjZZqDoZF4T9-RLEuG1QfeYIVMDKMtYfZsBVIrmb3miB1qEbt-IB7Qx256/s1600/27355596_10155990202718476_5460923862961136472_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhc-tUnJIxNQZK4xp25B8B8AcqzoMOYuFOfj49P-Lj8yOUkKZW1_cAFfVItgfJUjtNwUojAYL8qsV35i0FqoWqjZZqDoZF4T9-RLEuG1QfeYIVMDKMtYfZsBVIrmb3miB1qEbt-IB7Qx256/s400/27355596_10155990202718476_5460923862961136472_o.jpg" width="400" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;">Once again we were idiots and rather than topping up in Denham (1.5 hours behind us) we arrived at the BP station just north of the turnoff onto National Route 1 only to find them open, but completely out of gas.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>FUCK.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>Once again we barely made it to the next roadhouse in Woomarel 30 minutes later.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>But once again we at least got to see wild emu and more kangaroos on the way!<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>So cool how much wildlife is just hanging out of the main highway.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>You don’t get that in Sydney!</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2WCePYCM-_PGJmNC03uIkGrrBgGyfgasHG1PuGxWeaNiB4b-hbpzbHG9niNPuecyJFZvyeItSO51OcPCPOnoMtS8QxVsVqITPJsb3XkdPXEEgbjK7S3QEutltiOgnniMAauPyMaS4FRlP/s1600/19055553_10155332937553476_7636148638368102083_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2WCePYCM-_PGJmNC03uIkGrrBgGyfgasHG1PuGxWeaNiB4b-hbpzbHG9niNPuecyJFZvyeItSO51OcPCPOnoMtS8QxVsVqITPJsb3XkdPXEEgbjK7S3QEutltiOgnniMAauPyMaS4FRlP/s400/19055553_10155332937553476_7636148638368102083_o.jpg" width="400" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;">We stopped in Carnarvon looking for a coffee but everything was closed so we decided to drive out to Pelican Point and enjoy a famous WA sunset.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>The last two nights we’d totally missed a beach sunset because we were so focused on driving.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>We watched kite surfers while we ate a delicious dinner of red wine with burgers topped in jalapeño, red onion, green pepper, chipotle mayo and lettuce on soft roll buns.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>Best meal of the trip!<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>And the sunset was a perfect back drop.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>So worth it.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>Gotta remember to stop and smell the sea scents on this trip!</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnjTl5n-yVaZvlSX9IvQEshy5eUmufLGYpNE_WWMg_WngIQ8qcc6F6gUUSVVQSwJ9qe6koqncGWGmBBZdj5t6MaKHsL4L-cOG4jr5w7VZBn_x3sI5OayjKBoALxUXzAO8IQFNtQ1JJpK61/s1600/19055489_10155332932078476_4844920540559553445_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><img border="0" data-original-height="918" data-original-width="1224" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnjTl5n-yVaZvlSX9IvQEshy5eUmufLGYpNE_WWMg_WngIQ8qcc6F6gUUSVVQSwJ9qe6koqncGWGmBBZdj5t6MaKHsL4L-cOG4jr5w7VZBn_x3sI5OayjKBoALxUXzAO8IQFNtQ1JJpK61/s400/19055489_10155332932078476_4844920540559553445_o.jpg" width="400" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;">We rolled into Coral Bay after 8pm worried nowhere will let us in.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>Bayview Caravan Park didn’t have a entry barrier so we took a leap of faith and hoped we could pay later.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>It was VERY buggy that night but otherwise it’s a great setup and nice facilities.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>We passed out hard after another long day of 7 hours of driving.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>But at least we did get to see some beautiful beaches and wildlife today!</span></div>
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<b>Wednesday</b> <b>- 1 March 2017</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;">We woke up early (I don’t think I’ve woken up this early this many days in a row in my life) and I made a “scrambled egg bowl” aka a mixture of all the odds and ends we had left - sandwich ham, cheese, tomato, green pepper and egg.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>Turned out to be the best breakfast we had!</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLmBL3kQ50VU1JMzb3AgjPIDcuXqREvDn8nndH3PkFrI9cWwoAlP0hrAGuUfFDL75t1ShY9GX26jnjZWhlC7BRymuTHYekxOzVDc9JO8-eLBy75xNuzf9Ldij3Mp2VR1kODQ_8gZQCCxac/s1600/19023258_10155332934013476_5877894457417324478_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLmBL3kQ50VU1JMzb3AgjPIDcuXqREvDn8nndH3PkFrI9cWwoAlP0hrAGuUfFDL75t1ShY9GX26jnjZWhlC7BRymuTHYekxOzVDc9JO8-eLBy75xNuzf9Ldij3Mp2VR1kODQ_8gZQCCxac/s400/19023258_10155332934013476_5877894457417324478_o.jpg" width="400" /></span></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZKwDcUD4aKH7O3r8MaAWYAkAV5udFd_iNTkUqYQNpBXckP8NdUQu3V5OpSZPyIGV7yaZqo8swHSpzME7-77MLdKaKFHml8ajPb2blfeds7_4z453nr2Aagl2WBh2FV6ohO7h2NfXNlR27/s1600/18952888_10155332934323476_9076258362960533310_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="720" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZKwDcUD4aKH7O3r8MaAWYAkAV5udFd_iNTkUqYQNpBXckP8NdUQu3V5OpSZPyIGV7yaZqo8swHSpzME7-77MLdKaKFHml8ajPb2blfeds7_4z453nr2Aagl2WBh2FV6ohO7h2NfXNlR27/s320/18952888_10155332934323476_9076258362960533310_n.jpg" width="240" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;">When we went into pay at the campsite office, we overheard the office manager talking to one of the camp staff.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>We couldn’t believe our ears!<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>Apparently whale sharks had been sighted off the coast… weeks early!<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>They don’t usually start appearing until mid March and here it was still February.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>We excitedly asked her if this meant we could swim with them and she said to check wth the local dive shop, <span style="color: blue;"><b><a href="http://www.ningalooreefdive.com/" style="color: blue;">Ningaloo Reef Dive and Snorkel</a></b>.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;">We raced down the street and excitedly learned that as soon as they sight the sharks, “whale shark season” officially starts!<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>We excitedly booked two spots on the boat for the next day.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>I also learned that the reason I’d always struggled with snorkelling masks is because I was wearing it too tight.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>The dive shop guy showed me how to properly tighten and man it was so much better.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>I was so excited I bought the mask (not just an impulse buy; I have a very small face which was also part of the problem!) We returned to the campsite and paid $41 for two nights (off season price).<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>Note: during whale shark season you should DEFINITELY book Coral Bay accomodation in advance as it fills up very quickly (not a big town).</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;">The next day was really our last full day and we had to get most of the way back to Perth, so we realised if we didn’t drive up to Exmouth we’d have to skip it completely.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>Seeing as how we’d already driven 17 hours, another 1.5 hrs up to Exmouth seemed like no problem.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;">Exmouth itself is a pretty boring little town; the real action is along the coast northwest from Exmouth.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>We stopped at Turquoise Bay to snorkel and nap.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>It’s really good snorkeling.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>Not too deep and sheltered from the ocean so you feel pretty comfortable and a safe.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>I’m very scared of the ocean and it didn’t scare me (too much).<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>I saw another ray, tons of fish and lots of amazing coral.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>The current is really easy around Bay Loop and then if you are a more advanced swimmer you can do the Drift Loop - just take care either way to avoid the center which will carry you out to sea!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;">Feeling very refreshed, we decided to push ourselves a little bit farther and check out Yardie Creek Gorge in Cape Range National Park.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>It’s very beautiful not might not be worth the 45 minutes each way from Exmouth.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>Very easy hike in terms of incline but is some rough terrain so it’s good to have sturdy shoes.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>If you are remotely athletic you’ll be fine.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>It was HOT.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>On the way back to the car we saw a really cool, GIANT lizard and then tons of kangaroos on our way back towards Exmouth.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;">We stopped along the way at Jabari Turtle Centre because apparently between Oct and Jan the turtles come onto the beach to nest.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>We thought <i>maybe </i>they might be late this year (I mean the whale sharks were early?!?) but unfortunately no luck.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>We did catch another incredible sunset though.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>We sped back to Coral Bay to pass out so we’d be well rested for our big day the next day.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;"><b>Thursday</b> <b>- 2 March 2017</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;">We were up early for the 7:20am start (no chance we were going to be late and miss this!) Note: You need to bring your own towel, hat, sunscreen, swimwear and jacket (it can get cold).<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>They provide snorkel, flippers, wetsuit, water, tea, coffee, and lunch.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>Obviously I brought my own fancy new snorkel!<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>It cost $380 for one adult ticket plus $80 for the snorkel/mask.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>We started off with snorkelling an amazing reef in about 4-5 meters of water while we waited for the plane overhead to sight a shark.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;">It didn’t take long before they found one.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>Lucky us!<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>Basically the way it works is there’s about 30 people to boat. They separate you into groups of ten.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>The dive shop we bought tickets from has their own plane which circles over the ocean to sight the whale shark.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>They call in the coordinates to the boat and we then chase down the shark.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>The boat will pull directly ahead of the whale shark and then the first 10 people jump off the back of the boat.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>As soon as you sight the whale shark coming towards you, you split to the left or right and then swim as fast as you can to keep up with the shark.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>You do have to be careful to stay at least 4 meters away (laws) which you’d want to do anyway because if you get too close you disturb them and they’ll dive down too deep for you to follow (and you’re the asshole).<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>I’m terrified of the ocean and was shocked to find I was so at ease with the whale sharks.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>They seem so calm and gentle.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>Definitely one of the best things I’ve ever done.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxImgAyNRwfLQ_pPtv0sq9PNh2N6GZE3HmRHgQ0S11p4hVdg1edhhzjAhxe3rEwl3V4Uk-aWvRMpGOGxH-GHJFQLSPto7KXFeOuJEHSXgIdEx4GQdfylBXLyFc4c8_Nhde46CAcVpUwHWS/s1600/18954684_10155332957908476_684231729682426535_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxImgAyNRwfLQ_pPtv0sq9PNh2N6GZE3HmRHgQ0S11p4hVdg1edhhzjAhxe3rEwl3V4Uk-aWvRMpGOGxH-GHJFQLSPto7KXFeOuJEHSXgIdEx4GQdfylBXLyFc4c8_Nhde46CAcVpUwHWS/s400/18954684_10155332957908476_684231729682426535_o.jpg" width="400" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiM0vUsxkcN-6peVLRdKn0lGHYfWarkBmLYXsByoBsdpI2rTVPJ066OD3PxQvxFQKSYTwSxX8d9hdOw8G6ukhiv2oi4MNrk14gzqfZslguO-ld0LcqCBdgoYwRlF-S2S9V0OSr-vRGPhytJ/s1600/19023363_10155332938888476_1679883905022992199_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiM0vUsxkcN-6peVLRdKn0lGHYfWarkBmLYXsByoBsdpI2rTVPJ066OD3PxQvxFQKSYTwSxX8d9hdOw8G6ukhiv2oi4MNrk14gzqfZslguO-ld0LcqCBdgoYwRlF-S2S9V0OSr-vRGPhytJ/s400/19023363_10155332938888476_1679883905022992199_o.jpg" width="400" /></a></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;">Whale shark “season” happens because they come into the shallows to eat the plankton near the surface.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>Man is it a sight!<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>They are HUGE.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>They also have a unique pattern of spots on their side.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>If you take a photo and submit to whale<a href="http://whaleshark.org/" style="color: blue;"><span class="s2">whaleshark.org</span></a> and it’s a new whale shark you get to name it!<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>We ended up seeing two sharks; one was about 6 meters long.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>Just wish I had a better camera so I could’ve gotten better pictures.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>Definitely worth the $50 to have the dive photographer take photos of you (most of these photos are his!).<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>If you tell him in advance he’ll make sure to come around and find you. Allows you to spend time taking it in rather than worrying about the perfect shot.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;">The second whale shark must have known it was lunch time so he dived down into the depths leaving us to climb back aboard for a huge spread of meats, cheeses, etc.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>Charlie, the boat dog, is a 100% purebred dingo.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>Apparently they kill cross breeds because they are too dangerous. I also learned that they are their own species; they aren’t actually related to dogs or wolves or any canines.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>I had no idea.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>Charlie was very friendly although you needed to approach slowly.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>One of the little boys came at him too fast which resulted in a snarl and some tears.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>Eek.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;">After lunch was a second snorkel, this time in much deeper water among these thin, vertical “bookcases” of limestone reefs.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>I was a little more nervous snorkelling around here but the time with the whale shark had strengthened my resolve.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>Even saw my first wild sea turtle (and thankfully no other types of sharks).</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;">A trick for booking your whale shark adventure in Western Australia.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>Exmouth is the most famous area but actually not the best area.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>If you can swing it, it’s actually better to book your experience in Coral Bay instead.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>Australian law dictates that humans can only spend one hour with each whale shark.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>So if you do the math, that’s 3 groups of 10 people per boat rotating in to see the shark times X number of boats.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>You can see how quickly, during the busy season, you might end up spending very little time with the shark.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>The trick?<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>Coral Bay only has three boats licensed for whale shark dives, while Exmouth as 14.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>So even during busy season, you’ll get to spend way more time with the sharks in Coral.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>Ningaloo Marine Park is the whole ocean area from Coral Bay to Exmouth.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>And then because we were technically before “official” whale shark season, we were the only boat out there, giving each group 4 chances to snorkel with the sharks (because we saw two).</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;">We finished at 1:30; they’ll go until 5pm if still looking for sharks because they have their own plane.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;">We snuck into the Bayview showers to rinse off before jumping in the camper and driving like crazy people back to Perth.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>We had a lot of ground to cover.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>We stopped at Miliya Roadhouse for coffee and to stretch our legs. <span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>They had hilarious T-shirts and it was the cheapest fuel on the trip.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>The goal was to make it to Knobby or Cliff Head near Port Denison but we were too exhausted so we stopped at Gull Roadhouse for another burger dinner.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>They had soft serve ice cream with sprinkles! OMG!<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>It was kind of gross and loud (truck stop) so instead of sleeping there we decided to drive a bit farther to Flat Rock Beach just south of Geraldton.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>It was an 8 hour drive plus the dinner stop so we missed another sunset!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;"><b>Friday</b> <b>- 3 March 2017</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;">For some reason I woke up SUPER early and felt the need to soak up my last morning in WA before our evening flight back to Sydney.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>I lucked out and was up just in time to watch the sunrise over the beach while I waited for my mate to wake. up.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>WOW. <span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>We cooked up the remains of the fridge, a fruit yogurt bowl and some crispy bacon before driving the final leg back to Perth to drop the car.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>We spent some time wandering around Perth before our red eye flight but I’ll share my travel tips on Perth another time (you’ll just have to keep tuning in).</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;"><b>In summary</b>, it was an incredible trip.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>I wish I’d had more time to make the journey, but even still it was worth it.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>While gruelling, the land you drive across is so wild.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>We’d go hours without seeing another car, human or building…or gas station (teehee).<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>You really feel like an explorer traveling uncharted territory.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>We certainly had our share of unlucky misses (Kalbarri, the better parts of Shark Bay, etc) but the surprise early arrival and snorkelling with the whale sharks made it all worth it.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>It was one of the Top Five coolest animal interactions of my life (others include tigers in Thailand, safari in South Africa, etc).<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>If you’ve only got a week I’d fly but if you have two weeks minimum to spend some real time doing the drive, you should give it a go!</span></div>
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-375504522951411877.post-22272160295978759652017-12-10T15:49:00.005-08:002017-12-10T15:50:35.039-08:00Fraser Island - Make like Han Solo and Adventure<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<b><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">February 10-11, 2017</span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">With summer upon us here in Australia, I thought it was timely for me to dust off the travelogues from the past year and get back to blogging at the perfect time for some of you planning your summer holidays.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">First up, Fraser Island.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>Please read this post in detail as the #1 advice I can give on Fraser Island is know what you are signing up for and you will have a <i>much</i> nicer time.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>Learn from my mistakes.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">IMPORTANT NOTE - if you are not a fan of heat and sand and bugs and very bumpy road conditions, you need not read further.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>If you are looking for a relaxing vacation, look up “Hamilton Island” or “Byron Bay.”<span class="Apple-converted-space"> At </span>Fraser Island, even the “lux” version is a little like Indiana Jones.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Now that we’ve established you need some sense of adventure to survive, you have a couple options.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>In general, I’d say you need minimum 3 days/2 nights and max 4 days/3 nights unless you are with a large group and not looking to sightsee the whole time.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>If you only have 1 day, I wouldn’t bother because you will feel rushed the whole time.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>You could do a single night on the island but for reasons below I would avoid. As I see it, you are looking at 2-4 night adventure with a couple of options based on how much you want to “dial up” the adventure. <span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">“I’m on holidays and don’t want much adventure”</span></b><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Stay at Kingfisher resort and do guided day tours. </span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Recommended for families, couples who want some privacy and first timers who like to relax/have everything taken care of.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><u>Pros</u> - Relax in a real bed, use a flush toilet, eat food prepared for you and drink to your heart’s content both at the resort and on the day tour.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>No worries about getting lost or what happens when you get stuck up to your axles in sand, because you have a guide to deal with it.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>You are also likely to see almost all the main attractions and you can drink if it suits you.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><u>Cons</u> - The interesting stuff is on the opposite side of the island from Kingfisher (not walkable - minimum 20/30 min drive one way) and since you need to return to the resort each night you are doing a lot of unnecessary back and forth and you are at the beck and call of the tour so if you want to stay longer somewhere “too bad.” I also feel like there are plenty of places to "do a tour." Go to Fraser Island because you want a little adventure (see Hamilton Island).</span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">“I’m on holidays but I want a <i>little</i> adventure”</span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">For this you have two options:</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">A) Stay at Kingfisher but rent your own four wheel drive vehicle</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Recommended for those who have driven in sand before and those that like luxury and flexibility.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><u>Pros</u> - All the pros of Kingfisher + flexibility of touring the island on your own time and staying longer where you like.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><u>Cons</u> - All the cons of Kingfisher + if it’s your first time to Fraser or four-wheel driving in soft sand, you do have a pretty high chance of getting lost or getting stuck in sand and <span class="s1">you</span> have to deal with it (read below for my experience). Depends how you handle <u>very</u> frustrating situations.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">B) Overnight camping tour</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Recommended for solo travellers, anyone looking to meet people and first time campers/visitors to Fraser. <span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><u>Pros</u> - Camp close to the places of interest (no back and forth to Kingfisher) and have camp more or less set up for you (someone providing and pitching the tent, etc).<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>You get taken to the coolest points of interest, you can try out driving on sand (which IS fun) or ride shotgun and drink if you prefer. All while making new friends and not worrying about getting lost or stuck because your guide does this every weekend.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><u>Cons</u> - You are at the beck and call of the tour and could be stuck the whole time with an awful group (can’t avoid them).<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>Also even though it’s a guided tour, it’s still pretty non-lux camping.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>Be ready for beach campsites without showers and flush toilets and depending on the time of year there are a lot of bugs.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b></b><br /></span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">“F-ck it. Adventure here I come!”</span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Make like “Han Solo,” rent a four wheel vehicle, camp and tour the island on your own. <span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Recommended for anyone who likes flexibility, privacy and adventure. Probably best if you've "done" Fraser or done four-wheel driving before.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b></b><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><u>Pros</u> - Flexibility of touring the island on your own time, staying in whatever campsite you want* (some require advance booking) and staying longer where you like.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>Highly efficient to see all the sites in a shorter amount of time.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>Don’t have to deal with anyone outside of your own group. <span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b></b><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><u>Cons</u> - Requires the most pre-planning as you need to rent a truck on the mainland, take the car ferry, stock food and water for yourself, bring/set up your own campsite, etc.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>Fairly unlikely to meet anyone as people tend to stick to their groups although we made some.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>You also need a designated driver for obvious reasons.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> Also you are</span> likely to get stuck or lost if it’s your first time and need to sort yourself (see my story below) and as mentioned above beach campsites are pretty wild.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b></b><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b>Lastly… time of year.</b><span class="Apple-converted-space"><b> </b> </span>December through January are easily the high season with most students on holidays and adults off for Christmas, Boxing Day, NY, etc.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>I actually recommend going when I did in mid-February.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>The craze of summer tourists has passed and the weather is still warm enough for swimming but not too hot.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>You can’t swim in the <u>ocean</u> because of sharks and tides so better to go when it’s a little cooler anyway.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b></b><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b>Hopefully the above gives you most everything you need to know when choosing </b><span class="s1"><b>your</b></span><b> Fraser Island adventure (or another vacation).<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>If you still think you want to venture to Fraser here is my first-hand account with some tips on getting there, what to bring and more. <span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b></b><br /></span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">I did it “Han Solo.”</span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">GETTING THERE</span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">We flew out on a Friday morning from Sydney to Hervey Bay arriving at 11:05am. It was</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">10 minutes to Fraser Magic office to pick up the car (don’t forget to drop a Google Maps pin - we almost forgot how to get back to their offices!)</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b></b><br /></span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">THE VEHICLE</span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b></b><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">You’ll need to rent a four wheel drive vehicle; we chose Fraser Magic.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>If you are a young, blonde American female like myself, you probably won’t earn a lot of credibility from the rental guy.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>He didn’t take us seriously at all. He took us through all this information about what to do and not to do and you felt awkward asking questions.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>Since you may end up feeling this way here are the four things to remember when it comes to driving. In general though (as you'll see throughout this post, DON'T rent from Fraser Magic).</span><br />
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<li><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b>Pedal to the Metal </b>- You <i>think</i> you want to be timid because you might crash.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>Highly unlikely.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>To get through sand, you need far more gas than you do on concrete so put the pedal to the metal.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>Honestly, like 25-30 km.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>You can drive on the beach in high range and get up to 80 km just make sure to shift back to low range before going inland (and before returning the vehicle).</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b>Steer <i>Less</i></b> - Yes, that sounds crazy, but because the tires of so many trucks create deep grooves in the sand, if you keep a light hand on the steering wheel the car will find its own way.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>It’s when you try to tell it where to go that you’ll get stuck <i>and</i> are more likely to crash.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b>Get in Gear</b> - We were told to stick to 3rd gear when driving in sand and 4th gear (“drive”) on the wet sand along the ocean.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>Not true. Definitely stick to 1st or 2nd gear on the inner roads.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>Just remember to return the car in "drive" as they require or you’ll get fined.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b>Towing</b> - They tell you that if you get towed by anyone else on the island besides the "official" tow company you aren’t covered by insurance.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> This <i>is</i> true. And if you feel like sleeping in the car after getting stuck and wasting your holiday waiting for the <u>ONE</u> tow truck on the island to get to you...go for it. </span>I’m sorry but there are plenty of Aussies on the island who have been driving the island for years.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>Up to you to “take the risk” if you get stuck. We got towed "unofficially" and it was so worth it.</span></li>
</ol>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">THE GEAR</span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">You can rent gear a part of the vehicle rental - two sleeping bags and a tent.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>It also came with a gas stove top, plates, cutlery, cooking oil, dishwashing soap, two rolls of TP, salt and pepper and matches/lighter so you don't need to buy those things (although if you go with a different outfit than Fraser Magic obviously call and check what's included). <span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">I recommend you bring:</span></div>
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<li><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">A few sets of singlets, shorts, swimmers - it’s VERY casual<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Shower towel (couple days and you are feeling gross) + beach towel</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Thongs</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Trainers (there are some cool hikes - I cut up my foot in thongs)</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Warm outfit for nighttime, just in case</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Hat with a wide brim</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Portable speaker - if you’ve got a small one it’s nice for lying on the beach.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>Even better if it’s water resistant for floating down Eli Creek</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">AUX cable - depending on the rental you can listen to music and you do a lot of driving so it's well worth it. Again portable speaker solves this problem too.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">External charger - nowhere to charge at night so if you need to top-up bring it with you</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Hand sanitiser - lots of peeing behind trees on this trip...</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Bug spray - and lots of it!</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Mini first aid - lots of camping admin - always good to have some bandaids on hand!</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Sunscreen </span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Eye drops for contacts - it gets dusty out there!</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Face wash - again not a lot of showering so makes you feel clean</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Shampoo and conditioner - for when you stay somewhere with a shower</span></li>
</ul>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">You will also want lilos or floaties for the river float but you can buy those on the island from the General Store near Kingfisher Lodge for $10 each (not in the actual lodge itself) so don't bother bringing.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<b><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">THE MENU</span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">It is VERY expensive to buy food and drink on the island so bring as much as possible with you.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>Better to be naked or stinky than hungry I always say so food over clothes!<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>Here’s my shopping list for 1 girl + 1 guy.</span></div>
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<li><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">1 lb ground beef</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">1 bag of apples</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">1 bag of rolls</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">1 pack of sliced tasty cheese (two packets inside)</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">2 bags of salad lettuce</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Pack of turkey meat</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Pack of chicken slices</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Mayo</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">1 onion</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">2 peppers - pick based on your heat tolerance </span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Greek yogurt</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Plums</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Honey<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">24 pack of Pure Blonde (read “beer”)</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">2 bottles of red wine</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">2 bags of ice (we bought one later)</span></li>
</ul>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">With two nights, two days, we made:</span></div>
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<ul style="text-align: left;">
<li><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Brekkie - yogurt with fruit and honey - when you’ve been camping there is nothing like fresh fruit to start your day off nicely</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Lunch - turkey/chicken/salami sandwiches</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Dinner - hamburgers</span></li>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">There’s a Woolies near Fraser Magic. Just give yourself a full <u>hour</u> to buy food and alcohol if you <u>already know</u> what you want; you don't want to miss the ferry because there isn't another one. You really just need to buy ice on the island.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">GETTING TO FRASER</span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Car ferry tickets are part of the vehicle rental as well. It’s a 15 minute drive to Rivers Head Barge to board the car ferry to Fraser.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>You’ll want to go to ferry office and make sure to get your return ticket and then make sure you get the return half of the ticket back from the guy on the barge.</span><br />
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<b><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">TOP THINGS TO SEE ON FRASER</span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">And now to my story...</span><br />
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<b><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Day One</span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Long story short, within 20 minutes of being on the island, we got hopelessly stuck, up to our front and back axles in soft sand, trying to cross the island to the west coast (where everything is).<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>After 2-3 hours of trying to shovel our way out, it was getting dark and another car came by.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>I left my travel buddy at our car and jumped in with this French couple to head to the beach to call for help (no cell signal on the inner areas of the island).<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></span>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">After almost an hour of driving we reached the beach, where I called Fraser Magic for help.</span><span class="Apple-converted-space" style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"> </span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">I was basically laughed at, told to shovel (I explained we were past that) and then told to spend the night in the car as the tow couldn’t come until morning.</span><span class="Apple-converted-space" style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"> </span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Keep in mind, I’m an hour DRIVING from my car and partner, the couple who’d given me a ride sure as hell weren’t going to drive me back, and if you’ve heard ANYTHING about Fraser Island it’s riddled with dingoes happy to reenact a scene from </span><i style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">The Ghost and the Darkness</i><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">.</span>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Lucky for me, Tony, the Tour Guide, happened to drive by in his yute, headed back to his campers.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>He literally saved me from sleeping alone with the dingoes and took me back to find my travel partner and car.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>Towed us out and invited us back to his camp of 35 eighteen-year-old backpackers who were VERY drunk by the time we arrived. </span>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">It was also my travel partner’s birthday and he’s never been camping.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>I got paid out hard by the campers:<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>"He has never been camping and you brought him here? Threw em into the deep end didn't ya!"</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">After dancing to “Big Booty Bitches,” pitching our tent, downing some well-earned beers and catching an incredible sunset, we passed out.</span><br />
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<b><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Day Two</span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">You can’t go onto the beach until 10am because the sand is too soft for your tires and you’ll get stuck (again) so we hiked up to Lake Wobby.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>It’s quite uphill and a bit rocky so make sure to wear thongs at minimum (sand is VERY hot) and bring a lot of water.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">The lake was such a nice retreat after sleeping in the dried sweat of 3 hours shovelling.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>REMINDER:<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>YOU CANNOT SWIM IN THE OCEAN HERE and the beach camps don't have showers.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>So be ready to dirty and smelly or find nice lakes and rivers for a swim.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></span>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Interesting facts about Lake Wobby:</span></div>
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<li class="li1"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Due to the massive sandhill above it that is slowly drifting with the wind, the lake will be gone in 20 years. <span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></span></li>
<li class="li1"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">It’s at the base of a HUGE hill and I’m glad I came with Tour Guide Tony because he told us, while tempting, not to run down the hill, or you will die because it’s too steep to stop and your legs will go out from under you. <span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></span></li>
<li class="li1"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">There are little fish that nibble your feet!</span></li>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">As soon as 10am rolled around, we jumped back in the yute, eager to see all the main attractions since we’d lost the entire day prior. <span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Top things we’d been told to see in 3ish days (in no particular order):</span></div>
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<li class="li1"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Eli Creek<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></span></li>
<li class="li1"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Indian Heads</span></li>
<li class="li1"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Champagne Pools</span></li>
<li class="li1"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Lake McKenzie<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></span></li>
<li class="li1"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Walk from White Lake to Dundubara</span></li>
<li class="li1"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Drive up to Lake Allom to see the turtles</span></li>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">We stopped at Happy Valley for ice (cheapest place on the island) and purchased a simple First Aid kit because you do get a bit cut up and then decided to head straight from Lake Wobby all the way up to Champagne Pools at the top of the island.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>It’s about 30 mins from Eli Creek to Indian Head (Eli Creek is more or less the “centre” sitting in the middle of the island).</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">On the way to Champagne Pools, we stopped to walk to the top of Indian Head which takes about 30 mins.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>Very beautiful views and worth the easy walk up.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>We didn’t stay long because we felt pressure to see everything in one day so we headed straight back to the car.</span>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Another 15 minutes and we were at the Champagne Pools.</span><span class="Apple-converted-space" style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"> </span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Just wow.</span><span class="Apple-converted-space" style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"> </span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">They were amazing.</span><span class="Apple-converted-space" style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"> </span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">You can “do them” in 45 minutes but I’d recommend spending a couple of hours if you have the time or even spending the whole day there.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">You’ll definitely need an underwater/waterproof camera or Go Pro and water shoes for absolute comfort.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>The setup is a bunch of rocks that have created natural pools of water leading up to the beach.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>They are called the “champagne” pools because waves come in and crash on the rocks that surround the pools causing a flurry of bubbly water reminiscent of bathing in champagne.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>Yes, you kinda of feel like a baller… minus the water hitting you in the face if you aren’t paying attention.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>You can swim here because the rocks keep out the scary crocs and sharks and killer riptides Fraser Island is known for.</span>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">I was bummed to leave as soon as we did, but we were keen to see as much as possible, so we jumped back in the yute and spent 20-30 minutes driving back to Eli Creek.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> I was starting to get the hang of this whole driving thing and was enjoying 80 km down the beach.</span></span>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Another amazing place to spend the afternoon.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">I wasn’t quite sure what it was about (we had done ZERO research before coming on this trip clearly) so I’ll enlighten you ahead of time.</span><span class="Apple-converted-space" style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"> </span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Eli Creek is a perfect example of the perks of not driving yourself and going with a tour.</span><span class="Apple-converted-space" style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"> </span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">It’s a place to meet other people and have a bit of a beach party (err creek party). </span><span class="Apple-converted-space" style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"> </span>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Best thing to do is park the car on the beach, walk up the boardwalk ramp all the way to the “top” of the creek and float on your lilo down (don’t forget to bring beers).<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>The creek bottom is very soft so you don’t need shoes. We spent as long as humanly possible here before jumping back in the car<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>to drive to Central Station.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>We wanted to arrive before dark (seeing as how we’ve had great luck on this trip so far).</span>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">To get to Central, we drove down to Eurong and then headed inland, trying to spend as little time on the inland track as possible.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>Sure enough our piece-of-shit car overheated and we had to pull over and wait an hour for it to cool down.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>Pretty embarrassing as multiple cars pulled over asking if we were okay.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>NEVER book with Fraser Magic.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Finally “limped” into Central station.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>If you are coming from Eurong, it’s the campground BEFORE actual Central Station (look for the sign).<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>Unlike the beach camps which are “come as you are,” Central is a main camping hub with bins for rubbish, showers and toilets. </span>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">We ended up making friends with Joe and Alissa, two of the people who’d stopped on the track enquiring if we were okay.</span><span class="Apple-converted-space" style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"> </span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">We invited them over for some wine while we waited for our hamburgers to brown.</span><span class="Apple-converted-space" style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"> </span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Let me know tell you - a shower + hot food + quiet bed was VERY well received. There are a lot more flies inland though. Make sure to keep your tent door zipped at all times!</span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Day Three</span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Woke up, packed up and headed to Lake McKenzie, which we’d heard you can’t miss!<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>Have to admit at this point, we were terrified of driving so we debated all morning about going because it’s is ALL inland roads to get there.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>After a lot of up-n-down driving we arrived and boy, it was worth it.</span>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">You’ve never seen a lake so crystal clear.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>Literally you can dive under and open your eyes.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>It’s so clear because it isn’t a lake created by a natural spring, it’s 100% made from raindrops.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>I think that’s so fucking cool.</span>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Because it’s such an amazing lake, you can't eat or drink there in an effort to keep pollutants away, but you should bring your floaties, goggles and underwater camera with you (as if your floatie isn't dirty...).</span><span class="Apple-converted-space" style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"> </span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Also don’t forget your thongs as, again, VERY hot sand.</span><span class="Apple-converted-space" style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"> </span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">You can easily spend the whole day here; I wish we’d brought a portable speaker.</span><span class="Apple-converted-space" style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"> </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">We eventually left with plenty of time to get to the car ferry, since we’d had such bad luck and had a plane to catch.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>We caught the barge from Wanggoolba at 3pm.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>There is NOTHING to do at this ferry stop (it's not the Kingfisher one) so if you are hungry, thirsty or prone to boredom, bring something to do/eat.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Barge arrived and carried us off the island without a hitch and we made it back to Sydney alive.</span></div>
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<span class="s1" style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b>In summary</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Overall, legend of a trip.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> Shockingly, </span>I would love to go back but only because I know what I know now.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>I’ve never written a blog post (other then my Burning Man packing post) that is more helpful for those thinking going.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>I hope the “bumps” in the road I faced and my learnings will help make your Fraser Island experience more enjoyable.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Next time I go (yes, I swear there will be a next time), I’d probably go with a group of friends (ideally ones that know how to drive in the sand) and camp as a group and spend a long weekend there.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>For those that aren’t Australian, I do think it’s a really authentic taste of what Queensland and island life in Australia is like.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>I DO highly recommend that you go.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>Good luck!</span></div>
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-375504522951411877.post-28622340364411201222017-09-18T20:55:00.002-07:002017-09-18T20:55:11.304-07:00The Lost Blog - Darwin, Northern Territory, Australia<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<b>Friday June 10 - Tuesday June 14, 2016</b></div>
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I didn’t realise that people in real life could have a night like The Hangover.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>But as it turns out, all you have to do…. is visit Darwin.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> I just came across my notes from my trip to Darwin in June 2016 and realised I'd never posted them!</span><br />
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We left late on a Friday night, arriving at 1am Saturday morning, and checked into our private room in a two-bedroom Airbnb apartment.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>The man let us in; he and his girlfriend lived in the other room.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>Eager to start our day, we wandered out to the “main drag.”<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>It’s not a big town.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>We were on the outskirts and made it in under 10 minutes.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>It was like a scene from a zombie movie.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>No life.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>A lazy wind drifted through the streets and a couple backpackers drank beers in a outdoor pub.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>Where was the action??!! <span class="Apple-converted-space"> We did find some pretty awesome swimsuit shops - win!</span><br />
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Turns out you can complete the remaining tour of town in another 10 minutes, so we continued walking and walking along Gardens Road towards the famous Mindil Beach.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>You can’t swim in the ocean in Darwin… too many creatures of the deep looking to taste your toes.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>So we dared each other in to our ankles, screaming and running back out until the sun started to turn the beach into the colour of hot lava.</div>
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We kept walking, taking photos until we reached <a href="https://www.skycitydarwin.com.au/casino/" style="color: blue;">SkyCity Casino</a> where we tried to convince the bouncer to let us in with international IDs.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>She convinced her way but my tattered NYC license they apologetically just couldn’t accept.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>Damn.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>Those espressos looked good.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>So we returned to down picking a rooftop bar with sprinkling lights and some semblance of human activity, <a href="http://www.rorkes.com.au/" style="color: blue;">Rorkes</a>. <span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-converted-space">Photo Credit: Rorkes Website</span></div>
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It doesn’t really get cold in Darwin.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>There’s only rainy season, and hot season.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>It was hot season but it felt delicious after the chill of Sydney approaching winter, even as night was falling.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>We ate our fill of the tasty olives I’ve ever had because the real food was too expensive.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>But apparently, budget doesn’t apply to beverages, as we consumed two bottles of frosty champagne.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>We realised suddenly that the bar was PACKED!<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>An older gentleman stopped my friend on her way back with round three, offering up either of his two sons to her.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>Uhhhh.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>Thanks for the offer? <span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></div>
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We joined them.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>Nothing like creeps to make a good story.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>The father and sons were decidedly odd but their group of 30 was decidedly fun. Too fun.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>Next thing we know, Rourkes is closing down and we are off to <a href="https://www.facebook.com/THROBNIGHTCLUB/" style="color: blue;">Throb</a>, the late night club, complete with stripper poles and strobe lights.<br />
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Photo Credit: Throb Facebook Page</div>
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I woke up Sunday morning, head-throbbing, my clothes in a sopping(?!) heap, my sandals gone.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>I turned to my friend wide-eyed for an explanation but she looked back with the same expression - a mixture of dazed yet impishness confusion.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>Well, at least we were alive, right? <span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></div>
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Turns out I wasn’t so lucky.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>As we headed to <a href="https://www.cafeeco.com.au/" style="color: blue;">Cafe Eco</a>, our “local” brekkie spot (for the last 24 hours), my right eye kept tearing up.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>As we sat through breakfast, nursing coffees, waters, and small bites of omelette, it continued like a leaky faucet.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>And then it started to swell.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>Unfortunately, while I transformed into an ogre, my friend chattered excitedly about our plans for the day.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>She doesn’t get hangovers. This place does have the BEST food though.<br />
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While perusing Ghost Town earlier yesterday, we decided that Darwin proper is empty during the day because everyone is out enjoying the amazing national parks.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>So we rented a car and drove 3 hours Litchfield National Park.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>Something was wrong with the music so after every Spotify song ended, the iPhone would revert back to her iTunes library, specifically Taylor Swift.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>It certainly became the theme song of the trip (whether we liked it or not).</div>
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If you’ve done any research on Darwin, you’re probably thinking AREN’T THERE CROCODILES EVERYWHERE?!!<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>This is true. But <i>allegedly</i>, Florence Falls, our first stop, was conveniently devoid of these dinosaurs by some stroke of magic (because it certainly isn’t electric fencing).<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>My friend is a natural water baby and was straight into the water swimming out towards the beautiful falls at the far end of the pool.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>I watched from the safety of my rock, dipping a toe or two in when I got too hot noting that we could’ve prepared better with inflatables, goggles and water shoes.<br />
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Our next stop was Buley Rockpool.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>Had I been feeling like myself, this would’ve been my favourite part.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>Imagine a series of step pools leading through wild jungle that are so deep a grown man can cannonball into one.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>The water was crystal clear, cool and the pools were small so you feel less worried about creatures from the deep lurking in the shadows.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>Sadly we only spent an hour there because we’d gotten a late start and the car rental wouldn’t insurance the vehicle after nightfall due to inconvenient jumping kangaroos.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></div>
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Our last stop was Whangi Falls.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>It was really cool to see so much waterfall variety in one trip…this final one featuring two tall, skinny plumes of water cascading down the sides of deep red rock.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>I felt like I was in Indiana Jones.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>Turns out in dry season there is a boardwalk through the jungle up to the top of the falls and back down around the other side. <span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span><br />
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Brave Americans, we set off into the jungle confidence dripping from our sweaty bodies.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>About five minutes into the 45 minute hike, we were deafened by the sounds of the forest.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>The animal symphony was like nothing I’d ever heard and it was getting imperceptibly darker with each step.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>I tried to remind myself that crocodiles don’t really hang out in dry season, but the small elevation between the boardwalk and the jungle floor was fueling my imagination. <span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span><br />
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At the top of the falls (it’s a very easy hike) we were greeted by a blood red sunset.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>It was incredible.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>Kilometers of trees and bushes stretched out as far as the “eye” could see.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>We were held captive watching the vibrant changing colours of sky as the sun lowered closer and closer to the horizon.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>It was right as the sun started to tuck behind that I realised… we still need to get down and only had two iPhone torches to light the way. <span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span><br />
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I’ve never hiked downhill faster in my life.</div>
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We reached the car and joined Taylor in her tragic love songs for the three hours home, tangerine burned into the back of our retinas. <span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></div>
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Luckily we avoided any ill-fated wildlife bouncing across the road on our way home, returned the car and sleepily stumbled to an early dinner at <a href="https://www.facebook.com/pages/Ruby/139196086141387" style="color: blue;">Ruby Vietnamese</a>.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>I remember the food being so so good but I could barely keep my one good eye open so we called it a day and headed home.<br />
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The next morning we decided to give town another try. We’d heard there was a little man-made beach called City Beach in the Wharf Precinct.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>It being a holiday, we were banking on everyone being out to enjoy their day off.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>We were right!<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>The little man-made beach with humming with people drinking coffees, eating takeaway fish and chips or sipping beers from the ring of restaurants surrounding the water.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>My eye was still bothering me and my good humour was wearing thin so I spent most of the day napping on the grass.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>It was a nice, relaxing ending to our aggressive weekend.<br />
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Growing up in small towns all through Oregon, the kindness of the local people reminded me of home.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>The climate was drier which I greatly prefer to the sticky humidity of eastern Queensland and NSW and the natural beauty of the Northern Territory’s national parks was breathtaking.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>Overall, I would say Darwin won that round as I returned to Sydney, a shell of a human, but I would go back in a heartbeat. <span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></div>
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-375504522951411877.post-75312641413785559572017-02-21T21:46:00.005-08:002017-02-22T14:17:43.448-08:00Sailing with TAO Philippines <div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<span style="background: white; color: #222222; font-family: "georgia"; font-size: 10pt;">When I originally developed my itinerary for the Philippines, a friend recommended seeing it by boat as it’s a country of islands. Traveling by boat is one of my favorite methods for seeing a water centric country – Croatia, British Virgin Islands and now the Philippines. The islands on my trip were so small and remote you can really only get to them by boat anyway.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="background: white; color: #222222; font-family: "georgia"; font-size: 10pt;">My friend recommended TAO Philippines as the best operator for my type of travel. For those who are new to the blog, I prefer hostels to hotels, adventure to relaxation and don’t mind getting a little dirty!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span style="background: white; color: #222222; font-family: "georgia"; font-size: 10pt;">Boat Booking and Trip Prep<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<span style="background: white; color: #222222; font-family: "georgia"; font-size: 10pt;">TAO requires you to fill out an application after reading through their “Know Before You Go” section of their website. I found out later this isn’t just to avoid princesses coming on the trip, but also to ensure a range of ages, lifestyles, nationalities, and genders. They ticked all the boxes with men and women from Germany, The Netherlands, USA, UK, Hong Kong, South Africa, France, etc. It was the most diverse group I’ve ever encountered.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="background: white; color: #222222; font-family: "georgia"; font-size: 10pt;">There are three different boat options. I wanted the authentic wooden sailboat but it had been booked for months so I settled for the “regular” motorboat since it was about the experience and people not the boat. Plus you sleep on the islands in base camps so it matters less.</span></div>
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<span style="background: white; color: #222222; font-family: "georgia"; font-size: 10.0pt;">It took three days to receive my confirmation.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’d selected the boat from El Nido to Coron.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>As I’ve mentioned in my previous post, it can
take 3 days to get to El Nido and Coron is mostly for divers to you’ll have to decide
for yourself at which port you want to start/end.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="background: white; color: #222222; font-family: "georgia"; font-size: 10.0pt;">I did have some frustrations with TAO leading
up to my arrival in the Philippines, which I now realize the reasoning but with
the knowledge I had at the time, it was a struggle.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I had some questions about what to bring with
me versus what I could buy/rent there.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>They provide a simplified list on the website but give you a more
comprehensive packing list at the boat check-in the day before – I wish I’d had
that in advance!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Also, having never been
to El Nido and Coron, I asked for addresses to the TAO office and didn’t
receive a lot of help.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I understand now
that the towns are so small everyone knows where it is and can direct you.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="background: white; color: #222222; font-family: "georgia"; font-size: 10.0pt;">Boat Check-in <o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<span style="background: white; color: #222222; font-family: "georgia"; font-size: 10.0pt;">Personally, I thought the check-in was
unnecessary from an informational perspective as, again, I’d rather have had
that information far in advance so I could’ve planned a bit better.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But, I anticipate part of its purpose is to
make sure you are in town the night before departure and so you can meet the
crew.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Oh, and to collect the second half
of your boat payment, which again would’ve been easier via Paypal then
traveling to a foreign country alone with that much money on you (do NOT rely
on ATMs).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Make sure you bring 200 extra
pesos for the tourist fee. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I didn’t
realize you pay this at check-in and if you forget it causes problems the next
day.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="background: white; color: #222222; font-family: "georgia"; font-size: 10.0pt;">Other fun things to know is that a case of beer
and island massage are included in your boat fee (AWESOME).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They recommend you buy another liter of
liquor and liter of mixer per person additional.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And if you love beer maybe another case.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We had PLENTY of alcohol left at the end of
the trip and tried to drink all of it on Christmas … you can imagine how that
evening turned out.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I went with a bottle
of rum and pineapple since they would still taste okay lukewarm.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Rum was 100 pesos and so was pineapple juice
which seemed so backwards to me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I
shopped around and that’s about what you are gonna get. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="background: white; color: #222222; font-family: "georgia"; font-size: 10.0pt;">I recommend staying in El Nido town instead of
near the TAO office since as I had to go back into town for dinner and to buy
the final supplies for the trip (you won’t have time in the morning).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>For anything you are buying for your TAO trip
in El Nido go to one of the open air shops farther from the beach that has ALL
the items you want so that you can barter for a bulk discount of items.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You can check out my packing list <a href="http://blog.travel-addict.com/2017/02/preparing-for-philippines.html"><b>here</b></a>.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="background: white; color: #222222; font-family: "georgia"; font-size: 10.0pt;">The following account is from the boat!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="background: white; color: #222222; font-family: "georgia"; font-size: 10.0pt;">Day One - Friday 23
Dec 2016 <o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<span style="background: white; color: #222222; font-family: "georgia"; font-size: 10.0pt;">Woke up early and triked into town.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I accidentally had them take me all the way
over to the boat dock instead of into the main town area and I still needed
breakfast so I had to lug all my shit back into town.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Won’t make that mistake again.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You will have A LOT of stuff particularly if
traveling alone!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="background: white; color: #222222; font-family: "georgia"; font-size: 10.0pt;">Back at the dock, it came to the attention of
the captain that I still needed a tourist visa (remember I’d forgotten my pesos
the night before).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This caused some
confusion which seems silly to me since I never had to reproduce this piece of
paper again.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="background: white; color: #222222; font-family: "georgia"; font-size: 10.0pt;">We boarded the boat and sailed to our first
snorkeling location near a cliff.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Following the current along the cliff, the reef is super close to the
surface and brilliantly colored.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Fair
number of fish and all small which was fine by me!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>VERY salty though. This was the best
snorkeling of the trip. Realizing I probably should’ve brought my own snorkel
and mask because mine was subpar and you are stuck with it the whole trip.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Also flippers would come in handy… I forgot
how much effort it is to swim.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="background: white; color: #222222; font-family: "georgia"; font-size: 10.0pt;">We took a break on a beautiful secluded beach on
Tapiutan Island with very shallow crystal clear water.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It’s fairly enclosed from the ocean so you
can walk from one side to the other through the water.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Drank some beers and got to know some of my fellow
travelers.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="background: white; color: #222222; font-family: "georgia"; font-size: 10.0pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "georgia"; font-size: 10pt;">Back on the boat, I’d already sussed out that
the upper deck was the place to be.</span><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "georgia"; font-size: 10pt;">
</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "georgia"; font-size: 10pt;">Started to get to know some of the people on the boat - Great group!</span></div>
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<span style="background: white; color: #222222; font-family: "georgia"; font-size: 10.0pt;">I’m all about learning and trying new
things… Today I gutted my first fish and learned how to tell if it’s fresh.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>As Coach Taylor would say, “Clear eyes, Red gills,
Can’t lose.” <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "georgia"; font-size: 10pt;">We arrived at our first base camp, Cadbo, which
would prove to be my favorite of the trip.</span><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "georgia"; font-size: 10pt;">
</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "georgia"; font-size: 10pt;">There were little sleeping huts lining the cliff overlooking the ocean
and a row of picnic tables for family dinner.</span><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "georgia"; font-size: 10pt;">
</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "georgia"; font-size: 10pt;">The crew set up your “room” which consists of a sleeping pad, a sheet, a
pillow and a mosquito net.</span><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "georgia"; font-size: 10pt;"> </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "georgia"; font-size: 10pt;">Like I said,
no princesses. There was an outdoor shower with a bucket of cold water to rinse
and a row of massage tables.</span><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "georgia"; font-size: 10pt;"> </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "georgia"; font-size: 10pt;">Remember
how I mentioned free massages?!</span><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "georgia"; font-size: 10pt;"> </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "georgia"; font-size: 10pt;">Note:
you can only get them at the first two base camps so don’t miss out!</span></div>
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<span style="background: white; color: #222222; font-family: "georgia"; font-size: 10.0pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "georgia"; font-size: 10pt;">It was here that I realized I wish I had a
light long sleeve shirt and pants to ward off mosquitoes.</span><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "georgia"; font-size: 10pt;"> </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "georgia"; font-size: 10pt;">Instead I took a shower and had to re-spray
myself with bug juice – yuck.</span></div>
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<span style="background: white; color: #222222; font-family: "georgia"; font-size: 10.0pt;">Back to trying new things – for dinner I ate
fish eye, liver and egg sac for dinner.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>The eye was crunchy at first with a burst of liquid (kinda gross), the
liver tasted like duck pate and the egg sac tasted almost exactly like
scrambled eggs.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="background: white; color: #222222; font-family: "georgia"; font-size: 10.0pt;">The evening ended as I’d find most of
them would… with games and rum.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="background: white; color: #222222; font-family: "georgia"; font-size: 10.0pt;">Day Two - Saturday
24 Dec 2016 <o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<span style="background: white; color: #222222; font-family: "georgia"; font-size: 10.0pt;">Woke up feeling a liiitttle dusty and
immediately combatted it with a morning massage.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Only problem, I was starving by the time it
was over and almost missed breakfast! The coffee was DELICIOUS by the way. I’m
usually afraid of the dark (I know I’m a wimp) and was impressed that I slept
through the jungley night like a baby.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="background: white; color: #222222; font-family: "georgia"; font-size: 10.0pt;">We packed up and jumped back on the boat.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Time to teach you how to use those 3
different bags I mentioned in my packing list.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>It is MUCH easier to have all items you will use on the island for the
five days in your dry bag.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This prevents
you from having to go under the boat to get your big bag and repack a fresh
pair of clothes and swimsuit.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You then
have your “boat bag” that contains anything you want during the day on the boat
(like your boat towel, flippers, etc).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="background: white; color: #222222; font-family: "georgia"; font-size: 10.0pt;">I’m glad I’d been taking seasickness pills
because multiple people had a bad day at sea.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>We arrived at Tao Farm, the main basecamp, with a couple unhappy travelers.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The Farm was awesome although I was starting
to get that familiar headache right before you get a sinus infection…uh
oh.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="background: white; color: #222222; font-family: "georgia"; font-size: 10.0pt;">The Farm is a self-sustaining village that
grows the plants (and animals) that support the TAO boats and surrounding
villages.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They use a lot of this money to
put back into education for the village children, improve the lives of their
locals and prepare for future typhoons.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Very
admirable.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="background: white; color: #222222; font-family: "georgia"; font-size: 10.0pt;">The tour around the island started with 3 day old
piglets who were adorable and then sadly ended with the slaughter of a momma
pig who would be Christmas dinner…for us.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Yes, even after this harrowing event, I still love bacon.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>There was also a baby puppy (don’t worry we
didn’t eat it) who loved chasing the ball as people challenged each other to
ping pong.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’d been watching too much
television because the leader of the camp, Eddy, reminded me of Bellamy from
The 100.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Our visit ending with
caramelized, fried plantains – one of my favorite desserts!</span> </div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "georgia"; font-size: 10pt;">We sailed a little way to Daracuton Island, our
next camp.</span><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "georgia"; font-size: 10pt;"> </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "georgia"; font-size: 10pt;">It felt much less remote than
Cadbo.</span><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "georgia"; font-size: 10pt;"> </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "georgia"; font-size: 10pt;">We slept in a barn-like structure
with two floors, on the beach.</span><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "georgia"; font-size: 10pt;"> </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "georgia"; font-size: 10pt;">We also
learned that a typhoon was about to hit the Philippines which could affect our
trip…This location also featured on outdoor shower, without walls, which was a
little tricky when it came to putting new clothes on.</span><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "georgia"; font-size: 10pt;"> </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "georgia"; font-size: 10pt;">Butts out!</span><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "georgia"; font-size: 10pt;"> </span></div>
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<span style="background: white; color: #222222; font-family: "georgia"; font-size: 10.0pt;">Dinner was delicious and cozy in a big wooden
mess hall and degraded once again into drinking games.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The favorite of the night was Kings with the
holders of the Snake eyes and Question master cards taking down multiple
victims.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The best rule was after every
drink you had to make a “brrrr” noise and say “I sh-t myself.” Yes, we are
children.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="background: white; color: #222222; font-family: "georgia"; font-size: 10.0pt;">Next up was horse-racing which many of the
Europeans in the group hadn’t played before, but boy did the Dutch love it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>When minutes, everyone was standing on the
dining benches yelling as the “horses” moved down the table.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="background: white; color: #222222; font-family: "georgia"; font-size: 10.0pt;">Finished the night chasing sand crabs the
color of sand.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Time for bed.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="background: white; color: #222222; font-family: "georgia"; font-size: 10.0pt;">Sunday 25 Dec 2016 <o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<span style="background: white; color: #222222; font-family: "georgia"; font-size: 10.0pt;">Merry Christmas!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Ugh I woke up feeling awful (sick, not
hungover!) but at least it meant I was accidentally up for the sunrise, which
was stunning. I got to enjoy it all to myself as the rest of the drunks slept it
off.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I watched a massive storm cloud
swallow the sunrise and pass off into the distance leaving a little rain in its
wake.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="background: white; color: #222222; font-family: "georgia"; font-size: 10.0pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "georgia"; font-size: 10pt;">I tried to get back to sleep and managed a few
more hours before breakfast which was “hash browns” made from garlic and banana
leaves??</span></div>
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<span style="background: white; color: #222222; font-family: "georgia"; font-size: 10.0pt;">Was proud of myself; I went snorkeling at the
shipwreck near the island.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It wasn’t
super impressive but I did see Nemo!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’m
slowly getting better at this ocean business.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="background: white; color: #222222; font-family: "georgia"; font-size: 10.0pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "georgia"; font-size: 10pt;">It was a huge sail day because we needed to
cross a large channel of water in case the typhoon hit our area.</span><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "georgia"; font-size: 10pt;"> </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "georgia"; font-size: 10pt;">Spent it up on top of the boat playing 2
Truths and a Lie and the “Rules” game.</span><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "georgia"; font-size: 10pt;">
</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "georgia"; font-size: 10pt;">One of the girls had never played before and told the most elaborate
stories about her boyfriend instead of just one-liners.</span><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "georgia"; font-size: 10pt;"> </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "georgia"; font-size: 10pt;">Made the game so much better.</span><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "georgia"; font-size: 10pt;"> </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "georgia"; font-size: 10pt;">He had done such cool shit it was hard to
tell which was the lie!</span></div>
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<span style="background: white; color: #222222; font-family: "georgia"; font-size: 10.0pt;">Lunch on the boat was the best yet – fresh
caught tuna in soy sauce and garlic and Spanish mackerel ceviche with
lime.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We ate while parked at San Miguel
(yup like the beer) on Linapocan. You could snorkel around there but I’d
recommend against it… smelled and looked like poo.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "georgia"; font-size: 10pt;">Spent the rest of the boat trip napping and
then chatting to two crew members who has traveled the world for 3 years doing
modeling with only two suitcases to their names.</span><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "georgia"; font-size: 10pt;"> </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "georgia"; font-size: 10pt;">Impressive.</span></div>
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<span style="background: white; color: #222222; font-family: "georgia"; font-size: 10.0pt;">As we reached the Bulwang base camp, we were
greeted by the most beautiful sunset.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It
was very red though, sailors beware!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You
could see the white caps picking up in the distance.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We’d picked this basecamp to post up because
it’s very sheltered in case the typhoon came through.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It had a little house for us with four walls,
a porch, a POOL and karaoke!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="background: white; color: #222222; font-family: "georgia"; font-size: 10.0pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "georgia"; font-size: 10pt;">The pool was sooo nice.</span><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "georgia"; font-size: 10pt;"> </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "georgia"; font-size: 10pt;">Chubby, the boat dog, kept running around
chasing her reflection.</span><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "georgia"; font-size: 10pt;"> </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "georgia"; font-size: 10pt;">We had actual
showers with a shower head this time, but I missed dumping a bucket on my
head.</span><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "georgia"; font-size: 10pt;"> </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "georgia"; font-size: 10pt;">Dinner was curry with fish and
rice, easily my favorite dinner of the trip.</span><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "georgia"; font-size: 10pt;">
</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "georgia"; font-size: 10pt;">More card games ensued – tonight’s game of choice was “Bullshit.”</span><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "georgia"; font-size: 10pt;"> </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "georgia"; font-size: 10pt;">My partner and I just tried to be invisible
to the bullshitters and we took the game with “2 eights.”</span></div>
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<span style="background: white; color: #222222; font-family: "georgia"; font-size: 10.0pt;">We couldn’t end the night without Christmas
Karaoke.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The local boat boys stole the
show with their dance moves and voices, but our crew put up a good fight.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I couldn’t have the night end without some
Boot, Scoot and Boogie and some good ole fashion American line dancing.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="background: white; color: #222222; font-family: "georgia"; font-size: 10.0pt;">Monday 26 Dec 2016 <o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<span style="background: white; color: #222222; font-family: "georgia"; font-size: 10.0pt;">Thanks to the typhoon we spent another day in Bulwang.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The good news was breakfast was hot porridge
served in a coconut with honey and fresh fruit on top.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Need to recreate that one at home.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAJjxo726JbgDzgDfBS9HE2EJo_OyWjSVegckSGS_8ygFA_51f-6_OCIrcnVV31aROoT068Q3HaagR01YFtfy0slUQmtSQ9TVF8q0KCCLSLuAyBZ-EzawNR99B8rSiLx7d28MX6LfkyFZm/s1600/15822856_10154830910078476_8930558034658593447_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAJjxo726JbgDzgDfBS9HE2EJo_OyWjSVegckSGS_8ygFA_51f-6_OCIrcnVV31aROoT068Q3HaagR01YFtfy0slUQmtSQ9TVF8q0KCCLSLuAyBZ-EzawNR99B8rSiLx7d28MX6LfkyFZm/s320/15822856_10154830910078476_8930558034658593447_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "georgia"; font-size: 10pt;">Still feeling pretty under the weather so
didn’t mind spending the day napping in the hammock and swimming in the
pool.</span><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "georgia"; font-size: 10pt;"> </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "georgia"; font-size: 10pt;">Have REALLY enjoyed this trip but
am about ready for some AC and a soft bed.</span><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "georgia"; font-size: 10pt;">
</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "georgia"; font-size: 10pt;">Some people decided to take a 3 hour 4WD trip to Culion Town Proper but
I stayed to watch the Dutch v. French play card games.</span><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "georgia"; font-size: 10pt;"> </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "georgia"; font-size: 10pt;">The French girls kept speaking in French so
the Dutch called them out for collusion.</span><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "georgia"; font-size: 10pt;">
</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "georgia"; font-size: 10pt;">Hell, I couldn’t even figure out how to play the game much less cheat!</span></div>
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<span style="background: white; color: #222222; font-family: "georgia"; font-size: 10.0pt;">After dinner things started to “heat up”… with
a massive bonfire that is!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We realized
it was our last night and we still had tons of booze so Papa Jay and I
bartended the bonfire.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Any time
someone’s cup wasn’t completely full we’d pour more rum’n’pineapple in.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Next thing you know tribal dancing ensued, multiple
people decided to jump over the bonfire and one crew member lost a leg of his
disco trousers. Some people made it to their actual beds… some passed out on
the beach.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The final few of us sat on
the beach and threw rocks for Chubbs to chase.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="background: white; color: #222222; font-family: "georgia"; font-size: 10.0pt;">Tuesday 27 Dec 2016 <o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<span style="background: white; color: #222222; font-family: "georgia"; font-size: 10.0pt;">The sickness officially took over.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I felt awful.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>My sinuses were pounding and I desperately wanted to lie in bed all
day.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But Suzanne knew me too well and
excitedly woke me up because breakfast was pancakes!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They were very delicious even though my head
was pounding so hard I couldn’t concentrate on them.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I must’ve looked like hell because I got
patted on the back a few times.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="background: white; color: #222222; font-family: "georgia"; font-size: 10.0pt;">We boarded the boat for the final trip to
Coron.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I slept alone on the top deck the
whole way.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Bummed I couldn’t spend my final
hours with these lovely people, but I just felt so bad.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We stopped at the East Tangat Gunboat Wreck
where a couple people snorkeled but apparently it wasn’t great because the
typhoon had stirred up the water so you couldn’t see much.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="background: white; color: #222222; font-family: "georgia"; font-size: 10.0pt;">We finally arrived in Coron and all said our
goodbyes to a good portion of the crew.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>The rest of us decided to meet at a restaurant for a final family dinner
before parting ways.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="background: white; color: #222222; font-family: "georgia"; font-size: 10.0pt;">TAO has over 300 base camps so they can change the itinerary based on weather and crew interest. </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "georgia"; font-size: 13.3333px;">Here's a picture of the overall trip we took. </span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieFpoNexlpsRe4MDJL3thjYYz7eRQOlY5v1MvOKjOQ5gCtcW5FiBM1FVLL6PRfpopoTTtXt-yhORBgcozETovt-mCK5tR3gTc6abwF2P48XMESfqS9zPgmd60BjNdEXkew7LyD0i49Bvm7/s1600/15894622_10154830910073476_7364604280269456747_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieFpoNexlpsRe4MDJL3thjYYz7eRQOlY5v1MvOKjOQ5gCtcW5FiBM1FVLL6PRfpopoTTtXt-yhORBgcozETovt-mCK5tR3gTc6abwF2P48XMESfqS9zPgmd60BjNdEXkew7LyD0i49Bvm7/s400/15894622_10154830910073476_7364604280269456747_n.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "georgia"; font-size: 10pt;">I would highly recommend both sailing The
Philippines AND TAO as a company.</span><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "georgia"; font-size: 10pt;"> </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "georgia"; font-size: 10pt;">I
loved the diversity and the energy and engagement of the crew.</span><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "georgia"; font-size: 10pt;"> </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "georgia"; font-size: 10pt;">I say “crew” because TAO treated us like part
of the family, teaching us how to cook, clean fish, and most importantly,
KARAOKE!</span><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "georgia"; font-size: 10pt;"> </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "georgia"; font-size: 10pt;">It’s nice to know I’ve added to
my international travel family and look forward to visiting them in the
future.</span><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "georgia"; font-size: 10pt;"> </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "georgia"; font-size: 10pt;">For those of you who were on the
boat and reading this post, it was so great to meet you and if you ever find
yourself in Sydney you best say “hey!”</span></div>
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-->Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-375504522951411877.post-84839370988602868202017-02-20T19:54:00.000-08:002017-02-20T20:01:42.646-08:00The Philippines - My Island Adventures<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "georgia"; font-size: 10pt;">I’ve broken up my next two posts on The
Philippines into my time on the islands themselves and my sailing experience
with TAO because there is so many tips and tricks to share.</span><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "georgia"; font-size: 10pt;"> </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "georgia"; font-size: 10pt;">For those of you just looking for an
itinerary and packing list, check out my last post.</span><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "georgia"; font-size: 10pt;"> </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "georgia"; font-size: 10pt;">For those, interested in TAO, stay tuned to
my next post.</span></div>
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<span style="background: white; color: #222222; font-family: "georgia"; font-size: 10.0pt;">I’ve traveled to many areas of Asia and
Southeast Asia from Japan and China to Thailand and Indonesia.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The Philippines has proven to be one of my
favorites for three reasons.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div>
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<li>It is noticeably less touristy.<span style="color: #222222; font-family: "georgia"; font-size: 10pt;"> </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "georgia"; font-size: 10pt;">The locations seemed cleaner and safer and
the people more honest.</span><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "georgia"; font-size: 10pt;"> </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "georgia"; font-size: 10pt;">I didn’t feel
like I was getting the “tourist price” like I have in other parts of Asia.</span><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "georgia"; font-size: 10pt;"> </span></li>
<li><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "georgia"; font-size: 10pt;">How the country feels so
different from America and is similar in many ways thanks to a shared American
history from favorite childhood fast food in the Manila airport and the fact
that English is the primary language.</span><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "georgia"; font-size: 10pt;"> </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "georgia"; font-size: 10pt;">It
sounds trivial, but when traveling alone it was nice to sometimes feel like we
had things in common.</span><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "georgia"; font-size: 10pt;"> </span></li>
<li><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "georgia"; font-size: 10pt;">This
country contains all the allure, beauty and charm of the countries that
surround it – delicious food, surreal landscapes and friendly locals.</span></li>
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<span style="background: white; color: #222222; font-family: "georgia"; font-size: 10.0pt;">Here’s my breakdown of the cities I visited.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u><span style="background: white; color: #222222; font-family: "georgia"; font-size: 10.0pt;">MANILA <o:p></o:p></span></u></b></div>
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<span style="background: white; color: #222222; font-family: "georgia"; font-size: 10.0pt;">When I originally planned the trip, I didn’t
feel I needed to spend much time in Manila, but after meeting people on my TAO
boat experience who live there, I realize it probably would’ve been fun to
spend NYE or a couple days there.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Like
most large cities, I think it’d be better to see with someone local to show you
around.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I think 1-3 days would suffice.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="background: white; color: #222222; font-family: "georgia"; font-size: 10.0pt;">Getting There - <o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<span style="background: white; color: #222222; font-family: "georgia"; font-size: 10.0pt;">I flew Cebu Airlines from Sydney which was
everything you’d expect from a budget airline – no in-flight entertainment,
delayed departures and subpar inflight food. I couldn’t even figure out how to
tell if I’d pre-paid for food on the flight.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Turns out you can check the bottom left corner of your airline ticket, but
it was too late I’d already ordered a Rueben sandwich from Campos Coffee in the
international terminal.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Pretty annoyed,
but at least the Rueben was delicious. Once in Manila, it took 40 minutes for
my checked bag to come out which was really ridiculous but the upside was the pretty
decent free airport wifi.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="background: white; color: #222222; font-family: "georgia"; font-size: 10.0pt;">Accommodation - <o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<span style="background: white; color: #222222; font-family: "georgia"; font-size: 10.0pt;">The Remington ($104 AUD/night) provided a free
airport shuttle (walk towards “Bay 12” and look for a big red bus).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It was a little unnerving having a metal
detector and drug dogs at the hotel entrance but otherwise it was a beautiful
lobby and lovely people at reception.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="background: white; color: #222222; font-family: "georgia"; font-size: 10.0pt;">The room could’ve been nicer (didn’t quite
match the downstairs décor) but was clean, cold and dark perfect for my short
overnight stay.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Make sure you ask for a
non-smoking floor.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It had a hairdryer,
toothbrush/paste, aircon, an inner lock on door and free water.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The late checkout until 2pm would’ve been
nice but nothing opens near the hotel until midday and breakfast ends at 10am
so you can easily get stuck with nothing to do until your flight.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’d stay here again as it’s a great option
for an overnight airport hotel.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If you
are looking to stay in Manila, maybe not the best choice.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwT8G5D_b8DgwMcKDuYI0nU9Sq_rFViTAUcwnghyphenhyphen-2fJPTBCUOESX5zvv9e_rXOXVAT5YDbIjK9vao3Apkdp9ktf5xPKGJ_FBLBLwftzvubvwCsCbNhMkXaBInG3L6Cnq0Bb-K5_G1XOiW/s1600/IMG_4643.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwT8G5D_b8DgwMcKDuYI0nU9Sq_rFViTAUcwnghyphenhyphen-2fJPTBCUOESX5zvv9e_rXOXVAT5YDbIjK9vao3Apkdp9ktf5xPKGJ_FBLBLwftzvubvwCsCbNhMkXaBInG3L6Cnq0Bb-K5_G1XOiW/s320/IMG_4643.jpeg" width="240" /></a></div>
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<b style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="background: white; color: #222222; font-family: "georgia"; font-size: 10.0pt;">Dining –</span></b></div>
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<span style="background: white; color: #222222; font-family: "georgia"; font-size: 10.0pt;">I received <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">two</i>
breakfast vouchers from the hotel so I switched it up with a Filipino meal and
an “American breakfast” (just in case).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>They were both quite good and the staff was very attentive.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The restaurant itself was a pretty standard
hotel lobby café.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u><span style="background: white; color: #222222; font-family: "georgia"; font-size: 10.0pt;">PUERTO PRINCESA<o:p></o:p></span></u></b></div>
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<span style="background: white; color: #222222; font-family: "georgia"; font-size: 10.0pt;">The drive from the airport to my hotel reminded
me of the drive from Ngurah Rai International in Bali to Ubud with little shops
along the road, random stray dogs and motorized trikes. If I’d had the extra holiday,
I would’ve liked to see more of Puerto Princesa, particularly the underground
river.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Aim for 1-2 days here if you
decide to go.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="background: white; color: #222222; font-family: "georgia"; font-size: 10.0pt;">My flight from Manila was delayed about 40
minutes, but at least the flight was short and easy, my bag came out quickly and
more free airport wifi.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>There was a
hotel rep would found me at the airport with a free ride to the hotel (I gave
the guy 100 pesos as a tip which I later learned was overkill - 20 pesos is
plenty!) AND THEY HAVE CINNABON!!!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="background: white; color: #222222; font-family: "georgia"; font-size: 10.0pt;">Accommodation - <o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<span style="background: white; color: #222222; font-family: "georgia"; font-size: 10.0pt;">The Dolce Vita hotel ($64 AUD/night) was way
nicer than I anticipated.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Easily the
nicest one of the trip besides Boracay and the tea they gave me as a welcome
drink was YUM.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>My room, Rosal, was larger
than my NYC apartment with two double beds plus a bunk bed, a walk in shower,
aircon, fridge, free water, etc.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The
free toiletries were a little more limited- It had soap.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>There’s a lovely pool and restaurant as well.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I would hands down stay here again.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="background: white; color: #222222; font-family: "georgia"; font-size: 10.0pt;">Dining - <o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<span style="background: white; color: #222222; font-family: "georgia"; font-size: 10.0pt;">The on-site restaurant was adorable and so were
the staff.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>For 525 pesos, I had two
delicious dinners (clearly won’t be losing weight on this trip), a plate of
blue marlin and my fav, sizzling sisig.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>The marlin was good but completely overshadowed by the sisig.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You can tell the ingredients are SO
fresh.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I was so full and still ate every
last bite.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>One of the most memorable
meals of the trip.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I also ordered my
complimentary breakfast of <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">taga</i> to be
ready at 7:30am the next day.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Taga </i>consists of strips of garlic beef
with garlic rice and scrambled egg.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You
better like garlic if you come to the Philippines.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It too was lovely.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u><span style="background: white; color: #222222; font-family: "georgia"; font-size: 10.0pt;">EL NIDO<o:p></o:p></span></u></b></div>
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<span style="background: white; color: #222222; font-family: "georgia"; font-size: 10.0pt;">For how difficult it is to get to El Nido, I
think it’s definitely worth at least 2-3 full days there.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>While I enjoyed the bus trip from Puerto
Princesa, I’d probably suggest flying direct from El Nido to maximize your time.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It’s maybe a little lonely for the solo
traveler, but a perfect spot for honeymooners or co-ed backpackers trip.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It’s just a little beach town like you would
find driving the coast of California or Australia.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Wish I’d had more time to check out all the
beaches!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="background: white; color: #222222; font-family: "georgia"; font-size: 10.0pt;">You can fly direct from Manila on a pricier
ticket or take a cheaper flight to Puerto Princesa and then a bus. I voted for
the bus.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>First I took a 100 pesos trike
to the San Jose bus station in Puerto Princesa from my hotel.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>On the way, the driver suggested taking a private
van hire instead of the Cherry bus which I’d already booked.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Apparently, the Cherry bus takes 8 hours and
the private van takes 5-6.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>That’s not
what the Cherry bus website told me but of course when I tried to call from my
trusty Optus plan it didn’t go through.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>I was only down $13 AUD if I ditched the bus so I figured even if I was
being played, it was worth the gamble. You can walk to the private van hire
area from the bus station in 3 minutes so feel free to do some price
comparisons. I bartered a ride to El Nido for 500 pesos in the van.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="background: white; color: #222222; font-family: "georgia"; font-size: 10.0pt;">The van was filled with Filipino women so I
felt safe and they were all super friendly showing me photos of their recent
trip to El Nido.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Three hundred photos
later I had a pretty good idea what I was in for ;-)<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’d also purposely took the day trip instead
of traveling at night.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>So far I’ve been
really impressed with how safe I’ve felt in the Philippines as a white female
traveling alone.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I arrived in El Nido at
2pm (trip took 5 hours) and the van dropped me at my hotel.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="background: white; color: #222222; font-family: "georgia"; font-size: 10.0pt;">At Buena Haven ($83 AUD/night) I was shown to
very cute room with aircon and its own private balcony.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The concierge asked if I had a boyfriend
which was touching?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Philippines is
clearly a couple’s trip as everyone keeps asking “just you?” when I
arrive.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It was very homey, more B&B
than hotel but it’s a 15 minute trike ride (bargain it down to 30 pesos) from
downtown El Nido.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’d picked it because
it’s walking distance to TAO’s office, but knowing what I know now I would’ve
stayed in El Nido instead. I ended up making a lot of trips back and
forth.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But if you are looking for a nice
little hotel near the beach and care less about the town it would make a lovely
option for a family or couple.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="background: white; color: #222222; font-family: "georgia"; font-size: 10.0pt;">Dining – <o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<span style="background: white; color: #222222; font-family: "georgia"; font-size: 10.0pt;">For lunch, I realized I’d forgotten my extra
cash at the hotel so after buying a cute bracelet I had to search out a
restaurant that took cards.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Make sure
you ask before you order and be ready to pay a 6% fee – damn.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I settled on a beachside restaurant with a
lovely view and had fresh grilled barracuda with butter and (you guessed it) garlic
and a Red Horse beer.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>All trip I kept
calling it Dark Horse beer until someone pointed out that was the name of a Katy
Perry song.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It’s a very strong beer -
beware!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="background: white; color: #222222; font-family: "georgia"; font-size: 10.0pt;">For dinner, I met up with some of the girls for
at Mezzanine El Nido, an Italian restaurant that took FOREVER to bring our food
but the focaccia was worth the wait.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>My salad was basic but fresh.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="background: white; color: #222222; font-family: "georgia"; font-size: 10.0pt;">For breakfast, I got coffee from an amazing
little shop near Artcafe.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It’s just a
window without a name (sorry!)<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She made
me the closest thing I’ve had to an American iced coffee in ages – so YUM.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Wish I’d gotten another one.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I asked her for a good local spot for brekkie
and she recommended IBR.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The only way
you can identify the restaurant is the large yellow sign.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Very non-descript (sort of reminds me of the
interior of a McDonalds) and good although I’ve had better meals.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I had the adobo chicken for 160 pesos.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u><span style="background: white; color: #222222; font-family: "georgia"; font-size: 10.0pt;">CORON<o:p></o:p></span></u></b></div>
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<span style="background: white; color: #222222; font-family: "georgia"; font-size: 10.0pt;">Glad I didn’t spend more than a night in Coron.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Felt it was very grungy and quiet.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>From what I’ve heard people come for the
diving so I probably just wasn’t seeing it for what it’s worth, but I wouldn’t
need to go back.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I vote 0 days for this
spot.<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u><o:p></o:p></u></b></span></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="background: white; color: #222222; font-family: "georgia"; font-size: 10.0pt;">Accommodation – <o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<span style="background: white; color: #222222; font-family: "georgia"; font-size: 10.0pt;">I tried to walk to my hotel from the boat dock which
turned out to be way farther than it appeared on the map.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Ended up grabbing a trike halfway for 20
pesos which was probably over-paying.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I
checked into the Darayonan Hotel ($53 AUD/night) which was the least nice place
I’ve stayed, so luckily only here for the night.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The room was dumpy, although large, the AC
wasn’t very strong, no toiletries besides a bar of soap, no sheet on the bed
and no wifi in the rooms.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The wifi only
“worked” in the main reception area and at that not very well.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Breakfast was free but not very good
either.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’d pass on this hotel but after
chatting to my friend it was probably one of the nicer options.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Eek. The picture below makes it look way nicer than it was...<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="background: white; color: #222222; font-family: "georgia"; font-size: 10.0pt;">Dining - <o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<span style="background: white; color: #222222; font-family: "georgia"; font-size: 10.0pt;">Our boat crew had our final dinner at Blue Moon
a few “blocks” down from my hotel. I struggled my way through dinner with very
little appetite because I was sick but even still I thought the pizzas were good
and the tuna Arrabiata pasta was delicious.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>I ordered a chocolate sundae because I’d been randomly desperate for ice
cream the whole boat trip and it was giant and icy cold and soooo good.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="background: white; color: #222222; font-family: "georgia"; font-size: 10.0pt;">Leaving There – <o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<span style="background: white; color: #222222; font-family: "georgia"; font-size: 10.0pt;">I arrived in Coron via boat so I can only speak
to my transportation experience leaving Coron.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>It was horrible. I booked a shuttle through the hotel and next thing I
know the driver is trying to pack 11 people into 7 seats plus bags.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>People were getting super pissed about being
late and the complete lack of respect for personal space.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Turns out, while it was annoying at the time,
they know what they are doing and we got to the airport with plenty of time to
spare (40 minute drive).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Granted I was
not happy to fork over the 150 pesos for the ride.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Of course the airport was terrible – no wifi,
one food option, no coffee, two toilets for the whole airport and to top it all
off my flight was delayed and I had to pay a 100 peso airport tax.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u><span style="background: white; color: #222222; font-family: "georgia"; font-size: 10.0pt;">BORACAY<o:p></o:p></span></u></b></div>
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<span style="background: white; color: #222222; font-family: "georgia"; font-size: 10.0pt;">Boracay gets a lot more attention because I
spent the most time there, but also because I liked it the best. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="background: white; color: #222222; font-family: "georgia"; font-size: 10.0pt;">Basically, the entire town is built RIGHT along
the beach.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>As you walk down the
“boardwalk” you’ll pass bar, bar, restaurant, shop, smoothie stand, etc.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Mostly all commercial stuff.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If you are looking for actual admin like
doctor, phone, grocery, etc, that will be off the beach.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The water is amazing.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It’s only about 3-4 feet deep for about 20-30
feet so you can just lie in it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>So clear
and no animals – just how I like it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The
sand in Boracay is <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>a little weird though.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It attaches to you and never let’s go which
is somewhat uncomfortable and sticky.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Better
to live in the water!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="background: white; color: #222222; font-family: "georgia"; font-size: 10.0pt;">The boardwalk crosses three different
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<li>Station 1 is at the “top” and is where Boracay
Beach Club (BBC) is located.<span style="color: #222222; font-family: "georgia"; font-size: 10pt;"> </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "georgia"; font-size: 10pt;">The beach
here is more rocky, there are less people but still lively, and just feels
nicer and more upscale.</span><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "georgia"; font-size: 10pt;"> </span></li>
<li>Station 2 is where most of the action is and
most of the bars.<span style="color: #222222; font-family: "georgia"; font-size: 10pt;"> </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "georgia"; font-size: 10pt;">This is where we spent
most of our time.</span><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "georgia"; font-size: 10pt;"> </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "georgia"; font-size: 10pt;">Definitely more people
and more going on and more people pestering you to buy things.</span><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "georgia"; font-size: 10pt;"> </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "georgia"; font-size: 10pt;">If you want to avoid being sold to, walk on
the beach instead of the boardwalk.</span><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "georgia"; font-size: 10pt;"> </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "georgia"; font-size: 10pt;">I
think Station 2 has the best beach and water.</span><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "georgia"; font-size: 10pt;">
</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "georgia"; font-size: 10pt;">Nice sand without rocks and clear shallow water.</span><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "georgia"; font-size: 10pt;"> </span></li>
<li>Station 3 was my least favorite – too remote,
no people, long stretches in between bars/restaurants, and the beach is filled
with boats because this is where you take off for all the water adventures
(sailing, parasailing, etc) </li>
</ul>
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<span style="background: white; color: #222222; font-family: "georgia"; font-size: 10.0pt;">Overall, I had an amazing time here and would
highly recommend it for 4-5 days.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I was
there in peak season and didn’t feel that it was loud and touristy and dirty
like many people warned me it would be.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Easily my favorite parts where our hotel, the pub crawl and Spider
House.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And the sunsets are damn incredible.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Any type of traveler would like it here from
high-end hotel’ers to backpackers to couples, families and friends.<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u><o:p></o:p></u></b></span></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="background: white; color: #222222; font-family: "georgia"; font-size: 10.0pt;">Getting There – <o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<span style="background: white; color: #222222; font-family: "georgia"; font-size: 10.0pt;">It’s key to book one complete flight to Boracay
instead of two separate flights if you are on another island (most place you must
fly through Manila to get there).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It
means your checked bag goes all the way through and even better you can take an
internal transfer bus from Terminal 3 to 4 rather than getting your checked bag
and having to go externally to Terminal 4 where you’ll have to wait in two sets
of airport security (you must go through a massive security line just to enter
the overall airport).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>My travel partner,
who was meeting me at our gate, had to pay the guard off to let her cut the
first security line. So annoyed I did the Optus mobile plan – everywhere
(except Coron) has wifi!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="background: white; color: #222222; font-family: "georgia"; font-size: 10.0pt;">On arrival in Boracay, one of the best choices
I made was booking the $25 USD transfer to/from the airport to Boracay Beach
Club.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You take a 15 minute van to a 20
minute boat to a 20 minute van to get to the main area of Boracay from Caticlan
airport and we didn’t have to wait in any ticket lines.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>A guy was there to sort the whole thing.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And they didn’t have a van filled to the brim
with people and bags.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Private van hire
for the win!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>One thing to note is that
two porters grabbed our big bags to carry them to the boat, which we thought
was part of the service.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It’s not.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They asked for a tip once we got to the boat
(20 pesos are PLENTY).<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="background: white; color: #222222; font-family: "georgia"; font-size: 10.0pt;">Accommodation- <o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<span style="background: white; color: #222222; font-family: "georgia"; font-size: 10.0pt;">Boracay Beach Club was the nicest hotel of the
trip and the staff were SO lovely (which it better be for $269 AUD/night). <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Huge living room with separate bedroom, very
comfy bed (first of the trip), great AC, wifi in the room, amazing bathroom and
a hair dryer.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>FANCY.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They provide new towels and free waters every
morning.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Only thing I’d avoid is the
welcome drink (or else the airport McDonald’s wasn’t sitting well with my
stomach).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>For beach towels, they give
you “tokens” which you exchange for a towel.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>They do this so you can go wherever you want on the island with the
hotel towels but if you lose them they’ll know. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="background: white; color: #222222; font-family: "georgia"; font-size: 10.0pt;">Dining and Drinking - <o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<span style="background: white; color: #222222; font-family: "georgia"; font-size: 10.0pt;">I’m providing a laundry list here because
we ate and drank a lot over the four days in no particular order.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="background: white; color: #222222; font-family: "georgia"; font-size: 10.0pt;"><u>BBC in Station 1</u> - great free breakfast options
at the hotel particularly the pancakes. Loved eating Frosted Flakes after a
year in Australia (although I forgot how much Asia loves warm milk).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="background: white; color: #222222; font-family: "georgia"; font-size: 10.0pt;"><u>Sunnyside Café in Station 3</u> – I’d been told the
pulled pork eggs benedict was to die for.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>They proved good but I’m realizing that outside of garlic, Filipino food
just doesn’t have much spice/flavor so it can seem kind of bland.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I felt like I needed to put hot sauce on the
eggs.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>My travel partner got the weird
looking purple pancake made from yams which were a little sweet but delicious.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="background: white; color: #222222; font-family: "georgia"; font-size: 10.0pt;"><u>Hama Sushi in D Mall in Station 2</u> - The sushi was good/standard
although a bit overpriced particularly when you also have to pay a service
charge for the meal.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Very extensive menu
though.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="background: white; color: #222222; font-family: "georgia"; font-size: 10.0pt;"><u>Army Navy Burger and Burrito in Station 2</u> - The
quesadillas are out of this world.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I
would’ve ordered two orders had I known. I went back for a round two but turns
out the rest of their food is subpar – stick to the quesadillas.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="background: white; color: #222222; font-family: "georgia"; font-size: 10.0pt;"><u>Mango Smoothie Stands </u>– these are everywhere
and I wish I’d discovered them sooner.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Yes please!<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><o:p></o:p></b></span></div>
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<span style="background: white; color: #222222; font-family: "georgia"; font-size: 10.0pt;"><u>Treehouse Bar in Station 3</u> - SO cool.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>There was an old Filipino man playing the
guitar and singing Johnny Cash, Jefferson Airplane and a bunch of other great
oldies.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We sat on floor pillows while
leaning against a tree trunk while we sipped our beers.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The staff was also lovely – only downside is
it was pricey – 100 pesos for a water and a beer.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="background: white; color: #222222; font-family: "georgia"; font-size: 10.0pt;"><u>Spider House</u> – As mentioned one of the top
three things I did in Boracay.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It’s a
bit of a hike though.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You take a 20
minute (150 pesos) motor trike which drops you at a walkway entrance.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You cross a little hidden stretch of beach towards
Spider House perched on the cliff in the distance.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Walk through a dark creepy cave up into yet
another treehouse-like structure.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You
need to get there as early as possible for a sunset table and by 3:30pm for ANY
table.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "georgia"; font-size: 13.3333px;">If you are waiting for a table or food, feel free to jump off the edge of the restaurant into the ocean (HIGH TIDE ONLY) and kick it in the water.</span><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "georgia"; font-size: 13.3333px;"> </span></div>
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<span style="background: white; color: #222222; font-family: "georgia"; font-size: 10.0pt;">I
recommend ordering a bunch of food and drinks at once because the kitchen and
service gets overloaded.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I got a pizza
with salami, green peppers, onions and pineapple, the Spider House sushi
special, an order of tuna rolls and like 4 drinks.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The pizza was AMAZING.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The best non-Filipino food of the trip. The
sushi special was also good and thank god they forgot to bring my tuna rolls
because I was stuffed.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Note – the gin
and tonics are very strong so if you don’t like that order the drink in a tall
glass.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They also had hookah for 1000
pesos.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You can pay with cash or card and
be prepared for a good-looking, young crowd (think Meatpacking NYC, Manhattan
Beach CA, and Coogee Pav Sydney).<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="background: white; color: #222222; font-family: "georgia"; font-size: 10.0pt;"><u>Exit Bar in Station 2</u> – My favorite late night
bar/club of the trip.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It reminded me a
lot of Burning Man thanks to the open-air atmosphere, dancey crowd and DJ playing
great house music.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div>
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<span style="background: white; color: #222222; font-family: "georgia"; font-size: 10.0pt;">The Pub Crawl Bars & Clubs:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<ul style="text-align: left;">
<li>GT Hotel – starting point of the pub crawl,
pretty bleh</li>
<li>Gypsea – treehouse bar that is AWESOME but maybe
not the best first stop.<span style="color: #222222; font-family: "georgia"; font-size: 10pt;"> </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "georgia"; font-size: 10pt;">The area we had
was small and dark and loud which makes it a difficult place to meet people.</span></li>
<li>Epic – beach club that is one of the more
popular, good music, good crowd, not really a club so much as an area of sand
with walls and a bar, kind of annoying that if you leave you have to wait in
line to get back in</li>
<li>Paraw – loved this place, two level club on the
beach, great music and open to the beach so you drink beers and come and
go.<span style="color: #222222; font-family: "georgia"; font-size: 10pt;"> </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "georgia"; font-size: 10pt;">We went back for NYE and they set
off fireworks from the water.</span></li>
<li>Cocomangas – VERY standard backpacker bar, we
were pretty drunk by the time we made it here so perfect for dancing like
maniacs, sub-standard Top 40 music and right next door to BBC for easy stumble
home</li>
</ul>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="background: white; color: #222222; font-family: "georgia"; font-size: 10.0pt;">Activities
- </span></b><span style="background: white; color: #222222; font-family: "georgia"; font-size: 10.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="background: white; color: #222222; font-family: "georgia"; font-size: 10.0pt;"><u>Parasailing</u> - We got a guy in Station 3 down
from 3000 pesos for 2 to 2400 for 2 to go out at sunset.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>When we arrived, he asked if two more people
could join our boat and we’d pay 2000 for 2.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>It wasn’t until we’d been on the outrigger for 15-20 minutes that I
realized we’d somehow ended up on a regular <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">sailing</i></b><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"> </i>trip not the <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">parasailing</i>.</b> I was so
pissed because I’d been very clear and after 5:30pm they won’t take you out
anymore so we were SOL. I do think it was an honest miscommunication but I
still insisted on our money back. We managed to get 1300 of our 2000 back but
it was our second to last day and he told us that since tomorrow was NYE the
parasailing was done.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="background: white; color: #222222; font-family: "georgia"; font-size: 10.0pt;"><u>Pub Crawl</u> – SO WORTH IT!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Costs 990 pesos for 5 stops and you get 10
free shots, drink specials, free entry to the 2 clubs and a T-shirt and shot
glass to keep.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>See above for the bars on
the pub crawl and my thoughts on each.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I
was surprised at the variety of ages on the pub crawl – everywhere from 18 to
mid 30s I feel like.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Also by the end
there was probably about 100 people that showed up so it was full on.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-375504522951411877.post-60387421778368365662017-02-14T15:24:00.001-08:002017-02-14T16:01:34.868-08:00Preparing for the Philippines<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Of all the countries in Asia, you might ask, “How did I end up in the Philippines?” for Christmas and NYE this year. I’ve been living in Sydney, Australia for the past year and had just been back to the States so I was eager for a new adventure. A colleague was keen to come along and had a friend in the Philippines so boom – country locked.</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><b>The Planning:</b></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">I know ZLITCH about the Philippines.</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"> </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">There are 7,500 islands to visit (yikes) so it’s a daunting task to build an itinerary.</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"> </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">I quickly discarded the South since it isn’t particularly safe for tourists (I’d be traveling alone for the first week).</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"> </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Usually I pick a country because I’ve read a book or done some research in advance and know what I want to see.</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"> </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">This was a new experience for me so I asked Facebook.</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><br /></span>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">I received tons of feedback but the one that stood out to me was a 5 day sailing trip with TAO Philippines.</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"> </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">My experiences sailing the British Virgin Islands and Croatia’s coastline has taught me there’s no better way to knock out a country of sea and islands than seeing it by boat.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5wcEybyGO0_i50WcnExpFuX_t7gWU9bLEe5Bs_CtzZvTKWttU6dxFr8Z0VW1ePM0wl1bt34cQdk2p-A9rkh37bWFanana9aMaMAWt9GW9iAbm1niOz-DMFcP436oTXoxrEoe0UCPMeDT5/s1600/IMG_4704.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5wcEybyGO0_i50WcnExpFuX_t7gWU9bLEe5Bs_CtzZvTKWttU6dxFr8Z0VW1ePM0wl1bt34cQdk2p-A9rkh37bWFanana9aMaMAWt9GW9iAbm1niOz-DMFcP436oTXoxrEoe0UCPMeDT5/s320/IMG_4704.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div>
<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">I submitted my application to join the crew.</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"> </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Yes, you have to submit an application so they can weed out the “princesses” who won’t be able to handle the sunburns, bug bites, smelly toilets, random dogs and hard floors of the bamboo hut sleeping quarters.</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"> </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">I received my confirmation a few days later.</span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">This made planning the first half of my trip easier as the boat goes from El Nido to Coron (you can also travel the other direction).</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"> </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">There seemed to be more to do in Coron so I decided to end there. It does take about 3 days to get to El Nido from Sydney and I had to time it to arrive for the 5pm boat check-in the day before departure.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5WRnHeZLE23C1MRyJ-3ohf9H_P7-WWOuFxhJwa8Gb1DIgkbOAJek_iFV0m9UwJ-_YKVtSkaF4hOrwiISiB-JGAp6hm-qduJEjo-c3q-8aegAIjWJG_k0SV-BXuSDPCgOklPciIDwnKily/s1600/IMG_4799.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5WRnHeZLE23C1MRyJ-3ohf9H_P7-WWOuFxhJwa8Gb1DIgkbOAJek_iFV0m9UwJ-_YKVtSkaF4hOrwiISiB-JGAp6hm-qduJEjo-c3q-8aegAIjWJG_k0SV-BXuSDPCgOklPciIDwnKily/s320/IMG_4799.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div>
<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Next up was determining where I should meet my friend for the second half of my trip.</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"> </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Originally I was thinking Coron because I'd already be there but soon learned it's best known for diving – no thanks, I’m terrified of the ocean.</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"> </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">I also wanted (no shock here) a party location for NYE.</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"> </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">More Facebook consulting and Boracay filtered to the top.</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><b>An Itinerary was born...</b></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><b><br /></b></span>
<div class="p1">
<span class="s1">Day 1: Sydney to Manila</span></div>
<div class="p1">
<span class="s1">Day 2: Manila to Puerto Princesa</span></div>
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<span class="s1">Day 3: 5 hrs Bus to El Nido (5pm Check-in) </span></div>
<div class="p1">
<span class="s1">Day 4: 8:30am El Nido departure on TAO</span></div>
<div class="p1">
<span class="s1">Day 5 – 8: On the Boat</span></div>
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<span class="s1">Day 9: Arrive in Coron (5:30pm) </span></div>
<div class="p1">
<span class="s1">Day 10: Fly to Boracay by way of Manila</span></div>
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<span class="s1">Day 11 – 13: Boracay</span></div>
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<span class="s1">Day 14: Manila to Sydney</span></div>
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<span class="s1"><br /></span></div>
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<span class="s1"><b>Now, looking back on this itinerary here is what I'd change with the same timeframe:</b></span></div>
<div class="p1">
<span class="s1"><b><br /></b></span></div>
<div class="p1">
<span class="s1">Day 1: Sydney to Manila</span></div>
<div class="p1">
<span class="s1">Day 2: Morning flight direct to El Nido (boat check-in) </span></div>
<div class="p1">
<span class="s1">Day 3: 8:30am departure on TAO</span></div>
<div class="p1">
<span class="s1">Day 4 - 8: On the Boat</span></div>
<div class="p1">
<span class="s1">Day 9: Arrive in Coron (5:30pm) </span></div>
<div class="p1">
<span class="s1">Day 10: Fly to Boracay by way of Manila</span></div>
<div class="p1">
<span class="s1">Day 11 – 13: Boracay</span></div>
<div class="p1">
<span class="s1">
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<span class="s1">Day 14: Manila to Sydney</span></div>
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</div>
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<span style="background: white; color: #222222;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: xx-small;"><br /></span></span></div>
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<div style="margin: 0px;">
<span style="color: #222222; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="background-color: white;"><b>Why?</b></span></span></div>
<div style="margin: 0px;">
</div>
<ol style="text-align: left;">
<li>It took three days to get to El Nido because from Sydney you can only arrive in Manila at night.<span style="color: #222222; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"> <span style="background: white;">No real way to get around this.</span></span></li>
<li>I stupidly booked an early afternoon flight to PP. Book a morning flight because they are less likely to be delayed and then you get almost a full day to see PP (the underground river is apparently awesome). Better yet, just pay a little more for a direct morning flight to El Nido. <span style="background: white; color: #222222; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">I took the bus which was a great experience (ride with and befriend locals and see the countryside) but it’s definitely a one-time experience.</span></li>
<li>If you do go bus; Don’t book a bus in advance.<span style="color: #222222; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"> <span style="background: white;">When you arrive in PP, have them take you to the private van hires - cut 2 hours off my bus trip.</span></span></li>
<li>Definitely glad I didn’t spend any extra time in Coron – it’s is ONLY diving and pretty boring otherwise.<span style="color: #222222; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"> <span style="background: white;">No beach.</span> <span style="background: white;">If I'd had more days I would've ended in El Nido and stayed extra time. Something to think about if you have more than 14 days. </span></span></li>
<li>Definitely book a "one ticket" flight from Coron to Boracay instead of two separate flights (you have to go through Manila). This allows you to have your checked bag go through to your final destination which is awesome and means you skip the security line. At <span style="background: white; color: #222222; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Philippine airports you have to wait in an airport security line to get INTO the airport AND THEN do the regular security line to get to the gate.</span></li>
<li>Boracay is a bitch to get to/from the airport so leave yourself PLENTY of time. <span style="background: white; color: #222222; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">One of the best choices I made was booking the $25 USD transfer to/from the airport to Boracay Beach Club.</span><span style="color: #222222; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"> </span></li>
</ol>
<br />
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<b style="font-family: georgia, "times new roman", serif;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">If I could've had my ultimate itinerary and taken three more days...</span></b></div>
<div style="margin: 0px;">
<b style="font-family: georgia, "times new roman", serif;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></b></div>
<div class="p1">
<span class="s1">Day 1: Sydney to Manila</span></div>
<div class="p1">
<span class="s1">Day 2: Morning flight direct to Coron (boat check-in) </span></div>
<div class="p1">
<span class="s1">Day 3: 8:30am departure on TAO</span></div>
<div class="p1">
<span class="s1">Day 4 - 8: On the Boat</span></div>
<div class="p1">
<span class="s1">Day 9: Arrive in El Nido (5:30pm) </span></div>
<div class="p1">
<span class="s1">Day 10: Full day and night in El Nido</span></div>
<div class="p1">
<span class="s1">Day 11: Fly to Boracay by way of Manila </span></div>
<div class="p1">
<span class="s1">Day 12 – 15: Boracay</span></div>
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<span class="s1">Day 16: Manila to Sydney</span></div>
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<span class="s1"><br /></span></div>
<div class="p1">
So what did I pack, purchase and wish I hadn't bought?</div>
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<span style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; background: white; color: #222222; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Usually I refuse to check a bag (since usually the airline loses it for me). But unfortunately this time, due to the things I needed to bring for the boat trip, I would have to check. Below is my packing list of must haves, optional items and items that you can buy there before the boat (this </span><span style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">list is post-trip to it's been updated with any changes I would've made to the original list). </span></div>
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<span style="color: #222222; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="background-color: white;"><b><u>Must Haves:</u></b></span></span></div>
</div>
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<ul style="text-align: left;">
<li><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><b>3+ swimsuits:</b> I brought like 5 and wore them all (you live in them)</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><b>3-4 changes of casual clothes:</b> You are roughing it and nothing feels nicer than fresh clothes in the morning. I recommend T-shirts and shorts.<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;"> </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;">Maybe 1 nice sundress for the pub crawl in Boracay if you decide to go on it.</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;"> </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;">I was there for NYE so I brought a cute dress for the celebration.</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;"> </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;">Otherwise it’s literally singlets, swimmers, shorts and thongs all the time.</span></span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><b>1-2 long sleeve shirts and pants:</b> The mosquitoes don’t mess around.<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;"> </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;">Bring something long and light because it’s still hot but you will want the coverage.</span></span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><b>All terrain shoes or “aqua socks”: </b>you are swimming and nature walking and hiking and climbing and boating.<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;"> </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;">Thongs are annoying because they fall off.</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;"> </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;">Protect your feet and be prepared for anything!</span></span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><b>2-3 Bags:</b> Sounds weird right?<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;"> </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;">You basically have 2-3 bags for the boat.</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;"> </span></span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><u>The “Big Bag”</u>: ideally you hand over the first day and don’t access until the end of the tour (I used my Country Road bag).<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;"> </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;">Store items you won’t use on the boat.</span></span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><u>Dry Bag</u>: Wait to buy in El Nido unless you already have one.<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;"> </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;">I highly recommend 30+ size so that you can store all overnight items (i.e. multiple changes of clothes) so you don’t have to repack it every night.</span></span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><u>Day Bag</u>: Leave topside on the boat to access stuff during the day.<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;"> </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;">I used my small CamelBak.</span></span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><u>Waterproof bag</u>:<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;"> </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;">Just something large enough to separate dirty/wet clothes from dry/clean clothes like a trash bag.</span></span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><b>2 towels:</b> Both a beach and “shower” towel.<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;"> </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;">Definitely bring two – again you feel super dirty by the end of each day and using a cleanish shower towel is so much better than repurposing that sandy beach towel.</span></span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><b>Sea sickness pills:</b> I like the preventive kind that you take every morning regardless.<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;"> </span></span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><b>3 bottles of Deet: </b>I used ALL of them.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><b>Sunscreen</b>: Face sunscreen and waterproof spray for your body.<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;"> </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;">Particularly traveling alone I didn’t want a “single girl sunburn” so good to have a spray that you can get your own shoulders.</span></span></li>
</ul>
<b style="color: #222222;"><u><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Optional/Buy There:</span></u></b><br />
<ul style="text-align: left;">
<li><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><b>Flippers: </b>If you have them or insist on them for snorkeling; bring them.<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;"> </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;">I didn’t have them and later realized how tiring it is to snorkel with “regular” feet.</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;"> </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;">Hard to find flippers for a reasonable price in El Nido so bring or buy elsewhere in advance.</span></span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><b>Rash guard/wet suit top: </b>You can buy these for super cheap in El Nido if you don’t have one.<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;"> </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;">Really just need a top and it’s more for sunburn on your back while snorkeling than sea creatures.</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;"> </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;">It makes me feel safe so I bought one there.</span></span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><b>Snorkel/Mask:</b> TAO provides this but mine was pretty terrible and keep fogging up.<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;"> </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;">Might want to bring your own or buy in El Nido.</span></span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><b>Alcohol: </b>A case of beer is included in your boat trip but they recommend also buying a liter of alcohol and a list of mixer per person.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><b>Portable speaker: </b>if you like to have music on the journey/campsite.</span></li>
</ul>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Lastly, <span style="background: white; color: #222222;">I purchased an Optus Travel Plan and it was so pointless. There is free wifi EVERYWHERE. Get a Philippines SIM if you desperately need to call or text people. They do 7,14, etc day plan options. But I honestly don't think you need it. </span><span style="color: #222222;"><span style="background: white;">All airports have free wifi except Coron and </span><span style="background: white;">Boracay beach basically has wifi even on the beach.</span></span></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Now you've got all the basic information, feel free to plan a trip. But if you want the dirty details and travel tips stay tuned for my next post with reviews of my hotels, the boat, my activities and the islands themselves.</span></div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-375504522951411877.post-71234886947073617012016-08-05T20:54:00.005-07:002016-08-05T21:08:23.714-07:00Return to New Zealand - The Coromandel Peninsula<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<b>Friday June 3, 2016</b><br />
<br />
It's been exactly a decade since I last visited New Zealand. I was a
young student, freshly 21, doing my uni exchange in Brisbane,
Australia. My friend and I decide to fuck off for the Easter holiday
and adventure throughout this land riddled in vibrant green hills, sheep
and the occasional hobbit. The trip stuck with me, ten
years and 30+ countries later as one of the best trips of my life.<br />
<br />
Quite the tale to live up to as I touched down in Auckland late on a
Friday. Exhausted I tumbled into bed eager to begin my short but
action-packed camper van trip for the three day holiday weekend.<br />
<br />
<b>Saturday June 4, 2016</b><br />
<br />
Saturday dawned sunny yet autumn crisp - soccer weather as I like to
call it. Starting out early to seize the day, we went to pick up our
Spaceship. Fully equipped with stove, bed, and 24 roadside assistance
we could travel to the Moon! The staff was extra friendly and the rental lobby even had an old school Space Invaders arcade game (extra points!)<br />
<br />
We hit the road 86.9% sure of our destination....East-ish. Within 30-45
minutes we'd left the quiet streets of Auckland and found ourselves
driving the Coromandel coastline. I can only describe it as driving
along the edge of the world an unperturbed, mirrored ocean hugging the
left of the tiny road that snaked along the beach. Only thing better
than driving a Spaceship would be high speed on a motorbike.<br />
<br />
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<br />
I was looking to get "chocolate wasted" by the time we reached
Coromandel Town. The bartender at the edge of town promised me blended
ice cream just before the park. A tiny gas station proved her right - a
milkshake station near the back.<br />
<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4gF6qVN-ctsJzdz3fLyrb6YhueA_bwSpd7CXIIhLl00Vluw9achuJgwLqWgq-Cz8CTuH9QqjOqEEULMSIC4urbLRNaIgnppX5n5mjOiqtH3p0o1xUJWd1rkf2BV-QSB-7qv1drfsBFQi9/s1600/13416995_10154204549248476_5379841596030669030_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4gF6qVN-ctsJzdz3fLyrb6YhueA_bwSpd7CXIIhLl00Vluw9achuJgwLqWgq-Cz8CTuH9QqjOqEEULMSIC4urbLRNaIgnppX5n5mjOiqtH3p0o1xUJWd1rkf2BV-QSB-7qv1drfsBFQi9/s320/13416995_10154204549248476_5379841596030669030_o.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
We took in the sunset sipping strawberries and vanilla which only
whetted our growing appetite...and my mild lactose intolerance so we
hopped back in the Spaceship.<br />
<br />
Thank God for rear-view mirrors or we would've missed the stunning colors
laying the coastline to rest as we crested the massive hills on our way
to Kuaotunu. I wish my camera could've done it an ounce of justice but
at least the view seared itself into my brain to mull over weeks later.<br />
<br />
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<br />
By the time we pulled up to <a href="http://www.lukeskitchen.co.nz/#about" style="color: blue;"><b>Luke's Kitchen</b></a> I could've eaten 1737845
pizzas but we settled for one. I sated the rest of my hunger on live
jazz and New Zealand craft beer.<br />
<br />
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<br />
The rules dictated we stay in a regulated campground for the night but our adventurer spirit could not be contained. Into the darkness, we snuck our way to Otama and parked on a little hill
overlooking a hidden beach. Turns out the Milky Way is fucking
bright! Laying in the grass, staring up at the stars, it felt like the
endless sky would eat you up. A shooting stars competition ensued until
the red wine put an end to consciousness.<br />
<br />
<br />
<b>Sunday June 5, 2016</b><br />
<br />
No better way to start the day then running down at empty beach in American flag leggings...until you hit quicksand.<br />
<br />
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<br />
And no better way to shed the muddy sand then a freezing dip in the
ocean. Damn it was cold!!! But what a way to work up your morning
appetite.<br />
<br />
The Spaceship was just as excited for the next leg of the trip, it's
incessant beeping begging for the key to engage the engine. We filled
our bellies on cappuccinos and muffins and began our slow descent down
the East coast of the Coromandel towards infamous Hot Water Beach.<br />
<br />
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<br />
Distraction caused us to stop at practically every beach along the way
including one where I attempted to jump a sewage gutter only to lad
right in the middle of it.<br />
<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBxZSotm4M255NPopBdFjU1VFIu-WdTra3WxzpyJCTlF4wM-dPgQHqM1rnnZqvAfevoYtJy-euRYNSGPONRqtU7WkKj4IW5aI2cK_KD-1B967T4I4AVmIkR-3eGD0RhAMKuBtOMFA_I1rG/s1600/13422332_10154204549273476_1481050369666169390_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBxZSotm4M255NPopBdFjU1VFIu-WdTra3WxzpyJCTlF4wM-dPgQHqM1rnnZqvAfevoYtJy-euRYNSGPONRqtU7WkKj4IW5aI2cK_KD-1B967T4I4AVmIkR-3eGD0RhAMKuBtOMFA_I1rG/s320/13422332_10154204549273476_1481050369666169390_o.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
As a quick catchup for those who've never been, HWB is a beach (yes duh)
that has natural hot springs under the sand. During low tide you can
shovel the sand away, creating man-made spas that you can lie around
in. It's mad!<br />
<br />
We arrived shovel in hand (don't worry you can rent them there) and I
passionately strode out to the center of the spa cluster. Turns out Hot
Water Beach isn't fucking around. There is a reason the center had been left. In a hot second (sorry too easy) the soles
of my feet felt like they were burning off. I bee-lined my way to the
ocean and could've sworn I heard my toes sizzle as the cold water
chilled my feet.<br />
<br />
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<br />
Wary, my second approach was much more calculated but in the meantime my
travel partner had already cozied up to a bunch of foreigners and
stolen half their spa. Works for me! I'm shit at shoveling anyway! Man it was relaxing. I wish we'd gotten later just a liiittle bit
earlier. By 2:30pm the ocean was nosing the edge of the spa, the sand
slowly crumbling away as cold and hot water mixed.<br />
<br />
In spa-coma (that's a thing right?) we zombied our way to Hahei for a
burger and beers at <a href="http://www.coromandelbrewingcompany.co.nz/" style="color: blue;"><b>Pour House</b></a>. Man their chips are tasty and they have
an outdoor fire pit! We didn't have much time to laze about because we wanted to get to Cathedral Cove in time for sunset.<br />
<br />
Cathedral Cove is one of the most photographed places in all of New
Zealand, all the more reason you don't want to see it in the dark. So when we realized it's a FORTY FIVE MINUTE TREK from the car park we realized it was time to put our running shoes on. Bad news is... I'd left mine in the car and instead was rocking UGGS. UGH.<br />
<br />
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<br />
I don't think anyone has made as much noise running as I did that day...
Flop flop flop flop. I must have looked like such an idiot. Not to
mention the 388506 layers of clothing I kept shedding and stuffing in my
too-small purse.<br />
<br />
But man, was it worth it. Wow. You descend a staircase of wooden steps
onto a small beach. As you round the corner you see a huge hole in the
rocks in front of you like the arched entry of a giant cathedral. As
you walk through the world around you darkens as the rock blocks the
sun. Once on the other side you edge between the rock and the incoming
tide onto a thin stretch of beach.<br />
<br />
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<br />
It's a hidden world. My favorite part was this massive rock towering
out of the water like Thor's hammer thrown to Earth. The water had
eaten away at the base so it looked as if it was floating. It was my
favorite place on the trip. I think I have about 838595 photos from the
same angle. Pretty sure I had to be dragged out of there before the
tide engulfed the beach.<br />
<br />
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<br />
Still in awe, the ride to Pananaui was quiet, each of us pondering the
impact nature can have. I'd forgotten how inviting New Zealand's
landscape can be.<br />
<br />
Ignoring "no camping here" once again we pulled into a random parking
lot shielded from view near the pier in Pananaui. This town reminded me
of one of those little ski communities in where everyone from a town
retreats to their remote holiday home only to have their same neighbors
own the one next door.<br />
<br />
We smashed some beers and much needed steaks at the random little
village restaurant and then wandered the beach finishing off a bottle of
red. At one point we walked down the pier which was covered in a low lying
fog. I shivered as thoughts of men in raincoats with hooks for hands
traced cold dread down my spine. We retreated to the cozy warmth of the
Spaceship.<br />
<br />
<b>Monday June 6, 2016</b><br />
<br />
Wine sure makes for a late morning and a painful headache. Luckily a chilly sea water bath washed some of the hangover away. We'd wandered fairly far from Auckland and wanted to be back for dinner
so we only had time for a quick stop in Whangamata for a casual beach
stroll and a meat pie.<br />
<br />
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<br />
The red eye back to Sydney should've been filled with sleep but I
couldn't stop the beautiful imagery of northern New Zealand playing like
an old movie across my eyelids. What a magical place...I totally see
what Peter Jackson saw in it. It truly is from another world. I can't wait
to go back.<br />
<br />
JOKES<br />
Making sand<br />
The whale and mermaid - I'm not a whale!<br />
Meditating</div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-375504522951411877.post-77924443906065154672016-03-10T23:27:00.002-08:002016-03-13T16:43:32.291-07:00Sailing the Whitsundays in Australia<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
I've been to Australia four times in my life (and now live here) and the Whitsundays have always evaded me. So when my two friends came to visit me and suggested a sailing trip I jumped at the chance. It was one of the most beautiful places I have ever visited. Here are the highlights and tips for your trip!<br />
<br />
First off, you must SAIL the Whitsundays. Think of Airlie Beach as a one day stopover on your way to the ocean. <br />
<br />
<b>Here are the most main things to know in planning:</b><br />
<br />
<b>BOOKING A BOAT</b><br />
<ul style="text-align: left;">
<li>The majority of boats are 2D/2N.</li>
<li>The largest number of them are Thursday to Saturday so plan for that if you want the most options. The party boats especially fall into this timeframe. </li>
<li>The boats leave as early as noon so plan to come in the night before your boat departs just to be safe. </li>
<li>The boats usually come back around noon as well so you <i>could</i> fly out that night but it's tradition for your crew so all go out and party together in Airlie Beach so you might want to consider staying the night.</li>
<li>Make sure to print out the confirmation email and bring with you to check-in for your boat.</li>
<li>I booked through <a href="https://sailing-whitsundays.com/" style="color: blue;"><b>Sailing Whitsundays</b></a>. They had impeccable service and a great web chat option for those trying to book from overseas. They also arranged airport transport for me.</li>
<li>We went on <b><a href="https://sailing-whitsundays.com/WhitsundaySailing.php?id=1528" style="color: blue;">Wings</a></b>. It was a VERY nice catamaran with plenty of room. It was clean, the staff was awesome and the food was delicious. They definitely keep you fed. It is primarily a snorkeling boat though not a party boat. If you are looking for a party boat you will sacrifice cleanliness and space. Totally up to you. The <b><a href="https://sailing-whitsundays.com/WhitsundaySailing.php?id=1382">Atlantic Clipper</a></b> seemed to be the party boat everyone talked about. </li>
</ul>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuZ7mgptP2IvmQBSSMPysahEllQUhD7SVyChMRN7WOI56FQnIRS2vVKxhXyC-zRXiqa0K9o5SfoYRoE7W7zr57sW-B0VhnrP5hA5pRf3QEzozaBSCUMWqjef8RWSq1nQOoPFVta8b9ORjN/s1600/IMG_1258.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuZ7mgptP2IvmQBSSMPysahEllQUhD7SVyChMRN7WOI56FQnIRS2vVKxhXyC-zRXiqa0K9o5SfoYRoE7W7zr57sW-B0VhnrP5hA5pRf3QEzozaBSCUMWqjef8RWSq1nQOoPFVta8b9ORjN/s320/IMG_1258.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggzzzeD49IsUBTvhqCLCuoYpjwss4K9rjUje4t-WwM7wbBeX2UHsFpL-h1b4eKhEgxlheSf4A49gmwRVRhEZKf3bGzacYa_irPGPoM56dKdrU-U4hqNwri3iLKR68UJQnu46MNpId2eaS7/s1600/IMG_1259.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggzzzeD49IsUBTvhqCLCuoYpjwss4K9rjUje4t-WwM7wbBeX2UHsFpL-h1b4eKhEgxlheSf4A49gmwRVRhEZKf3bGzacYa_irPGPoM56dKdrU-U4hqNwri3iLKR68UJQnu46MNpId2eaS7/s320/IMG_1259.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfvTF6Eu8IzF4z8j1AgoN_ZdHhgG2-Jm8B136t_EdW7FTmQLYNfujfh-hvPTtKiVhgcX_Mcq4pWL8Wz0VVI78yPRXgpYlZPB5HGVTMM5yPUf18poGkFtbZYn61gFU3JcaVexYvEZLaIDeb/s1600/IMG_1261.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfvTF6Eu8IzF4z8j1AgoN_ZdHhgG2-Jm8B136t_EdW7FTmQLYNfujfh-hvPTtKiVhgcX_Mcq4pWL8Wz0VVI78yPRXgpYlZPB5HGVTMM5yPUf18poGkFtbZYn61gFU3JcaVexYvEZLaIDeb/s320/IMG_1261.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
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<ul style="text-align: left;">
<li> You can only bring a tiny squishy bag so be prepared. All the rest of your stuff I suggest checking at the place you booked the boat.</li>
<li>Can't bring glass on the boat and it is BYOB so make sure you have time to stop at the bottle shop to get liquor. There is ice on the boat but it doesn't keep things very cold so be aware.</li>
</ul>
<div>
<b>ACCOMMODATION</b></div>
<ul style="text-align: left;">
<li><b><a href="http://www.hostelworld.com/hosteldetails.php/Nomads-Airlie-Beach/Airlie-Beach/45642" style="color: blue;">Nomads Airlie Beach</a></b> - For a night or two this place was great value, clean, safe, etc. It's on the main strip close enough to the action but far enough on the end to retreat from the party. I was there during low season so wasn't really an issue. If you have the option try and stay in a 6 or 8-man room near the pool.</li>
<li>They don't have lockers in the rooms so bring the least amount of valuables possible although it seemed really safe. We had great people in our room so you just have to read the situation for yourself. You can always keep valuables at the front desk worse case.</li>
</ul>
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<div style="text-align: center;">
Photo Credit: australiahotels.net</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<b>Then once you arrive in Airlie Beach here are some suggestions/recommendations (you definitely don't need more than one full day in Airlie):</b></div>
<div>
<b><br /></b></div>
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<b>RESTAURANTS</b></div>
<div>
<ul style="text-align: left;">
<li><b><a href="http://beaches.com.au/" style="color: blue;">Beaches Backpackers</a></b> bar has an awesome $15 special for a solid plate of delicious food (burgers, chicken curry, etc) and a beer. Good atmosphere as well and gets pretty packed.</li>
</ul>
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</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Photo Credit: booking.com</div>
<div>
<b><br /></b></div>
<div>
<b>BARS / CLUBS</b></div>
<div>
<ul style="text-align: left;">
<li><b><a href="http://beaches.com.au/" style="color: blue;">Beaches</a></b> was good for a beer as well but starts to empty eventually.</li>
<li><b><a href="http://www.mamaafrica.com.au/" style="color: blue;">Mama Africa</a> </b>- I wasn't terribly impressed with the nightlife although again it was a Thursday night and the off season so maybe that had something to do with it. The only place that was going off was this place with some great house and hip hop. And they had jello shots. Take me back to uni... I'm sold.</li>
</ul>
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<div style="text-align: center;">
Photo Credit: themusic.com.au</div>
<ul style="text-align: left;">
<li><b><a href="https://www.facebook.com/Phoenix.AirlieBeach/?rf=171828122843864" style="color: blue;">Phoenix</a></b> bar was also really fun. The music could be a little better but the crowd was having a ball which totally gets you in the mood to dance. I'd hit this up and then go to Mama Africa late night.</li>
</ul>
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<div style="text-align: center;">
Photo Credit: Phoenix Facebook page</div>
</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<b>SHOPPING</b></div>
<div>
<ul style="text-align: left;">
<li><b><a href="http://www.beachworx.com/" style="color: blue;">Beachworx</a></b> - I highly recommend. It had great quality clothes for reasonable prices and a steal of a sales rack. Everywhere else in Airlie is super cheap quality stuff that looks tacky.</li>
</ul>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<b>And lastly... be prepared for some of the best snorkeling, diving and scenery of your life. </b></div>
</div>
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<b><br /></b></div>
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<div style="text-align: center;">
Airlie Beach Lagoon</div>
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Airlie Beach Lagoon</div>
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<div style="text-align: center;">
Walk to Abell Point Marina from downtown Airlie Beach</div>
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<div style="text-align: center;">
Sailing Whitsundays</div>
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-375504522951411877.post-35473503548799259942016-02-25T20:02:00.000-08:002016-02-25T20:04:06.960-08:00Burning Man 2015 - Reflections from a Veteran<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.8px;">Ticket sales for </span><span class="il" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.8px;">Burning</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.8px;"> </span><span class="il" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.8px;">Man</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.8px;"> 2016 are imminent. This will be my third burn and it reminded me to share my experience from this past year, my first year as a </span><span class="il" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.8px;">Burning</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.8px;"> </span><span class="il" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.8px;">Man</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.8px;"> veteran.</span><br />
<br style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.8px;" />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.8px;">Better? Worse?</span><br />
<br style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.8px;" />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.8px;">Different.</span><br />
<br style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.8px;" />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.8px;">Inevitably, some of the magic is gone.</span><br />
<br style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.8px;" />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.8px;">Nothing will ever match the curiosity and wonder as you explore the camps for the first time, the dust rising in spirals around you, coating your body in protective layers.</span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.8px;">Nothing will ever match your first dark ride into the deep playa's arms, greedy to steal you away from your friends with promises of disruptive lights, throbbing sound and whimsical character.</span>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.8px;"><br /></span>
<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.8px;">And nothing will ever match your first sunrise, the pink rays spreading warmth across the sky to the sweet pop of breakfast champagne and the gentle pulse of Robot Heart.</span>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.8px;">But with veteranhood comes new magic.</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.8px;"><br /></span>
<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.8px;">The magic of returning Home. The relief, the anticipation, the thrill. For those of you who haven't experienced it....It's the bursting happiness of seeing a loved one for the first time in months. It's the chilling anticipation down your spine of the festival bass greeting you before you even enter the show grounds. It's the heady ache deep in your stomach from a first kiss.</span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.8px;">This swirl of old emotions only intensifies as you reunite with your burner family. It's been a year since you saw them last. You are reminded that for all texts and emails and phone calls throughout the year, nothing replaces the physical force of a well-aimed hug. These people have seen into your soul and made a home there.</span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.8px;">And the original magic isn't completely lost because you share in it with the new Virgins you've brought along. Like a proud parent, you revel in their innocence. You send them off alone on their first art car ride. You show them the wonder of the </span><span class="il" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.8px;">Man</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.8px;"> and the Temple. You share champagne for their first sunrise. And you welcome them into your family of gypsies eager to share with these newcomers. You want them to know everything you have known and discover new things you haven't.</span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.8px;">And therein lies the final magic of </span><span class="il" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.8px;">Burning</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.8px;"> </span><span class="il" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.8px;">Man</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.8px;">. Each year, </span><span class="il" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.8px;">Burning</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.8px;"> </span><span class="il" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.8px;">Man</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.8px;"> reinvents itself. In some ways I felt at home and in some ways I was a stranger. It's like returning to a place where the streets are the same but the sights and the people are different. You get to fall in love with this place all over again.</span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.8px;">But it wasn't all magic. The cracks have begun to show. Not just in the hard-baked earth, but in the essence of the event.</span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.8px;">There was more garbage.</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.8px;">There was more mainstream music. </span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.8px;">There were more people who had come just to drug up and party.</span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.8px;">During Major Lazer this past year, I had a moment of intense anger. I looked the show and realized I was surrounded by zombies with no respect for human space and decency. And the generic music? I could've gone to Brochella. I jumped on my bike and cruised to the opposite end of the playa where I found a handful of people kicking up dust to some weird ass DJ. Phew! Escape.</span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.8px;">But that's just one girl's opinion. I respect the tenants of </span><span class="il" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.8px;">Burning</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.8px;"> </span><span class="il" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.8px;">Man</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.8px;"> that it is a place for everyone even if "everyone" is not for me.</span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.8px;">It wasn't my place to judge these people, but I could choose not to coexist with them so I removed myself. Luckily for me, </span><span class="il" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.8px;">Burning</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.8px;"> </span><span class="il" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.8px;">Man</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.8px;"> is large enough that there are still places to escape. I worry that those places will eventually cease to exist. It's a cautionary tale. I know my burns are numbered because of it.</span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.8px;">But in the meantime I will be returning to the Playa this year to soak in the magic that is still left.</span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.8px;">If you are coming to </span><span class="il" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.8px;">Burning</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.8px;"> </span><span class="il" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.8px;">Man</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.8px;"> for the first time this year ignore what everyone else tells you. Ignore everything I've just said. Form your own opinion. That's the whole fucking point.</span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.8px;">And if you see a purple dragon clapping her hands at sunrise you'll know it's me... Because I still believe in magic and at </span><span class="il" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.8px;">Burning</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.8px;"> </span><span class="il" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.8px;">Man</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.8px;"> it still does exist. And I can wait to share it with my most important people once again.</span><br />
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-375504522951411877.post-24451993852856015302016-01-14T16:53:00.000-08:002016-01-14T20:23:36.774-08:00Choose Your Adventure: Bali and the Gili Islands, Indonesia<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.8px;">You arrive in </span><span class="il" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.8px;">Bali</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.8px;"> with a bag and absolutely no plan for your two week holiday besides a plane ticket home. From there, you choose your adventure.</span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.8px;">You hire a car and 45 minutes towards Ubud checking each roadside ATM to see if it has any money left and pull into the drive of the first hotel that looks good as you near town (</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.8px;"><a href="http://www.sriratih.com/" style="color: blue;"><b>Sri Raith Cottages</b></a> for one)</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.8px;">. The hotel is just far enough away to feel remote but close enough to wander Jalan Monkey Forest and the other roads in the main town. The roads are named for where they lead so beware the crazy forest monkeys at the end of that street! </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.8px;">You enjoy morning coffee on the balcony of your cottage or late afternoon coffee at <b><a href="https://www.facebook.com/Mahaubud/" style="color: blue;">Maha Bar</a> </b>in town. You taste Nasi Goreng for the first time and revel in the flavors of Indonesia.</span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.8px;">One of the days you get picked up at 2:30am for the hour drive to Mt. Batur. You pack snacks and warm clothes. The icy grip of night leaves its frozen fingertips on your limbs but the hot chocolate and companionship warm you as the first brilliant rays of sunrise crest the horizon. You take goofy pics of your shadows in the sun and steal tomatoes from the farmers on your walk back down. It's rocky in places so you remember to bring sturdy shoes to wear. </span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.8px;">You leave the cold of the mountain for the blissful warm and sinful innocence of the Gili Islands. The drive </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.8px;">from Ubud to Pandongg</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.8px;"> becomes a blur of striking green rice paddies and the 1.5 hour </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.8px;">high-speed boat is filled with beer guzzling boys, their shoulders red from the afternoon sun.</span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 12.8px;">In Gili T, you feel like Goldie Locks selecting your accommodation. You find the fancy hotels too big, the backpacker hostels too small and <b><a href="http://www.giliamorresort.com/" style="color: blue;">Gili Amor Boutique Hotel</a> </b>to be just right. You're greeted by a refreshing, minty mojito and a swim in the room-side pool. Luckily, you're just in time for the night market where you pick your dinner from a tray of fresh fish, watch it sizzle on a grill served straight to your plate. You keep running out of the delicious lemongrass sauce they serve on the side.</span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.8px;">You spend the rest of your week wearing a tiny </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.8px;">thong for your mid afternoon massage, narrowly avoiding horse carts as you lazily bike through the streets and watching naughty female tourists consort with young locals at late night bars. By day you rush to eat your ice cream before it melts down your wrist and by night you fight for your fair share of over-salted, under-bacon'd crepes.</span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.8px;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_n-0Lp37IOhtLw5navMboFZM8agk6sfOnrjR6z9TMG4AOU-heDywgAVdMN8YAzhgZCm2aBr1iH4clJ-I0GjKwEuCgCS_JyzxB3xoGSPs0z5M7rwVLzrgMEX-a04hqQMII_4RnGhYuaDsy/s1600/11794255_10153466182628476_9165087125851062655_o.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_n-0Lp37IOhtLw5navMboFZM8agk6sfOnrjR6z9TMG4AOU-heDywgAVdMN8YAzhgZCm2aBr1iH4clJ-I0GjKwEuCgCS_JyzxB3xoGSPs0z5M7rwVLzrgMEX-a04hqQMII_4RnGhYuaDsy/s320/11794255_10153466182628476_9165087125851062655_o.jpg" width="320" /></a></span><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAS0Hp38lLtBsewKzIdh08lBh2O2ETfvXhCSo4h6uME2xAaMhcUMVahyvZNfVRV83IpG-7LmLaVG-Wn38VE2yH7a6BJp4MG5YtPDnf_HesX1HHxNauK8IS-TxbnOoEYQNKtB0sjOmgEsqf/s1600/11741008_10153466182753476_7158411489469766302_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAS0Hp38lLtBsewKzIdh08lBh2O2ETfvXhCSo4h6uME2xAaMhcUMVahyvZNfVRV83IpG-7LmLaVG-Wn38VE2yH7a6BJp4MG5YtPDnf_HesX1HHxNauK8IS-TxbnOoEYQNKtB0sjOmgEsqf/s320/11741008_10153466182753476_7158411489469766302_o.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.8px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.8px;">During your morning snorkel, you catch your breath at the myriad of flashy fish, treacherous jellies and the keen sense of a world you don't belong in but can't help diving into. You emerge terrified... and triumphant. You return to land famished and spend the </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.8px;">entire day laughing over pizza with new friends at Egoiste Bar commenting on the "chicken trees." You laugh so hard you run out of tissues.</span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.8px;">Entire nights are devoted to "practicing" with milkshake magicians, evening forest adventures and possibly even pulling up with a flat tire on your way to Surf Bar club at 4am. The sun sets to a literal drum roll, the final rays reflecting off the tide as it goes back out to sea.</span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.8px;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfg8P-vzWYUFnB_3kE6gECR4EhP_y4WNkfiv8vmvP7LwEGUE1dARumlgYLoa9NJ3dUQGs0cY7TWvTlLjAqRs3N49qMbwr5q_SVglHpxcohvB6MSnm953RvEqCVODDxSlDaqnybTeNfgxBS/s1600/11794117_10153466182983476_8370323343054353051_o.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfg8P-vzWYUFnB_3kE6gECR4EhP_y4WNkfiv8vmvP7LwEGUE1dARumlgYLoa9NJ3dUQGs0cY7TWvTlLjAqRs3N49qMbwr5q_SVglHpxcohvB6MSnm953RvEqCVODDxSlDaqnybTeNfgxBS/s320/11794117_10153466182983476_8370323343054353051_o.jpg" width="320" /></a> </span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.8px;">After you barely make your 8:30am boat back to </span><span class="il" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.8px;">Bali</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.8px;">, holiday luck brings you to the mainland where you check into the <a href="http://www.brachavillasbali.com/" style="color: blue;"><b>Bracha Villas</b></a> in Seminyak. The room won't be ready so for </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.8px;">dinner you book a car to Uluwatu. On the way, you stop at Uluwatu Temple, a cliffside temple shrouded in gold, penetrated by curious travelers in purple skirts and guarded by precocious monkeys.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIXK040xJ__8VVuXvoz7uGkMSf1BHfY1cOOm6SpLZEdcc6C4350AuZzO69vAJkxxD-GbwrDrE2y_XS7i8NicxpsgF7vcLY99DyEt4R2iy6ER7rFiiz9Dnl4kwzIh_9JWqcDMj6nbsUJqKu/s1600/11728922_10153466183213476_8068733532828714975_o.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIXK040xJ__8VVuXvoz7uGkMSf1BHfY1cOOm6SpLZEdcc6C4350AuZzO69vAJkxxD-GbwrDrE2y_XS7i8NicxpsgF7vcLY99DyEt4R2iy6ER7rFiiz9Dnl4kwzIh_9JWqcDMj6nbsUJqKu/s320/11728922_10153466183213476_8068733532828714975_o.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.8px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.8px;">The frost drips down your icy beer as you watch the sky painted with millions of vibrant sunset colors from the top deck of the infamous <a href="https://www.facebook.com/Single-Fin-Bali-140336452699195/" style="color: blue;"><b>Single Fin</b></a> bar. The fisherman bring in their days catch from the ocean below. You jostle for the best position at the bar and then realize the sky is so big, everyone has a view.</span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.8px;">Your first night you wander the streets looking for the shadiest bar in Kuta because it'll have the best music (Eirons Bar). You dance until the sweat pours, the dance floor empties and you're left with permanent wrinkles in your sundress from tying it above the knees. You stick to beers because the liquor might make you blind... and not in the good way.</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.8px;" /><br style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.8px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.8px;">You wake up in a secluded villa you couldn't afford at home and refuse to leave your giant bed until the private pool seduces your hangover with its soothing cool water. The next few days are a blur: lunches at <a href="http://sisterfieldsbali.com/" style="color: blue;"><b>Sister Fields</b></a>, French dinners at <a href="http://www.bistrot-bali.com/" style="color: blue;"><b>Le Bistrot</b></a>, ocean-view sushi and sunsets at <b><a href="http://www.kudeta.net/" style="color: blue;">Ku De Ta</a> </b>and dirty dancing at <a href="http://www.lafavela.com/" style="color: blue;"><b>La Favela</b></a>. </span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj84s5pCn5j9DtHtsk1VR1fUpGFdXgh-PCJVXPtzYF8ngQK9PPV2H9QUJ5TcTWOyNUC228KyHFHgJ4WHD_rZHtBocKWpJqT2oyTM1B7rk7DxCQr2AUevEY0zIVleMMps44zYKa9E2CuhY6_/s1600/11731813_10153466184198476_3733336508370665996_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj84s5pCn5j9DtHtsk1VR1fUpGFdXgh-PCJVXPtzYF8ngQK9PPV2H9QUJ5TcTWOyNUC228KyHFHgJ4WHD_rZHtBocKWpJqT2oyTM1B7rk7DxCQr2AUevEY0zIVleMMps44zYKa9E2CuhY6_/s320/11731813_10153466184198476_3733336508370665996_o.jpg" width="320" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhC5ifPljlXcDsNd75pDQpiRdhCrIxDOqaYiaFPBGSa3QvqbtEMbTmzJrPo5rU4A61Ibfs9T8cpz1eFvdWXTY74dXUEpjIoZEJkoA_wpCLQsgShIA0yPJnCIBFNpj-PxxqlvfZBCN3IaYzR/s1600/11057118_10153466183793476_6096924451016895482_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhC5ifPljlXcDsNd75pDQpiRdhCrIxDOqaYiaFPBGSa3QvqbtEMbTmzJrPo5rU4A61Ibfs9T8cpz1eFvdWXTY74dXUEpjIoZEJkoA_wpCLQsgShIA0yPJnCIBFNpj-PxxqlvfZBCN3IaYzR/s320/11057118_10153466183793476_6096924451016895482_o.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.8px;"><br /></span>
<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.8px;">You earn a full day at the famous <b><a href="http://www.pranaspabali.com/2013/index.html" style="color: blue;">Prana Spa</a> </b>in Seminyak. A hundred US dollars gets you three hours of</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.8px;"> </span><span class="il" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.8px;">Balinese</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.8px;"> oil massage, an aromatic Lulur body scrub, yogurt skin conditioning and a final soak in a rose petal and Frangipani flower bath. The tea there is INCREDIBLE.</span><br />
<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfehYePQHC3A-13Fs4K23IsyW3n5AtaucNJscjqwzM13Wb8wVWdhKCfcm0pcQawhANOPdiE06c-Tln3oHT3qD5RYjy60BRgZqflivzWe50yir_sgQFJyxfpwIhAywgA-fSckGJWab-sLqv/s1600/11722577_10153466184463476_237475933487162454_o.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfehYePQHC3A-13Fs4K23IsyW3n5AtaucNJscjqwzM13Wb8wVWdhKCfcm0pcQawhANOPdiE06c-Tln3oHT3qD5RYjy60BRgZqflivzWe50yir_sgQFJyxfpwIhAywgA-fSckGJWab-sLqv/s320/11722577_10153466184463476_237475933487162454_o.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.8px;"><br /></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.8px;">And finally, on your last beach walk, you gift a piece of your soul </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.8px;">to drift in and out with the tide until it becomes one grain among many. You leave your mark on </span><span class="il" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.8px;">Bali, just as it ha</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.8px;">s left a mark on you.</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.8px;"><br /></span>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.8px;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrZQObDH6F3u48vUU6xCOpruU21_y3nl42sPt3y8J4LgkmPgnqhCt7GeNdzyprobvCYxB831-eBrMtZJZ3hfVQH8tOvq0qZN5rpliFKWpvgYHx3Fje9g6Fg4cNropRFwbBGbT8wcyOkoXG/s1600/10382300_10153466183618476_7308061961265448526_o.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrZQObDH6F3u48vUU6xCOpruU21_y3nl42sPt3y8J4LgkmPgnqhCt7GeNdzyprobvCYxB831-eBrMtZJZ3hfVQH8tOvq0qZN5rpliFKWpvgYHx3Fje9g6Fg4cNropRFwbBGbT8wcyOkoXG/s320/10382300_10153466183618476_7308061961265448526_o.jpg" width="320" /></a></span></div>
</span></span></div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-375504522951411877.post-22945197397535968012015-10-12T17:26:00.000-07:002015-10-12T17:26:29.756-07:00Farewell Manhattan<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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Dear Manhattan,
<br />
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoPlainText">
I'm sitting here at the 8th Ave L stop waiting for it to
leave for Brooklyn and it dawned on me...This is my last moment with you.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>From that day we first flirted in Central
Park five years ago to this last walk from Chelsea Market, I've fallen in love
with you.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoPlainText">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIy_fbfSgUR6OODvS459b8wpAusO9_67b3e6YQQGKdgNFYYMAqfD5hY2yN77UjmqOgt2BhsXOIls7sMryG2m3ocdBmMMzyp9l2Vn2SpcqrbMPcGv9cH2VwO8NRv9ar8AP8XOlXMs8jm_dE/s1600/IMG_0148.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIy_fbfSgUR6OODvS459b8wpAusO9_67b3e6YQQGKdgNFYYMAqfD5hY2yN77UjmqOgt2BhsXOIls7sMryG2m3ocdBmMMzyp9l2Vn2SpcqrbMPcGv9cH2VwO8NRv9ar8AP8XOlXMs8jm_dE/s320/IMG_0148.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoPlainText">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoPlainText">
You've taught me so much in these four years.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>How to laugh, cry, love, work and dance a
little harder.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
<ul style="text-align: left;">
<li>We bingo'd in Meat Packing on Sundays and worked our
asses off in Chelsea on Mondays.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></li>
<li>We blacked out with the bartenders of the LES and flirted
with the mixologists of the East Village.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span></li>
<li>We screamed at sports in West Village and stared in shop
windows in Soho at things we'd never afford. </li>
<li>We spent rainy days with art in the UES and lovely
brunches in UWS or met in the middle for a Sheeps Meadow respite.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></li>
<li>We floated on boat bars in FiDi and sipped soup dumplings
in Chinatown.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></li>
<li>We even grabbed our passports and snuck off to warehouse
parties in Williamsburg, St Pattys Day in Hoboken and ramen burger dinners in
DUMBO.</li>
</ul>
<br />
<div class="MsoPlainText">
</div>
<div class="MsoPlainText">
You accepted me and all my weirdness and made me a New
Yorker. </div>
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<br /></div>
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<div class="MsoPlainText">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoPlainText">
Your hallowed avenues and streets have kicked my ass a
couple times but we've always made up and our relationship is the stronger for
it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You've introduced me to new friends
who I will hold dear for the rest of my life and helped me realize many
unreasonable pacts of reconnection with old ones.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I think all us transients would agree...
You're pretty fucking awesome.</div>
<div class="MsoPlainText">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoPlainText">
We'll be spending some time apart in the near future but
I know it won't be forever.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You'll never
fully wean me off of you...because you're the only place I've ever called
"home."</div>
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<br /></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjn7f3RwHCGWnUz7vJXWiCQuO0cNt_U6xAn64ZIaw5ZzCVsd_pnI9CkytGGPqqsoN3xy7FUq-WuaSJ3v4wqI1V_8JLg3_67OZwMnrNphCJC6e8894et_v_l0n72WcsCkxUSPUGEoofUUxho/s1600/IMG_0079.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjn7f3RwHCGWnUz7vJXWiCQuO0cNt_U6xAn64ZIaw5ZzCVsd_pnI9CkytGGPqqsoN3xy7FUq-WuaSJ3v4wqI1V_8JLg3_67OZwMnrNphCJC6e8894et_v_l0n72WcsCkxUSPUGEoofUUxho/s320/IMG_0079.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoPlainText">
Please look after my friends. Be their glue while I'm
gone.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Make sure they take good care of
each other and cherish every minute they have with each other and with you. </div>
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<br /></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIRoihGjGS3RKFGC5eFf61IBiM-IePtO3L3wqQUJ3EUPcKsPvWeCEO-qGXnpMT-21j9E0X376nj7CNdvoq6jmQXX8XDXMQT_pgr6YppniIiF4YvSWIyV0xG6ryd20Vl3VvfXL9lDbi3fKQ/s1600/IMG_0439.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIRoihGjGS3RKFGC5eFf61IBiM-IePtO3L3wqQUJ3EUPcKsPvWeCEO-qGXnpMT-21j9E0X376nj7CNdvoq6jmQXX8XDXMQT_pgr6YppniIiF4YvSWIyV0xG6ryd20Vl3VvfXL9lDbi3fKQ/s320/IMG_0439.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2xnVwC3QhEW7r9mvprLhnXISRt3NxS6W3cUtXyQPHyqOkz7-yCv61cHfKFxph4MRytU-ukXTuAVOSKza2EiaJH9DpfoWlJvcL2Z_-8Jvkivz4HPVD2S4WjkY0uUHOEXvMB-7YEKzCVsS3/s1600/IMG_0765.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2xnVwC3QhEW7r9mvprLhnXISRt3NxS6W3cUtXyQPHyqOkz7-yCv61cHfKFxph4MRytU-ukXTuAVOSKza2EiaJH9DpfoWlJvcL2Z_-8Jvkivz4HPVD2S4WjkY0uUHOEXvMB-7YEKzCVsS3/s320/IMG_0765.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoPlainText">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoPlainText">
I see today that we are crying together. I can feel your
teardrops on my umbrella.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But don't
worry we will be together again someday. Promise. </div>
<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5n1cm35JYFfIFBqR8Kzo0iln4UO8XuGxmerEBpYmgYfJEX4GBXscUIHfaYdeV8IphqXEQHnFExN03rd6ufAhvH2fQaQV7v5ZrxOrdm4CRG7dgvUsew5oOlRehmwUXkzb8wtHyNS1JF4-r/s1600/IMG_1214.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5n1cm35JYFfIFBqR8Kzo0iln4UO8XuGxmerEBpYmgYfJEX4GBXscUIHfaYdeV8IphqXEQHnFExN03rd6ufAhvH2fQaQV7v5ZrxOrdm4CRG7dgvUsew5oOlRehmwUXkzb8wtHyNS1JF4-r/s320/IMG_1214.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
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<br />
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Until then.</div>
</div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-375504522951411877.post-61251375190668498882015-08-15T10:31:00.000-07:002015-09-09T11:15:47.232-07:00Burning Man Packing List - What You REALLY Need<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
So I've seen about 4241525456436 packing lists for Burning Man and most of them I feel like are really excessive. I've edited my list from last year based on my experience and what I plan to take this year along with comments. I also provided photos where possible.<br />
<br />
<b>CLOTHING</b><br />
<ul style="text-align: left;">
<li>Costumes - I planned all sorts of outfits and then basically wore none
of them and just tooled around in shorts, bikini tops, and flowy clothes by day and my
animal fleece onesie at night. The key is flowy and loose. Jeans, even shorts, are really uncomfortable and remember no logos! Plus you don't want to do feathers,
glitter, etc, because it's MOOP. Here are example outfits: </li>
</ul>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUuMr1K5kmpK-UNEXP4wvLhXqk8mgLSO88xIRJj7MZ9AjC0yaCUlMzWCOY5hbnfiwWN56U8NZ0bUpHj3NU2RtjDrXzty-_GQZvZosMy1IpcdRG2klDw-lHSY8MkwoZt5pZlqYWxkcq87U_/s1600/IMG_0534.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUuMr1K5kmpK-UNEXP4wvLhXqk8mgLSO88xIRJj7MZ9AjC0yaCUlMzWCOY5hbnfiwWN56U8NZ0bUpHj3NU2RtjDrXzty-_GQZvZosMy1IpcdRG2klDw-lHSY8MkwoZt5pZlqYWxkcq87U_/s320/IMG_0534.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div>
<ul style="text-align: left;">
<li>Fleece onesie - CRUCIAL - I cannot explain to you HOW COLD it gets
at night. I don't care if you have the warmest beer jacket ever you
will freeze. I was wearing a thick, full body, animal onesie (pictured
below) and if I was standing away from people I was cold. </li>
<li>Full WINTER outfit if you don't go onesie. It can get to FREEZING temps out there so think post ski day - fleece pants, warm jacket, tall wool socks. Layers are the best so you can add and subtract. </li>
</ul>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3jlvPOHnH7RTu85ER_Dw44QXwQzZkkQOumu12RBiMt1dc6eUtHGJP-kWaWWQh_r6wqu32TKfuLFTPc86XwaGOg4HXgdDdCtYi7QieUu3ZNAvqrjoxkQYv76e4Lae8a6_t4P92qqPXkKz1/s1600/IMG_0535.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3jlvPOHnH7RTu85ER_Dw44QXwQzZkkQOumu12RBiMt1dc6eUtHGJP-kWaWWQh_r6wqu32TKfuLFTPc86XwaGOg4HXgdDdCtYi7QieUu3ZNAvqrjoxkQYv76e4Lae8a6_t4P92qqPXkKz1/s320/IMG_0535.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<ul style="text-align: left;">
<li>Boots - CRUCIAL - You would think in the desert you'd be all about
the flip flops but honestly I wore flipflops Day One and then my ankle
black boots the rest of the time. Keeps your feet in better condition
because they don't dry out and means you avoid stepping on anything
unpleasant and protects your feet at night. Here are the ones I'm wearing this year:</li>
</ul>
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<br />
<ul style="text-align: left;">
<li>Socks - CRUCIAL </li>
<li>Underwear</li>
<li>Swimsuits - CRUCIAL - just way easier than underwear in a lot of cases. I just wore swimsuits all day everyday</li>
<li>Face Mask/Scarf/Handkerchief - I used this face mask last year and
it was kind of annoying so I rarely used it. When I'd breathe in the
fabric would go into my mouth which was uncomfortable. I'd either do a
hard mask (like the ones people wearing on planes) or just a small
handkerchief that you can just wear around your neck and use when
needed. Even having a face mask I rarely used it.</li>
</ul>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNVGuuqrB3Kv8IZLngVH76ytvmxWUYS54sDhzk9jJZUWB9NeAHxhJlsR5ggZNJs47aYKnKBSEoAFnnOIiOHvLX5OzYzlpMmPSGlnYQ3Gwy7f7qsDpntZ-KUqNVX4WfrS06y43GQMO0Dl26/s1600/mask.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNVGuuqrB3Kv8IZLngVH76ytvmxWUYS54sDhzk9jJZUWB9NeAHxhJlsR5ggZNJs47aYKnKBSEoAFnnOIiOHvLX5OzYzlpMmPSGlnYQ3Gwy7f7qsDpntZ-KUqNVX4WfrS06y43GQMO0Dl26/s320/mask.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Vogmask Microfiber High-Filtration Dust Mask</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Photo Credit: Amazon.com</div>
<br />
<ul style="text-align: left;">
<li><strike>Pasties </strike>- if you are going this far just be naked </li>
<li><strike>Hat </strike>-
I brought one last year and it was annoying and I stopped wearing it
after the first day. If you do bring a hat make sure it is tight on
your head or has a tie so it doesn't blow off when you are biking. Mine
kept flying off my head and made me crazy!</li>
</ul>
<b>TOILETRIES</b><br />
<ul style="text-align: left;">
<li>Contacts - DAILIES are key. You do not want to be putting the same
contacts back in your eyes. It is GROSS out there and you are forever
unclean. I also highly recommend carrying a pair on your person at all
times. I missed an awesome burn last year because my contact came out
and I was miles from camp and had to go all the way back to get a new
pair.</li>
<li>Kleenex - you get so much dust and crap on your face, hands, up your
nose, in your ears, that tissues were key (just don't litter!) </li>
<li>Hairbrush/Comb - For girls I recommend a comb because it's a little easier to get through the tangles. If you are camping and there for a week there ain't no showers so your hair is going to be your worst enemy especially if it's long. I was there 4 days last year and went from clean hair down to dirty hair down to two french braids.</li>
<li>Chapstick - CRUCIAL - you will dry out like a leaf - I used mine a ton. Again always have this on you since you never know when you'll be back at camp</li>
<li>Hair ties </li>
<li>Sunscreen - CRUCIAL</li>
<li>Makeup - Honestly you can if you want. I used a little in full disclosure but you don't need to bring out the big guns</li>
<li>Toe nail clippers - Sounds random but I did use them</li>
<li>Deodorant - CRUCIAL</li>
<li>Bobby pins</li>
<li><strike>Dry shampoo</strike> </li>
<li>Bandaids</li>
<li>Tampons - just in case</li>
<li>Razor - CRUCIAL - look I can camp
with the best of them and certainly didn't shave my legs in the four
days I was there but there came a time when I HAD to shave my armpits.
TMI sorry but even just that literally act made me feel 10 x cleaner.</li>
<li>Shampoo
and conditioner in 1 - If you have access to an RV it makes sense to
bring. The hippie side of me says NO SHOWERS AT BURNING MAN. My skin
and hair says... I'd do it if I could.</li>
<li>Shaving cream</li>
<li>Floss - another thing that will make you feel SO much cleaner just from that one little act</li>
<li>Toothpaste/Toothbrush</li>
<li>Lotion
- CRUCIAL - the playa dust eats away at the moisture in your skin - my
daily routine was baby wipes to get all the dust off me and then lotion.</li>
<li>Baby Wipes - CRUCIAL - this is the best bath you are getting </li>
<li>Mouth guard</li>
<li>Eye drops - CRUCIAL - there's that dust again! </li>
<li>Tweezers </li>
</ul>
<b>ELECTRONICS</b><br />
<ul>
<li>Head Lamp - CRUCIAL - I used this SO much and way easier than a flashlight. Here's the one I'm bringing:<strike> </strike></li>
<li><strike>Headphones</strike> - There is plenty of music surrounding you. Be present.</li>
<li>Phone - There isn't any service but obviously had with me. I bought
one of those water/dirt resistant phone cases but never ended up using
my phone especially because that's an expensive thing to lose or break
which is highly likely in the craziness of Burning Man. Instead I
suggest bringing a water/dirt resistant CAMERA which I used A TON.</li>
<li>Aux cable - brought it for the car ride - key</li>
<li>Camera
- Again I recommend a water/dirt resistant camera that isn't too
expensive in case you do lose it. I used mine a ton. Here's a photo of
mine (so meta):</li>
<li>Batteries - good to have for headlamp, etc. Only need to bring one
extra round. I'm likely bringing an external power pack this year since
I'll be there longer but last year I didn't need a second charge on
anything. </li>
<li>Phone charger - didn't use it until I got to the hotel after Burning Man but good to have packed </li>
<li><strike>Kindle for car ride </strike>- You'll likely be sleeping or so excited that you can't sleep or driving so you don't really need</li>
<li><strike>Watch </strike>- A throw-away cheap watch is a great thing to have to keep track of when different events occur. Time can get away from you easily on the playa!<strike><br /></strike></li>
</ul>
<b>OTHER</b><br />
<br />
<ul style="text-align: left;">
<li>
Earplugs - CRUCIAL - if you plan to sleep </li>
<li>Wallet - Duh</li>
<li>Paintbrush and paint - My gift last year was body painting. I'm going to bring paint again this year but am changing up the brand/product. </li>
<li>Here's the stuff I used last year which wasn't great (too light and came off easy) </li>
</ul>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBE6g0oVUiUoGn3_mxqE2LHbh5eYj-TADYOpfCi1WwskdITkP3CSxYJtOlZDZvXC9Qlgag9hwDYJE6NHI8cMNgeLePYCYq56X0TIKVWArOXovjCIgmvx0BF_sXGoO3d0cVbZe8cLE-GS2t/s1600/paint2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="87" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBE6g0oVUiUoGn3_mxqE2LHbh5eYj-TADYOpfCi1WwskdITkP3CSxYJtOlZDZvXC9Qlgag9hwDYJE6NHI8cMNgeLePYCYq56X0TIKVWArOXovjCIgmvx0BF_sXGoO3d0cVbZe8cLE-GS2t/s320/paint2.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Sargent Art 66-5525 Washable Fluorescent Paint</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Photo Credit: Amazon.com</div>
<ul style="text-align: left;">
<li>Here's the stuff I'm using this year (much more brilliant and harder to get off):</li>
</ul>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizYdWmroz9W82QCsyccJte8e9bLzSKVA2SIkLRJG_zDtRDs7T5auAswH-iS2OUE39kP9lMlXTRsCoFZBqT3f7yrxWT_2bDtKAuiYKJHgtkJE_rWR_Uw5jN4dRUOYnziHRMnSgUq2zS1Bfg/s1600/paint.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizYdWmroz9W82QCsyccJte8e9bLzSKVA2SIkLRJG_zDtRDs7T5auAswH-iS2OUE39kP9lMlXTRsCoFZBqT3f7yrxWT_2bDtKAuiYKJHgtkJE_rWR_Uw5jN4dRUOYnziHRMnSgUq2zS1Bfg/s320/paint.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
UV Glow Blacklight Face and Body Paint </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Get it on Amazon <a href="http://www.amazon.com/UV-Glow-Blacklight-Paint-0-34oz/dp/B00BUPN6UA/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1439659163&sr=8-1&keywords=neon+body+paint">here</a></div>
</div>
<div>
<ul style="text-align: left;">
<li>Playa Cup - CRUCIAL - One of the most important purchases you will make! Very important to get one that has a lid and a handle. The lid prevents dirt from getting into your wet cup when you are biking around (mine last year was undrinkable after day two) and a handle so that you can attach it to your bike, belt, basket, etc, while biking.</li>
</ul>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjT2gwI8js0Msaj7Bi0OPrGWOIG_AyKypPxqw40vBZObETfL0PlSKC9FtBsQx0Ttruny1uYred0l0C0j52yjhjS7N10ZoqhQ21uWWcplT_lZDDR7Xi_oo6lWKl1n3sGsiTVzPcTbX-3y_5C/s1600/IMG_0538.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjT2gwI8js0Msaj7Bi0OPrGWOIG_AyKypPxqw40vBZObETfL0PlSKC9FtBsQx0Ttruny1uYred0l0C0j52yjhjS7N10ZoqhQ21uWWcplT_lZDDR7Xi_oo6lWKl1n3sGsiTVzPcTbX-3y_5C/s320/IMG_0538.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Get it at REI <a href="http://www.rei.com/product/884337/gsi-outdoors-infinity-backpacker-mug">here</a></div>
<ul style="text-align: left;">
<li>Flask - a nice to have separate from your Playa Cup to add extra liquor to drinks at the different camps or for a pull</li>
<li>Glasses - I used mine a lot when I was tooling around the campsite. Also if you get an eye infection you are going to need them!</li>
<li>Sunglasses - CRUCIAL</li>
<li>EmergencE</li>
<li><strike>Koozie</strike></li>
<li>Medicine</li>
<li>Eye mask - again if you are sensitive to light nice to have for sleeping</li>
<li>Fanny pack - I use a small one by day to house my chapstick, sunscreen and playa cup</li>
</ul>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVeD7I7Y35Pj1mRBM4wKq7aAdysj1fRm8b-4zBtY2Y3SCfKCThlkf7TzDPKeSXfYcx6LKiK9a1Oy5UU19JMdzub3rg3I3PX5_ghnv_Z2p_bHk2mbM9UKk_HyqfVkljqAQk8UjqIAK1Hh9v/s1600/IMG_0540.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVeD7I7Y35Pj1mRBM4wKq7aAdysj1fRm8b-4zBtY2Y3SCfKCThlkf7TzDPKeSXfYcx6LKiK9a1Oy5UU19JMdzub3rg3I3PX5_ghnv_Z2p_bHk2mbM9UKk_HyqfVkljqAQk8UjqIAK1Hh9v/s320/IMG_0540.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Get it at American Apparel <a href="http://store.americanapparel.net/nylon-cordura-fanny-pack_rsanc500?c=Vivid%20Orange%20/%20Medium%20Evergreen%20/%20Hot%20Pink">here</a></div>
<ul style="text-align: left;">
<li>Camelbak or small backpack - CRUCIAL - Once it started getting dark I would switch from fanny pack to Camelbak and pack it like it was an overnight bag - chapstick, sunscreen, glasses, extra contacts, full bladder of water, tissue, toothbrush/paste, etc. You never know what time you are coming home if you even do. It makes you feel much safer too because you feel confident that you could get lost in the desert and still survive for a day or two. And then I'd strap my onesie to the outside (too big to fit inside) and I was ready to go! Don't get one that is TOO big because you want to be able to dance in it but not so small that you can't fit anything.</li>
</ul>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_B5P6KssJ99WJB-2ocw-yZSfTgvWlxhyaTA7yClCsvUburHmFns5eFVlkN8O3DcWBLCV6iYwUcHUaU8DK95vZu9gAqioc1UXW5mRKjhghT_aSGUFbvzmbdEHn-yS-pxtGRW7liOBNVLfW/s1600/IMG_0536.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_B5P6KssJ99WJB-2ocw-yZSfTgvWlxhyaTA7yClCsvUburHmFns5eFVlkN8O3DcWBLCV6iYwUcHUaU8DK95vZu9gAqioc1UXW5mRKjhghT_aSGUFbvzmbdEHn-yS-pxtGRW7liOBNVLfW/s320/IMG_0536.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Get it at REI <a href="http://www.rei.com/product/881766/camelbak-mule-hydration-pack-100-fl-oz">here</a></div>
<ul style="text-align: left;">
<li>Waterproof iPhone case - nice just to keep your iphone in since dust seeps into everything but you never use your phone so possibly pointless</li>
<li>Goggles - CRUCIAL - you never know when a dust storm is going to hit and it can get a little dusty when a lot of people are biking around you so definitely need goggles. HOWEVER, I disagree that you need two pairs. Here's a photo of mine - pink tinted which was plenty easy to see day and night. You are never going to want to bother with switching them.</li>
</ul>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJhBkkbOvL6fGnvPeyq5rCmQEug2_Zw-MnPLZZ5izb5eBoQTCZs0goYweo-XHG86RKWrr2AUpRHb-6qD0Zuq-6yVh5sTktysOIPmCjTelF-yRM8eEEU7FN5bOkptV7Mtp2ysxivFsxU7c5/s1600/IMG_0537.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJhBkkbOvL6fGnvPeyq5rCmQEug2_Zw-MnPLZZ5izb5eBoQTCZs0goYweo-XHG86RKWrr2AUpRHb-6qD0Zuq-6yVh5sTktysOIPmCjTelF-yRM8eEEU7FN5bOkptV7Mtp2ysxivFsxU7c5/s320/IMG_0537.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Get it on Amazon <a href="http://www.amazon.com/elope-Radioactive-Aviator-Pink-Size/dp/B0044TLSY0/ref=sr_1_4?ie=UTF8&qid=1439843097&sr=8-4&keywords=pink+goggles">here</a></div>
<ul style="text-align: left;">
<li>Pens - Randomly I actually used my pen a lot to write down people's names I met, etc. Kind of nice to have on you</li>
<li>Gum - CRUCIAL</li>
<li>Info Papers - I know Burning Man makes a guide that you can use to find parties, lectures, etc. I carried it around the first day and then left it at camp. The best part of Burning Man is discovery... don't plan out your days.</li>
<li>Cigarette papers</li>
<li>Freezer ziplock bags - CRUCIAL - the best decision I made was separating out my clothes for each day into ziplock bags and squishing all the air out of them. It not only made it so I could fit more in my bag but it greatly reduced contamination of my dirty and clean clothes. I can't stress HOW dirty you get and how good clean clothes feel. </li>
<li>Lights/decoration for your bike - be prepared to deck out your bike in some way that makes it yours for day AND night. There are hundreds of bikes and this will make it easier for you to find yours AND for people to find you/follow you in the dark.</li>
<li>Lights for your person - same thing as your bike... people are zooming around in the pitch black on their bikes and the last thing you want is for them not to see you. Plus being all lit up at night is fun! Just make sure your lights aren't MOOP (glow bracelets that fall off)</li>
<li>Bug repellent - I didn't need this last year but never hurts to have
ESPECIALLY if insects are particularly favorable to your taste!</li>
<li>Bike lock - I recommend a bike lock that has a key not a combo
because I find combos in the dark to be a little rough. However, a key
can be lost. Decide which you prefer but definitely lock your bike when
you aren't with it. Burning Man is a very safe, open place but that
doesn't mean people won't snag a free ride! </li>
</ul>
</div>
</div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com12tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-375504522951411877.post-62578772430094563092015-01-03T11:22:00.001-08:002015-01-03T13:43:45.449-08:00Thanksgiving in London (wah?)<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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Name="footer"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="index heading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="35" SemiHidden="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="table of figures"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="envelope address"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="envelope return"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="footnote reference"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="annotation reference"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="line number"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="page number"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="endnote reference"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="endnote text"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="table of authorities"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="macro"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="toa heading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Bullet"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Number"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Bullet 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Bullet 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Number 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Number 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="10" QFormat="true" Name="Title"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Signature"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="1" SemiHidden="true"
UnhideWhenUsed="true" Name="Default Paragraph Font"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Body Text"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Body Text Indent"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Message Header"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="11" QFormat="true" Name="Subtitle"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Date"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Body Text First Indent"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Body Text First Indent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Body Text 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Body Text 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Body Text Indent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Block Text"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Hyperlink"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="FollowedHyperlink"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="22" QFormat="true" Name="Strong"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="20" QFormat="true" Name="Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Plain Text"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="E-mail Signature"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Top of Form"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Bottom of Form"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Normal (Web)"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Acronym"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Address"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Cite"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Code"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Definition"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Keyboard"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Preformatted"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Sample"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Typewriter"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Variable"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Normal Table"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="No List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Outline List 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Outline List 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Outline List 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Classic 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Colorful 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Colorful 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Columns 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Columns 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Columns 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Columns 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Columns 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Grid 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table 3D effects 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table 3D effects 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Contemporary"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Elegant"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Professional"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Subtle 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Subtle 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Web 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Balloon Text"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="Table Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" Name="Placeholder Text"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="1" QFormat="true" Name="No Spacing"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" Name="Light Shading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" Name="Light List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" Name="Light Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" Name="Medium Shading 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" Name="Medium Shading 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" Name="Medium List 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" Name="Medium List 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" Name="Medium Grid 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" Name="Medium Grid 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" Name="Medium Grid 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" Name="Dark List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" Name="Colorful Shading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" Name="Colorful List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" Name="Colorful Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" Name="Light Shading Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" Name="Light List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" Name="Light Grid Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" Name="Revision"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="34" QFormat="true"
Name="List Paragraph"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="29" QFormat="true" Name="Quote"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="30" QFormat="true"
Name="Intense Quote"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" Name="Dark List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" Name="Colorful List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" Name="Light Shading Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" Name="Light List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" Name="Light Grid Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" Name="Dark List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" Name="Colorful List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" Name="Light Shading Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" Name="Light List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" Name="Light Grid Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" Name="Dark List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" Name="Colorful List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" Name="Light Shading Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" Name="Light List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" Name="Light Grid Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" Name="Dark List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" Name="Colorful List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" Name="Light Shading Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" Name="Light List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" Name="Light Grid Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" Name="Dark List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" Name="Colorful List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" Name="Light Shading Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" Name="Light List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" Name="Light Grid Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" Name="Dark List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" Name="Colorful List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="19" QFormat="true"
Name="Subtle Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="21" QFormat="true"
Name="Intense Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="31" QFormat="true"
Name="Subtle Reference"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="32" QFormat="true"
Name="Intense Reference"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="33" QFormat="true" Name="Book Title"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="37" SemiHidden="true"
UnhideWhenUsed="true" Name="Bibliography"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" SemiHidden="true"
UnhideWhenUsed="true" QFormat="true" Name="TOC Heading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="41" Name="Plain Table 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="42" Name="Plain Table 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="43" Name="Plain Table 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="44" Name="Plain Table 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="45" Name="Plain Table 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="40" Name="Grid Table Light"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46" Name="Grid Table 1 Light"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="Grid Table 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="Grid Table 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="Grid Table 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="Grid Table 5 Dark"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51" Name="Grid Table 6 Colorful"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52" Name="Grid Table 7 Colorful"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
Name="Grid Table 1 Light Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="Grid Table 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="Grid Table 3 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="Grid Table 4 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="Grid Table 5 Dark Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51"
Name="Grid Table 6 Colorful Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52"
Name="Grid Table 7 Colorful Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
Name="Grid Table 1 Light Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="Grid Table 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="Grid Table 3 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="Grid Table 4 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="Grid Table 5 Dark Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51"
Name="Grid Table 6 Colorful Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52"
Name="Grid Table 7 Colorful Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
Name="Grid Table 1 Light Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="Grid Table 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="Grid Table 3 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="Grid Table 4 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="Grid Table 5 Dark Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51"
Name="Grid Table 6 Colorful Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52"
Name="Grid Table 7 Colorful Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
Name="Grid Table 1 Light Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="Grid Table 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="Grid Table 3 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="Grid Table 4 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="Grid Table 5 Dark Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51"
Name="Grid Table 6 Colorful Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52"
Name="Grid Table 7 Colorful Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
Name="Grid Table 1 Light Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="Grid Table 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="Grid Table 3 Accent 5"/>
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<div class="MsoPlainText">
So I decided to go rogue for Thanksgiving and spend my long holiday weekend in London, a turkey-loving country. I'll be honest I've had stopovers in London and never been remotely impressed. But this trip? I was not disappointed. </div>
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<b>Wednesday Nov 26</b><b>, 2014</b></div>
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I was shocked at how easy it was to travel through JFK. My flight was an hour delayed but my handy Delta app alerted me so that I wouldn't get to the airport too early and as usual I didn't check a bag. The overnight flight felt super short (probably had something to do with the awesome book I was reading) and I arrived to a super short customs line. Winning!</div>
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<b>Thursday Nov 27</b><b>, 2014</b></div>
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For those of you who are new to London, it is a BITCH to get around. I've never seen a city so sprawling and I've lived in LA! You have a couple options coming from Heathrow into the city (I was headed to the Angel stop). You can take the 15 minute <b><a href="https://www.heathrowexpress.com/LandingPages/Visit-London?tid=WEX12018" style="color: blue;">Heathrow Express</a></b> to Central London for £21 one way or £30ish roundtrip. Trains leave every 15
minutes and the journey takes about 20 minutes. </div>
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That seemed stupidly expensive to me especially because I wasn't in any kind of hurry so I opted for the scenic option, "The Tube" via the Piccadilly line. It takes about an hour to the main tube station to switch trains but it's only £5.50 one way. If you are going to be in London for an extended period of time I recommend getting an <a href="http://www.visitlondon.com/traveller-information/getting-around-london/oyster" style="color: blue;"><b>Oyster Card</b></a> but I wasn't going to be using the tube outside of airport travel so it wasn't worth it.</div>
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Lucky for me a close friend decided to throw a Friendsgiving for his new European friends (he'd just moved there a few months prior) so I arrived at the Angel stop, carted my suitcase down to his apartment and we got down to business of making turkey, spiced rum cider, baked mac n' cheese and more. For expats, Whole Foods will deliver you a Thanksgiving meal if you feel lazy.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhR6T2jgo-ouPmMb30Jgt_8tW7jjWK9thQAxjJXrlrwojx2ARJn6RvlaMpl8Mp34J5NqiL8PnLVLs48z5hkmO9FyXtaEiZ76WGT_FEPvP9_0iR-DBd8ZPoqQNaARW-PLQM7zs4RcvyOVkiE/s1600/IMG_2158.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhR6T2jgo-ouPmMb30Jgt_8tW7jjWK9thQAxjJXrlrwojx2ARJn6RvlaMpl8Mp34J5NqiL8PnLVLs48z5hkmO9FyXtaEiZ76WGT_FEPvP9_0iR-DBd8ZPoqQNaARW-PLQM7zs4RcvyOVkiE/s1600/IMG_2158.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
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Turns out making Thanksgiving dinner gives you an appetite so we stopped for brunch at the famous, <a href="http://www.thebreakfastclubcafes.com/locations" style="color: blue;"><b>Breakfast Club</b></a>. My friend said there's normally a line around the block but since it was a working Thursday for most Londoners we got in without a wait. Go us! I headed straight for the Avo Toast (ah Aussie memories) and a cup of extremely delicious cappuccino. The hipster vibe of the joint is laidback and welcoming and the staff is very attentive. The only problem with the place I was so stuffed I had no idea how I was going to eat Thanksgiving dinner in a couple hours!<br />
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After a delicious Thanksgiving dinner we hopped on the bus to "Shoreditch" to grab cocktails and do a little dancing at <a href="http://www.queenofhoxton.com/" style="color: blue;"><b>Queen of Hoxton</b></a>.<br />
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Photo Credit: Queen of Hoxton</div>
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The bar was okay. I tried to order a cocktail from the handwritten menu on the blackboard only to be told they didn't have the staff to create the cocktails.... uh, isn't that the point of having a menu? So you can order from it? The night soon devolved to dancing until 2am when they closed. This would be my most annoying learning... I wanted to keep going out but London fun dies at 2am. Yup, carriage back to a pumpkin people. #ILUVNYC!</div>
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<b>Friday November 28, 2014</b></div>
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I'll admit it. I slept in. Until 2pm. So un-touristy of me but I didn't care. I did feel like I needed to redeem myself before meeting up with my London friends once they were off work so I took myself to the Tate. I was staying in Herbal Hill so it was a lovely 20-30 minute walk down to the Thames River and over the bridge to the museum.<br />
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The <a href="http://www.tate.org.uk/" style="color: blue;"><b>Tate Modern</b></a> houses
international modern and contemporary art. The building itself used to
be a famous power station that was designed by Sir Giles Gilbert Scott.
£12 million later it's now a museum and one of the top three tourist
attractions in London.<br />
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Headphones in, I spent three hours wandering the floors of the Tate. Most of the museum is free with a few temporary exhibits that require you to buy a ticket. There was plenty of amazing art on the free floors so I wouldn't bother with the temporary exhibits unless you are going specifically to see one of them. There's also an amazing view of the river from the cafe inside or you can up to the top floor restaurant and grab drinks for a higher view although this one is behind glass which is less appealing to me then the patio outside the cafe. <br />
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Three hours was plenty of art for me so I wandered the pop-up Christmas market outside Tate on the south bank until my friends arrived post-work. Poor Londoners... no day off for them! We grabbed a few giant beers from the market and then walked Millennium Bridge, passed St. Paul's Cathedral to <a href="http://www.madisonlondon.net/" style="color: blue;"><b>Madison's Bar</b></a> to meet up with the rest of our crew. Madison's reminds me of the fancy hotel bars of Meatpacking in NYC. Not my usual scene but I enjoyed it nonetheless.<br />
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Photo Credit: Madison's Bar</div>
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This many beers in I forced the guys to find us dinner and we ended up at <a href="http://www.wahaca.co.uk/locations/wahaca-st-pauls/" style="color: blue;"><b>Wahaca Mexican</b></a> restaurant (we were at the St Paul's location). We ordered all sorts of small plates of which 99% were outstanding. My friends will never believe that London of all places has good Mexican food! <br />
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Photo Credit: Wahaca</div>
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We lost the couples after dinner and the rest of us continued with the Mexican tradition and headed to <a href="http://elcamion.co.uk/soho/" style="color: blue;"><b>El Camion</b></a>, a two story members only bar in Soho. That is one thing that annoys me about London... it's a pain in the ass to get in to places. You have to know someone or be a member or be on a list or wait in a massive line. No. Thank. You. I miss the random democracy of NYC bars... or maybe it's just the sheer number of them. Anyways, we ended up in the bowels of El Camion and have a few margaritas. I have to say I wasn't that impressed. It was dark, fairly empty (especially considering the line of people they were forcing to wait outside) and the people kept fairly to themselves. BORED. I will say that it has a lot of potential though... the decorations in the place are amazing and very festive and fun.<br />
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After our few drinks we dropped the sport coat bars and headed for something a little more... grimy? <a href="http://www.mahiki.com/" style="color: blue;"><b>Mahiki</b></a> Tiki Bar as apparently once a very trendy club but it's heydays have come and gone. I was with three guys and for whatever reason we walked right pass the major line and straight in the door (for a small fee of course). The bartender was from the East Village which earned us a round of free $$$ drinks and then the guys ran straight in a 40+ year old hens party and we spent the rest of the night drinking their cocktails and getting into dance-offs. RANDOM. I loved the place. The waiters were all wearing straw fedoras and one of the guys managed to land me one which I took to immediately. Unfortunately, when I tried to make a run for the exit with the hat at the end of the night a VERY large bouncer politely removed it from my head. Ugh, I was so close! Regardless, I highly recommend this place for a shit-show dance party but be ready to drop some serious change on those drinks.<br />
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Photo Credit: Mahiki Facebook</div>
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<b>Saturday, November 29, 2014</b></div>
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I won't lie... I was definitely hurting this morning which did not make the train to Twickenham Stadium for the rugby very pleasant. After crushing waters on the ride over, I did what any desperate hungover person does before a sporting event... I order the biggest beer at the rowdiest bar I could find. For those arriving early to sporting events at Twickenham, once you disembark from the train go left over the river and walk down London Road for your choice of bars crowded with fans. The weather was amazing - blue skies and sun so each of the bars had an outdoor area filled with people. And what do you know. The beer at The Cabbage Patch worked! Hungover gone just in time for the game. The match was a QBE Internationals game between England and Australia. How fitting. An American girl watching an England/Aussie match with two Australians in England. Bases covered.<br />
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To get to the stadium from "Bar Row" just cross back over the bridge and walk down Whitton Road which runs right into it. Whitton is an adorable little street lined with homes and food stands. You could feel the energy of the crowd as we walked up and found our seats.<br />
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Unfortunately, Australia was clobbered but the game was still a ton of fun. The locals around us gave the guys a health dose of sass but all in good fun which was nice and I was able to cross "English rugby match" off my travel list and enjoy the company of my Aussie guys.<br />
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After the match, we returned to The Cabbage Patch to drink "our sorrows" away. One of my friends had a dinner party back downtown to attend and I realized that one of my girlfriends, whose British, was having her birthday that night... IN TWICKENHAM. I checked my phone and discovered that the address was 5 minutes walking from the bar. So my other friend and I wandered over to the bday. Turns out we were the only non-relatives and her family was FUCKING COOL. We ended up partying all night with them before busing back into the city.<br />
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All-in-all a nice way to end my Thanksgiving weekend. I was happy that I saw all of the people I wanted to see, some of whom I haven't seen in years, manage to still have Friendsgiving complete with turkey and spiced rum cider AND take in some new sights in London. The warm, sunny weather definitely blindsided me and allowed for me to admit that... okay London is pretty cool. My only qualms with the place now are the early bar hours and how damn spread out it is!! But, this trip definitely opened me up to returning to visit again... but not until summer :-)</div>
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