We went to the travel doctor today... which was an experience. We were expected someone with knowledge of the world, who would think our trip sounded exciting and then jab us in the arm a dozen times. Instead we saw a deaf, blind and rude doctor who couldn't fathom why we were leaving Australia. He had a magnifying glass which he used to read the computer screen to find out where we would need malaria tablets. He spent an hour looking up malarial areas, despite the fact that we said that we weren't going to be getting those yet. He was then incapable of answering any questions!! We left frustrated and will have to rely on our GP to answer travel questions as I'm not paying to see a specialist again after todays experience.
After this we were in need of cheering up, so went shopping for trip items! I realised I could happily spend half our budget on travel books and special travel clothes and gadgets.
Saturday, December 15, 2007
Monday, December 10, 2007
The Route
The first question for an extended trip such as we are planning is where to go. If I'm ever really bored (maybe after we return and I'm looking for a job) I may post the evolution of our route... trust me it looks nothing like our current plan.
Bearing this in mind things may change drastically whilst we are travelling and this may be nothing but an inspiring sounding route for someone else's trip.
Stop 1 - Africa (4 months)
Ok, so this might not be everyone's ideal starting point but we have to come back to Australia in October so we will get a break from travel afterwards. Plus this is the top of the list, so if we only manage one continent I'm choosing Africa. The plan is to travel independently overland.
We will be travelling overland from Johannesburg to Kigali. This could take a number of routes but we expect it to be South Africa, Mozambique, Malawi, Tanzania, Kenya, Uganda, Rwanda.
Stop 2 - South East Asia (4-6 weeks)
The flight we have to Africa is via Kuala Lumpar, with a free stop allowed in KL... so that's what we're doing. This also gives us some flexibility with changing the dates of the tickets to extend or shorten Africa replacing it with Asia.
Stop 3 - Australia (2-3 weeks)
As mentioned above we will be coming home for my parents 60th birthday. It wouldn't have been worth ever coming home if we missed this, trust me. I have to do a speech... do you think they'll want to hear about Africa?
Stop 4 - South America (4 months)
This is also open to change, but currently we will start with some Spanish lessons before flying to the ends of the earth.
Argentina - maybe a detour to Antarctica if we can pick up a last minute deal
Chile - heading north
Bolivia
Peru - currently mainly for Macchu Picchu
Brazil - this is only a recent addition, we are thinking about coming from Bolivia into the Pantanal region, then travelling down to Iguasu Falls.
Stop 5 - Middle East (1 month)
Egypt
Jordan
Stop 6 - Europe (3 months?)
This is where things become really vague. We will definately spend time in England and Greece. Everything else is up for grabs. We may even end up travelling from Jordan overland through Syria and Turkey to Greece. We may also look for work in England as there are a lot more neuropsych jobs there and it would give us a chance to get to know my extended family.
Stop 7 - Asia (5 months?)
Russia - starting on the Trans-Mongolian
Mongolia - hopefully in time for the Naadam Festival
China
Vietnam
Laos
Cambodia
Thailand
So that's the current plan. We choose the direction as Asia is by far and away the easiest destination for us to get to so if we end up coming home early we can go there on shorter holidays.
Bearing this in mind things may change drastically whilst we are travelling and this may be nothing but an inspiring sounding route for someone else's trip.
Stop 1 - Africa (4 months)
Ok, so this might not be everyone's ideal starting point but we have to come back to Australia in October so we will get a break from travel afterwards. Plus this is the top of the list, so if we only manage one continent I'm choosing Africa. The plan is to travel independently overland.
We will be travelling overland from Johannesburg to Kigali. This could take a number of routes but we expect it to be South Africa, Mozambique, Malawi, Tanzania, Kenya, Uganda, Rwanda.
Stop 2 - South East Asia (4-6 weeks)
The flight we have to Africa is via Kuala Lumpar, with a free stop allowed in KL... so that's what we're doing. This also gives us some flexibility with changing the dates of the tickets to extend or shorten Africa replacing it with Asia.
Stop 3 - Australia (2-3 weeks)
As mentioned above we will be coming home for my parents 60th birthday. It wouldn't have been worth ever coming home if we missed this, trust me. I have to do a speech... do you think they'll want to hear about Africa?
Stop 4 - South America (4 months)
This is also open to change, but currently we will start with some Spanish lessons before flying to the ends of the earth.
Argentina - maybe a detour to Antarctica if we can pick up a last minute deal
Chile - heading north
Bolivia
Peru - currently mainly for Macchu Picchu
Brazil - this is only a recent addition, we are thinking about coming from Bolivia into the Pantanal region, then travelling down to Iguasu Falls.
Stop 5 - Middle East (1 month)
Egypt
Jordan
Stop 6 - Europe (3 months?)
This is where things become really vague. We will definately spend time in England and Greece. Everything else is up for grabs. We may even end up travelling from Jordan overland through Syria and Turkey to Greece. We may also look for work in England as there are a lot more neuropsych jobs there and it would give us a chance to get to know my extended family.
Stop 7 - Asia (5 months?)
Russia - starting on the Trans-Mongolian
Mongolia - hopefully in time for the Naadam Festival
China
Vietnam
Laos
Cambodia
Thailand
So that's the current plan. We choose the direction as Asia is by far and away the easiest destination for us to get to so if we end up coming home early we can go there on shorter holidays.
Sunday, December 9, 2007
We have tickets!!
It’s been a long time coming, but we have purchased our first tickets. So we have our departure date – 16th April. It’s a mixture of excitement, anticipation and sheer terror! There has been years of dreaming and then we set a target date of April 08; but as happens in life temptation stood in the way. For me it came in the form of a job I would have loved to have, working where I want to work. We wavered and faltered. We said we would wait and go if I didn’t get the job, but postpone the trip a few years if I did. But now after 6 months of indecision we have decided that the opportunity to travel for an indefinite period of time may never come again. We may already be in jobs we can’t bear to part from, we may have other commitments that make it impossible to leave everything to go travelling. So the countdown starts from today.
Of course, we now regret the indecision. Time is upon us. Not to plan the trip, no that’s been developing for years and no doubt the actual trip will bear only a passing similarity to our carefully prepared plans. But preparing to leave Sydney, that isn’t something we’ve prepared as well. What do we do with our furniture? Do we sell it, or do we store it? How do we sell it? The debate is between having extra expenses whilst we are away or having huge set up costs and hassle once we return. Then there are those few things we own that can’t be sold and must be stored…. anyone got enough wall space to hang a puzzle the size of a double bed for a couple of years?
We are keeping our flat and renting it out, so we now have to deal with being landlords as well. How do we choose a real estate agent? How much rent do we ask for, and will it cover the expenses in keeping the flat – we hope so!
Of course, we now regret the indecision. Time is upon us. Not to plan the trip, no that’s been developing for years and no doubt the actual trip will bear only a passing similarity to our carefully prepared plans. But preparing to leave Sydney, that isn’t something we’ve prepared as well. What do we do with our furniture? Do we sell it, or do we store it? How do we sell it? The debate is between having extra expenses whilst we are away or having huge set up costs and hassle once we return. Then there are those few things we own that can’t be sold and must be stored…. anyone got enough wall space to hang a puzzle the size of a double bed for a couple of years?
We are keeping our flat and renting it out, so we now have to deal with being landlords as well. How do we choose a real estate agent? How much rent do we ask for, and will it cover the expenses in keeping the flat – we hope so!
Friday, October 12, 2007
Tonga
Day 1 – The flight over was a short 3.5 hours and was mainly uneventful. Admittedly coming into land getting to about 4 metres above the runway and suddenly climbing steeply was a little unusual and worrying particularly once the air hostess announced “I’m sure the pilot will let us know what happened as soon as he’s able”. We were met by both the travel agent who had booked our domestic flights and the lady from our accommodation at the airport. We stayed that night at Fu’amota Transit Lodge where our sleep was interrupted by dogs, pigs and roosters.
Day 2 – Prior to our flight we were offered an impromptu tour to the Kings Country Residence to warm up someone’s van. After that we were off to the domestic airport where we avoided stepping on any of the baby chicken’s as we got onto the scales to be weighed for the flight. We were given seats 1A and 1B which meant we had the perfect view of the pilot SMSing and chatting on his mobile during the flight. The view was absolutely stunning, with gorgeous islands and atolls. Getting off at Vava’u and going for a quick walk around town we were struck by the number of pigs, piglets, chickens and dogs with the occasional goat or horse thrown in. We settled in to Port Wine Guest House run by Lu’isa and her son Tai after an enthusiastic “Jason!” when they saw us at the gate. We then decided to climb to the top of Mt Talau to have a look at the view. We managed to find the path to the top ok, but then following the big red arrows we realised they did not point to the path down at all so we scrambled and slid down to the bottom.
Day 3 – We slept much better last night now being used to the animal noises…. However, we were still awakened by the police driving around the streets using a loud speaker to tell the locals to clean up and lock up their pigs in preparation for the Asia Pacific Summit (not that anyone took any notice). After a breakfast of bananas and mangoes from the garden where we were staying we decided to go for a walk. We made it as far as a Veimumuni Cave with a lake where locals supposedly go swimming. We sat and enjoyed the view before heading back to the market for some cheap fruit and vegetables.
Day 4 – We went out to try and look for whales, but instead went exploring the various caves and islands. Lunch was on a beautiful deserted island, where we also went for a quick snorkel. After lunch we headed over to Mariner’s Cave where Jason had no problem diving through the 4m tunnel. I on the other hand took about 5 attempts before I was willing to go through (on my back walking along the roof with my hands) and it was a lot further than I was expecting!! Inside it was eerie, with all the light provided by the underwater opening. Going out was much easier as I’m sure the tunnel had shrunk in length. The snorkelling around the cave was beautiful, with amazingly clear water going down 50m. The other cave we visited was Swallow’s Cave with more amazing snorkelling.
Day 5 – Today we walked to the Tongan Beach Resort. Along the way we picked mangoes, tiny tangerines and saw pawpaw, taro, breadfruit and numerous other edible delights. We intended to have a snorkel, but as the weather was a bit miserable we just enjoyed the view and relaxed for awhile. On the way back we kept our eyes out for a taxi, but instead a mini bus stopped and picked us up… no one on the bus seemed to speak much English but they waved away our wallets so we weren’t sure if it was a bus or just a helpful, friendly local.
Day 6 – Today we kayaked 16km… and got towed 2! This sounded a nice relaxing way to spend the day… and it started out that way. Whenever our arms got tired we just drifted along in the right direction. After a couple of hours we stopped at Lotuma Island which had some of the best snorkelling of the entire trip. There were huge schools of fish, fat squidgy pink starfish and an abundance of colourful coral. We continued kayaking as far as Mala Island even though the last 1km felt like 16 all by itself. We were going into the wind and current with waves splashing over the edge of the kayak and threatening to fill it with water (at least until we hastily attached the skirts); everytime one of us slacked off for a moment we started going backwards so that by the time we made it to Mala Island we were ready for a sleep rather than the planned swim. The way back was alright until we turned into Port Refuge Harbour at which point we were again going into the wind and current. Luckily for us the harbour was dotted with yachts so we picked one and paddled with all our strength before grabbing on for a rest. Out came Mark – our kayaking angel – who saw our exhausted faces and took pity on us giving us a tow for the last 2km. Of course we then had to walk back to town from the kayak rental place but luckily after only walking 100m a car stopped and gave us a lift the rest of the way. After grabbing some cheap burritos for dinner we collapsed sunburnt and exhausted.
Days 7 and 8 – After yesterday’s exploits we took advantage of the rain and spent two days chatting to Lu’isa, Tai and the other guests in between reading, eating and sleeping.
Day 9 – This morning we were told our flight was delayed by 2 hours, which was thankfully accurate and we made it to Ha’apai safely. After some investigations Craig from Mariner’s Café offered to give us a lift to Uoleva Island. Anna-Maria who we had met in Vava’u tagged along. On the island we were greeted by Sonny (the owner) and Jane (the only other guest who was very grateful to not be totally alone on the island). Jane was someone who had posted a question on the thorntree to which I had replied and she remembered my reply word for word and every other detail about me!! The island was beautiful and dinner was delicious (fried breadfruit – yum!). We ended the night with a campfire under the stars.
Day 10 – Jason and I went off by ourselves to spend the day reading, snorkelling and relaxing. No one in sight and the perfect idyllic tropical paradise.
Day 11 – After a rather undignified exit from the island at 8:30am we settled into Evaloni’s guesthouse in Pangai. We walked across the island to a beach on the other side. On the way back there were two guys collecting coconuts so we asked if we could have one and they gave us two! Each with about 1 litre of juice!!
Day 12 – We had another attempt at whale watching today, but it turned into a day of sailing and snorkelling. The boat was a reasonable sized catamaran with two hammocks strung up between the hulls. As no one else seemed interested Jason and I took them over and were enjoying dozing as we motored leisurely down the coast. Then the sails went up the boat sped up and the first waves started crashing into, onto and over us! Lunch was of Ha’anga Island where there was some amazing coral reefs and it was a great place to snorkel.
Day 13 – Today we experienced true Tongan time as we waited and waited and waited at the airport wondering if we were going to make it back to Tongatapu today or not. Eventually we did and settled into the Heilala Holiday Lodge for a bit more privacy for our last couple of nights.
Day 14 – Island tour! We stopped at all the famous sights – blow holes, Ha’amonga trilithon, ancient terraced tombs, flying fox sanctuary and of course the famous multi-headed coconut tree!! We also spent the day trying to work out the Tongan number plates. They all start with a letter eg. C (for car), L (large vehicle), R (Rental), T (taxi).
Day 2 – Prior to our flight we were offered an impromptu tour to the Kings Country Residence to warm up someone’s van. After that we were off to the domestic airport where we avoided stepping on any of the baby chicken’s as we got onto the scales to be weighed for the flight. We were given seats 1A and 1B which meant we had the perfect view of the pilot SMSing and chatting on his mobile during the flight. The view was absolutely stunning, with gorgeous islands and atolls. Getting off at Vava’u and going for a quick walk around town we were struck by the number of pigs, piglets, chickens and dogs with the occasional goat or horse thrown in. We settled in to Port Wine Guest House run by Lu’isa and her son Tai after an enthusiastic “Jason!” when they saw us at the gate. We then decided to climb to the top of Mt Talau to have a look at the view. We managed to find the path to the top ok, but then following the big red arrows we realised they did not point to the path down at all so we scrambled and slid down to the bottom.
Day 3 – We slept much better last night now being used to the animal noises…. However, we were still awakened by the police driving around the streets using a loud speaker to tell the locals to clean up and lock up their pigs in preparation for the Asia Pacific Summit (not that anyone took any notice). After a breakfast of bananas and mangoes from the garden where we were staying we decided to go for a walk. We made it as far as a Veimumuni Cave with a lake where locals supposedly go swimming. We sat and enjoyed the view before heading back to the market for some cheap fruit and vegetables.
Day 4 – We went out to try and look for whales, but instead went exploring the various caves and islands. Lunch was on a beautiful deserted island, where we also went for a quick snorkel. After lunch we headed over to Mariner’s Cave where Jason had no problem diving through the 4m tunnel. I on the other hand took about 5 attempts before I was willing to go through (on my back walking along the roof with my hands) and it was a lot further than I was expecting!! Inside it was eerie, with all the light provided by the underwater opening. Going out was much easier as I’m sure the tunnel had shrunk in length. The snorkelling around the cave was beautiful, with amazingly clear water going down 50m. The other cave we visited was Swallow’s Cave with more amazing snorkelling.
Day 5 – Today we walked to the Tongan Beach Resort. Along the way we picked mangoes, tiny tangerines and saw pawpaw, taro, breadfruit and numerous other edible delights. We intended to have a snorkel, but as the weather was a bit miserable we just enjoyed the view and relaxed for awhile. On the way back we kept our eyes out for a taxi, but instead a mini bus stopped and picked us up… no one on the bus seemed to speak much English but they waved away our wallets so we weren’t sure if it was a bus or just a helpful, friendly local.
Day 6 – Today we kayaked 16km… and got towed 2! This sounded a nice relaxing way to spend the day… and it started out that way. Whenever our arms got tired we just drifted along in the right direction. After a couple of hours we stopped at Lotuma Island which had some of the best snorkelling of the entire trip. There were huge schools of fish, fat squidgy pink starfish and an abundance of colourful coral. We continued kayaking as far as Mala Island even though the last 1km felt like 16 all by itself. We were going into the wind and current with waves splashing over the edge of the kayak and threatening to fill it with water (at least until we hastily attached the skirts); everytime one of us slacked off for a moment we started going backwards so that by the time we made it to Mala Island we were ready for a sleep rather than the planned swim. The way back was alright until we turned into Port Refuge Harbour at which point we were again going into the wind and current. Luckily for us the harbour was dotted with yachts so we picked one and paddled with all our strength before grabbing on for a rest. Out came Mark – our kayaking angel – who saw our exhausted faces and took pity on us giving us a tow for the last 2km. Of course we then had to walk back to town from the kayak rental place but luckily after only walking 100m a car stopped and gave us a lift the rest of the way. After grabbing some cheap burritos for dinner we collapsed sunburnt and exhausted.
Days 7 and 8 – After yesterday’s exploits we took advantage of the rain and spent two days chatting to Lu’isa, Tai and the other guests in between reading, eating and sleeping.
Day 9 – This morning we were told our flight was delayed by 2 hours, which was thankfully accurate and we made it to Ha’apai safely. After some investigations Craig from Mariner’s Café offered to give us a lift to Uoleva Island. Anna-Maria who we had met in Vava’u tagged along. On the island we were greeted by Sonny (the owner) and Jane (the only other guest who was very grateful to not be totally alone on the island). Jane was someone who had posted a question on the thorntree to which I had replied and she remembered my reply word for word and every other detail about me!! The island was beautiful and dinner was delicious (fried breadfruit – yum!). We ended the night with a campfire under the stars.
Day 10 – Jason and I went off by ourselves to spend the day reading, snorkelling and relaxing. No one in sight and the perfect idyllic tropical paradise.
Day 11 – After a rather undignified exit from the island at 8:30am we settled into Evaloni’s guesthouse in Pangai. We walked across the island to a beach on the other side. On the way back there were two guys collecting coconuts so we asked if we could have one and they gave us two! Each with about 1 litre of juice!!
Day 12 – We had another attempt at whale watching today, but it turned into a day of sailing and snorkelling. The boat was a reasonable sized catamaran with two hammocks strung up between the hulls. As no one else seemed interested Jason and I took them over and were enjoying dozing as we motored leisurely down the coast. Then the sails went up the boat sped up and the first waves started crashing into, onto and over us! Lunch was of Ha’anga Island where there was some amazing coral reefs and it was a great place to snorkel.
Day 13 – Today we experienced true Tongan time as we waited and waited and waited at the airport wondering if we were going to make it back to Tongatapu today or not. Eventually we did and settled into the Heilala Holiday Lodge for a bit more privacy for our last couple of nights.
Day 14 – Island tour! We stopped at all the famous sights – blow holes, Ha’amonga trilithon, ancient terraced tombs, flying fox sanctuary and of course the famous multi-headed coconut tree!! We also spent the day trying to work out the Tongan number plates. They all start with a letter eg. C (for car), L (large vehicle), R (Rental), T (taxi).
Tuesday, April 17, 2007
Lily
Lily is our wonderful dog. She doesn't get to come... but we haven't told her yet. She has a wonderful home organised for her with Jason's parents and their dog Jasper. So she will have a great time, and probably forget all about us by the time we return.
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