tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24992372606706552112024-02-19T15:55:24.567-08:00Simon's and Sheena's Travel BlogSimon and Sheenahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08233662842760091770noreply@blogger.comBlogger22125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2499237260670655211.post-85963858552363019072010-10-17T12:49:00.000-07:002010-10-17T13:28:46.843-07:0025th September 2010 - 18th October 2010 - Buenos Aires & Patagonia<div><div><b>El fin del mundo</b></div><div><br /></div><div>It’s the end of our trip… sigh… so what better place to go than Patagonia also known as “el fin del mundo” or “the end of the world”. However before I delve into what has to be one of the most stunning places on this planet I want to talk about our time in Buenos Aires also known as “the land of steak!” (our own name).</div></div><div><br /></div><div><div>As mentioned before Buenos Aires is known for it’s steak and it is definitely a worthy reputation. You haven’t eaten steak until you’ve eaten steak in this city! There is more to Buenos Aires besides steak, there is also history and great museums although we didn’t really experience much of that in our time here as we pretty much just ate steak… and shopped… and avoided copious amounts of dog shit. In writing this we have just returned from the boutiques with another 2 pairs of shoes for Sheena and a pair of jeans of me, that’s to go on top of the 2 other pairs of shoes Sheena bought the other day and the jeans, and the leather jacked I was forced to purchase for myself. This is very much a good shopping city.. I can’t believe I’m blogging about shopping… </div></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMooZuOeJSqVquQ4arhakmejSxZpyZmQL8ZEjZf3NrbArgIgYXH78I9wW5l73OXa2lJCtWoE4ZYykYuP89nuK2cyclfGK5efdSfpOViT8A30HhJXpqso_UxqukW86OsbNkqfVfeMnoU5uv/s1600/IMG_4840.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMooZuOeJSqVquQ4arhakmejSxZpyZmQL8ZEjZf3NrbArgIgYXH78I9wW5l73OXa2lJCtWoE4ZYykYuP89nuK2cyclfGK5efdSfpOViT8A30HhJXpqso_UxqukW86OsbNkqfVfeMnoU5uv/s320/IMG_4840.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5529108692482110258" /></a><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" ><b>Cafes and bars of Buenos Aires</b></span></div><div><br /><div>I really like the passion of this city, which probably stems from the mass immigration of Italians a long time ago. The people here are almost more European rather than Sth American. They have a love for football like no other and their obsession for tango and opera is conveyed every where you go. Most of all I like the artistic vibe which flourishes in the artesian markets and really creative street art that is scattered throughout regions like San Telmo and La Boca.</div><div><div><br /></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhotHk6OX6IoMJiFLaASzfWI2SLqNwlzGnGkdJa_zZHWiuvTJj8Y512PhOLf7nvOTdNlkFrWnifR9Zpj1VJ4LFNt_V1xiiGqBN2fL2fLOjqmp6qFqiOWOISdys_lmTwJw-zE1bS0-klCDbz/s1600/IMG_4844.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhotHk6OX6IoMJiFLaASzfWI2SLqNwlzGnGkdJa_zZHWiuvTJj8Y512PhOLf7nvOTdNlkFrWnifR9Zpj1VJ4LFNt_V1xiiGqBN2fL2fLOjqmp6qFqiOWOISdys_lmTwJw-zE1bS0-klCDbz/s320/IMG_4844.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5529108686663222514" /></a><div style="text-align: center;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" >La Boca houses - stay in the tourist zone or be mugged!</span></b></div></div><div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHqDDBBK8j6vO0_3NAh22mh0saajXuyWqa3NN7QgALKzybGBlZtM2wRCCbdNjQ2S7_HBGZB3_uHOt9P4szO3HiIrm8jSzYanAAoUVDRjPxYiHFVuKxf9tgSyaZxrswfNiMs_OEskRM4140/s1600/IMG_4533.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHqDDBBK8j6vO0_3NAh22mh0saajXuyWqa3NN7QgALKzybGBlZtM2wRCCbdNjQ2S7_HBGZB3_uHOt9P4szO3HiIrm8jSzYanAAoUVDRjPxYiHFVuKxf9tgSyaZxrswfNiMs_OEskRM4140/s320/IMG_4533.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5529108683285342914" /></a><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" ><b>Cool street art in San Telmo, Buenos Aires</b></span></div></div><div><br /></div><div><div>Patagonia on the other hand is all about natural beauty. From the moment we landed in Ushuaia (the most southern city of Argentina) we knew that this was going to be a very special place. The best way to imagine Patagonia is to take the glaciers and snow capped peaks of the Himalayas and plonk them down at sea level on the coast next to placid lakes and bright green forests inhabited by pumas, birds and many other types of wildlife. It truly is amazing and no photograph I have taken will ever give justice to this place.</div><div><br /></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMRACE8sgmzMIpZmT3ZRAGqp92OAFAQ-BANmECkhkoTKqx_Y3rPj8DPaThCDsgjovqBdOUk-95-omu9NWGhs5xDtr-ENwm5GPrGkt0Hhke6iVS8FESVS-rfYxfw57HWEn8VlxLk17iVJQu/s1600/IMG_4544.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMRACE8sgmzMIpZmT3ZRAGqp92OAFAQ-BANmECkhkoTKqx_Y3rPj8DPaThCDsgjovqBdOUk-95-omu9NWGhs5xDtr-ENwm5GPrGkt0Hhke6iVS8FESVS-rfYxfw57HWEn8VlxLk17iVJQu/s320/IMG_4544.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5529108678699380994" /></a><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" ><b>Ushuaia is a working port</b></span></div></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div><div>Sheena’s great of idea of going husky riding was fantastic. It was just so much fun and the dogs were really cute of course. I loved the fact that in the moments leading up to setting off, all the dogs get so excited and start barking and jumping around in anticipation as they are so eager to get running!</div><div><br /></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5Z7FF3rsTDMvVFuqtZ_riXiawNL9kii-uWPkOk7xCmABH8TDeK3ZKCU2grEqSPb9it6S_4zFUHVQLBSImj8OHxW4cxPORA47hg2UrWlP5nO2eQSA0Kd3AW8SXMgccLYovtVoAF-c0aBKV/s1600/IMG_4572.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5Z7FF3rsTDMvVFuqtZ_riXiawNL9kii-uWPkOk7xCmABH8TDeK3ZKCU2grEqSPb9it6S_4zFUHVQLBSImj8OHxW4cxPORA47hg2UrWlP5nO2eQSA0Kd3AW8SXMgccLYovtVoAF-c0aBKV/s320/IMG_4572.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5529107486186304658" /></a><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" ><b>Beautiful Husky</b></span></div></div><div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZX67EdWCQDDJNg9r8OYATuwHyoCw-cITn_U0xAsM9U797PBuH6qUDE9faFKKxjUvB-Dnf-7dx7D8y6j9BId9fE6tI6fBKblekymZWVQHgPkpIlrmNSvVJH2RW_xy1vglCkIoRvEuU0_1f/s1600/IMG_4588.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZX67EdWCQDDJNg9r8OYATuwHyoCw-cITn_U0xAsM9U797PBuH6qUDE9faFKKxjUvB-Dnf-7dx7D8y6j9BId9fE6tI6fBKblekymZWVQHgPkpIlrmNSvVJH2RW_xy1vglCkIoRvEuU0_1f/s320/IMG_4588.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5529107470886467522" /></a><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" ><b>Huskys eager to go!</b></span></div></div><div><br /></div><div><div>We left Ushuaia on a 3 night cruise that went down to Cape Horn and then back up through the Magellan Strait stopping at glaciers, bays, and islands along the way. It was a great experience (worth all the money) and we met some cool Germans along the way whom we met up with again in Buenos Aires (Germans are everywhere!!!).</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" ><b><br /></b></span></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfqkkr78MvfbtLBfL7x_4OgUIALNRjOhlf7GelzFInVn6RnivAtH2llYbG2_gTwYGrzs5aywZdeV-6kxRxoiHPuHyaFbWw_ptpqPWC2qIZvplsdhH6Nv39DiK16By9EJmyvYIi4MtBr98f/s1600/IMG_4629.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfqkkr78MvfbtLBfL7x_4OgUIALNRjOhlf7GelzFInVn6RnivAtH2llYbG2_gTwYGrzs5aywZdeV-6kxRxoiHPuHyaFbWw_ptpqPWC2qIZvplsdhH6Nv39DiK16By9EJmyvYIi4MtBr98f/s320/IMG_4629.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5529107453358355218" /></a><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" ><b>Our ship down in Wulaia Bay</b></span></div></div><div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHkyLHIr937YnmfY99CojATIKM3Hvk9zu8nD0MUVFaEZRYRRc4cAFNOLI6mZPMKNAtyYxPTcmGvkccwSJJnpZsCigqQ-F-vekl3fIfnEu54D6SnKvL4hgwgfK3PEXgW06WblnivrK9YA3p/s1600/IMG_4672.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHkyLHIr937YnmfY99CojATIKM3Hvk9zu8nD0MUVFaEZRYRRc4cAFNOLI6mZPMKNAtyYxPTcmGvkccwSJJnpZsCigqQ-F-vekl3fIfnEu54D6SnKvL4hgwgfK3PEXgW06WblnivrK9YA3p/s320/IMG_4672.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5529107431606489618" /></a><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" ><b>Riding zodiacs to glaciers</b></span></div></div><div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg28-rdOg80Rf_YAnvq0dRMyfbAFi2qPDPsJWnLrCmhIl2UvBovLh8m1VXFg50kS_Bxl8GWIyoOO0AmOYMsJyc6Uhtj1oOwmDotjcQEjMGfOwxN_lsIG4CYSPlUhXwsBOlSpAHB4cMJoxcP/s1600/IMG_4691.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg28-rdOg80Rf_YAnvq0dRMyfbAFi2qPDPsJWnLrCmhIl2UvBovLh8m1VXFg50kS_Bxl8GWIyoOO0AmOYMsJyc6Uhtj1oOwmDotjcQEjMGfOwxN_lsIG4CYSPlUhXwsBOlSpAHB4cMJoxcP/s320/IMG_4691.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5529107424433796738" /></a><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" ><b>Riding in the zodiacs through ice</b></span></div></div><div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzYW4LuL2aktQ_9atIHJvOV2HXJzezNV-hHG8hC9gazoGk7Fuadk1fz-ua77cPUBA2SiAqGkLFz5lK4E3r03i8Ln7IQgkwAwptohoOnjtU5UX3BYqu_s4fHpHaheylSqhLP6cEztgyeuRi/s1600/IMG_4700.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzYW4LuL2aktQ_9atIHJvOV2HXJzezNV-hHG8hC9gazoGk7Fuadk1fz-ua77cPUBA2SiAqGkLFz5lK4E3r03i8Ln7IQgkwAwptohoOnjtU5UX3BYqu_s4fHpHaheylSqhLP6cEztgyeuRi/s320/IMG_4700.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5529106710615001202" /></a><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" ><b>Our ship</b></span></div></div><div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhe8J1sCeD9UcE54rNVLCiKAetrVhOvudt4KuLPI-92d38g9eetwuTkeAhQ9IRrz7H_g9rY_TQVr9i5n1oImDueWAudOtljcbT1r7qYaPe2WwJHQMgbtE0QzG-04Kd4W_8uS2E1gvTiKqjJ/s1600/IMG_4711.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhe8J1sCeD9UcE54rNVLCiKAetrVhOvudt4KuLPI-92d38g9eetwuTkeAhQ9IRrz7H_g9rY_TQVr9i5n1oImDueWAudOtljcbT1r7qYaPe2WwJHQMgbtE0QzG-04Kd4W_8uS2E1gvTiKqjJ/s320/IMG_4711.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5529106697787133026" /></a><div style="text-align: center;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" >Magellanic Penguins</span></b></div></div><div><br /></div><div><div>After the cruise we headed for Torres del Paine national park, which for me was the most spectacular place of all Patagonia. You kind of feel like you’re in Lord of the Rings or something when you’re trekking around with towers looming over the top of you and next to turquoise lakes and fluorescent green forests. We spent 3 days trekking and even got caught up in a massive blizzard getting soaked to the bone and frozen. The weather becomes ferocious when it wants to, one minute it’s bright sunshine and the next you’re having trouble standing on your own two feet!</div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" >TORRES DEL PAINE</span></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" ><br /></span></b></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjixOxae3_vo26q7yq3Tdgjc08upAEPsHColRPQqHHYmMJdkvQ36ZJ-rlQNDRf0O6pLIQ4HUT7cm49P4JemuPAQ7dX-gwcqgZEdG76CYBK4uh5baKEd8SNszqTzJzbwLqEgg8EYMLs4UQGz/s1600/IMG_4726.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjixOxae3_vo26q7yq3Tdgjc08upAEPsHColRPQqHHYmMJdkvQ36ZJ-rlQNDRf0O6pLIQ4HUT7cm49P4JemuPAQ7dX-gwcqgZEdG76CYBK4uh5baKEd8SNszqTzJzbwLqEgg8EYMLs4UQGz/s320/IMG_4726.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5529106678889832290" /></a></div><div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKphaPPeCsiA9XWHETUfQeozOkENwWp7JdHCJGBUmrt_Tdgp3g9SO4vouzepjN7wPHbsppFpzlSApOBdXko2XyhttPCtjsiBPUFRVzjgYToNhXVz2_Pop8Q2Wl3Vg7hVc7C3F8K-K6kVmi/s1600/IMG_4745.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKphaPPeCsiA9XWHETUfQeozOkENwWp7JdHCJGBUmrt_Tdgp3g9SO4vouzepjN7wPHbsppFpzlSApOBdXko2XyhttPCtjsiBPUFRVzjgYToNhXVz2_Pop8Q2Wl3Vg7hVc7C3F8K-K6kVmi/s320/IMG_4745.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5529106671503630962" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIwU7a_nPh-mPC1TYe5ytRiajyNDqlh9EvLQc9yUXErk_Wn5iUGVzFZc-wXtYnhsu3LeJu9A8L8s9-fdn_5QkkYrCDnURxzF4yNsLcI04iE0Zk3Hy6ZlypqaBOx7nm9M-GQ-_yB9a9mnqF/s1600/IMG_4750.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIwU7a_nPh-mPC1TYe5ytRiajyNDqlh9EvLQc9yUXErk_Wn5iUGVzFZc-wXtYnhsu3LeJu9A8L8s9-fdn_5QkkYrCDnURxzF4yNsLcI04iE0Zk3Hy6ZlypqaBOx7nm9M-GQ-_yB9a9mnqF/s320/IMG_4750.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5529106666938990274" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKDlE6zVq6X-HOW7UESCo0eOHl0_cO59rsW9y_mt3glpdYto049BKbwstYnwWFfdfdezuHwhLGgaLU3Rq0yZOg-wzntFSoJnOPEF9sc0gm9AsGhH82qPGQiS3eEoD3QVcvn4UW4H6GSi-K/s1600/IMG_4757.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKDlE6zVq6X-HOW7UESCo0eOHl0_cO59rsW9y_mt3glpdYto049BKbwstYnwWFfdfdezuHwhLGgaLU3Rq0yZOg-wzntFSoJnOPEF9sc0gm9AsGhH82qPGQiS3eEoD3QVcvn4UW4H6GSi-K/s320/IMG_4757.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5529105002033576898" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhX1zXzvvdNR8O-GennoyEq-0KLtBufyTElM0867a7zauGrye3f_QDB9hIi977bIDeCILhM6Pk1lDbTrqd3KM2h3BT8tn6UL1P00gYY8IDjsUus85skL9tPXzQZOUIvijwFAGuFfDuLwPlW/s1600/IMG_4778.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhX1zXzvvdNR8O-GennoyEq-0KLtBufyTElM0867a7zauGrye3f_QDB9hIi977bIDeCILhM6Pk1lDbTrqd3KM2h3BT8tn6UL1P00gYY8IDjsUus85skL9tPXzQZOUIvijwFAGuFfDuLwPlW/s320/IMG_4778.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5529104994501398274" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzVQD6TbdJZWkxyonEaSJ5CMyOtIDW93eZVmny39N8N_9k4ZMlayNqhUll_jNIQC8IousJWG9UD8ZfWMZDIikDpN7u_-OmNuD1acdxDtwqMcp6TUJpMgV-yP4qJ7wHmto3PLcI0r3oDqPv/s1600/IMG_4813.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzVQD6TbdJZWkxyonEaSJ5CMyOtIDW93eZVmny39N8N_9k4ZMlayNqhUll_jNIQC8IousJWG9UD8ZfWMZDIikDpN7u_-OmNuD1acdxDtwqMcp6TUJpMgV-yP4qJ7wHmto3PLcI0r3oDqPv/s320/IMG_4813.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5529104989841968882" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1EZqFq6XchB0-1qCMxV-m0ID1cSSvu8h29ZPLPzEUapiTw4p0w1eb1SdV4ICey3PuAY5zdClwaexfsqCl1zcp0nZAf3pvITM7gpUjskOxdMbxpkutcZJ1BtsO7izA9yfP5reUtyn80FF6/s1600/IMG_4815.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1EZqFq6XchB0-1qCMxV-m0ID1cSSvu8h29ZPLPzEUapiTw4p0w1eb1SdV4ICey3PuAY5zdClwaexfsqCl1zcp0nZAf3pvITM7gpUjskOxdMbxpkutcZJ1BtsO7izA9yfP5reUtyn80FF6/s320/IMG_4815.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5529104978452126162" /></a><br /></div><div><div>We ended Patagonia with a visit to the massive Perito Moreno glacier which was amazing before heading back up to Buenos Aires where we have been for the remainder of our time.</div><div><br /></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnCZ4M5bYr3HlPGCP3AdU6s86SyPp3J08hVcpIJYPeT-quUlBapWj15LlubI4x1nUnd5jRNCFgKqkycU1wVy3KUp9WNmTzB8SQhUgdYI83BxfLn87jvRm_WGeXeYDdtysCdLt3NkvOazWB/s1600/pano.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 90px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnCZ4M5bYr3HlPGCP3AdU6s86SyPp3J08hVcpIJYPeT-quUlBapWj15LlubI4x1nUnd5jRNCFgKqkycU1wVy3KUp9WNmTzB8SQhUgdYI83BxfLn87jvRm_WGeXeYDdtysCdLt3NkvOazWB/s320/pano.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5529104968184665970" /></a><div style="text-align: center;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" >Perito Moreno Glacier</span></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" ><br /></span></b></div><div>So now it’s time to go home and it feels weird. We’re kind of looking forward to some stability but I don’t think that will last long. The thought of reality is not as appealing as gallivanting around the globe but such is life. We do very much however look forward to seeing all our friends and family as we do miss them a lot! Plus Sheenas credit card is tired and needs a break.</div><div><br /></div><div>I hope those of you who have read this have found it interesting… It’s been a long and tiring journey and I couldn’t have done it without my special companion J so I’d like to say a big thank you to my Ipod! (Sheena wasn’t too bad for the odd conversation either).</div><div><br /></div><div>Time for one last steak!</div><div>Adios!</div><div><br /></div><div>See you soon!</div></div><div><br /></div></div>Simon and Sheenahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08233662842760091770noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2499237260670655211.post-24200731911420211972010-10-02T11:54:00.000-07:002010-10-02T12:47:12.484-07:009th September 2010 - 24th September 2010 - Bolivia - Iguazu Falls<div style="text-align: left;"><b><br /></b></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b>Spectacular</b></div><div><br /></div><div>From the high altitude salt flats of Bolivia to the canyons of north west Argentina finishing at the mind blowing falls of Iguazu, we have certainly seen some of the most spectacular scenery one could ever witness in this world. </div><div><br /></div><div>But first La Paz.</div><div><br /></div><div>I was really looking forward to going to La Paz as from my visit back in 2004 I remembered it to be a really vibrant and interesting city with an old quarter filled with swarming local markets and women cooking local dishes on the side of the road that smelled absolutely disgusting. All this taking place in the ridiculously steep stone cobbled streets running up either side of the valley, which at almost 4000m in altitude made for exhausting yet rewarding meandering. I know no one likes to hear some annoying person say “this place used to be sooo much better before” but in this case it is unfortunately true. The cooking women and their awful smells have gone because the streets are no longer filled with locals as all their markets have been replaced with generic tourist shops selling the same crap you can buy all over the Gringo trail in Peru. Now instead of a vibrant market in the old quarter, there are empty streets with the handful of tourists seemingly passing time before they embark on their trip to the salt flats or some other tour. </div><div><br /></div><div>However La Paz isn’t all bad. The drive down into the city is spectacular as you descend down, overlooking the sprawl surrounded by snow capped mountains. There is also life, markets and bad smells, they just have been relocated further up the hill. The witches market is still there with their dead llama foetus’ on display but the area has in my mind lost a lot of its charm.</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgt1nZ8vH6QsP-KU3y5n6S-CIq5pgCg4QErGUZsjFaI3-RDnR8fP9zBzZ5mpCBYGhZuWN8PMwFpFJYskzWLzuRnYjVpJ1aCX2YckhkoKDxHF4JmPsy2R8pcYcjzqIpk5D_ek596vpSc3GhF/s320/IMG_4328.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5523527526966174210" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px; " /></span><div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><b>We found the life eventually in La Paz</b></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><b><br /></b></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><b><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;">Our trip to the salt flats was far from disappointing. I’ll let the pictures do the talking but basically it involved bizarre salt plains, giant cacti, flamingo infested lagoons, and volcanoes! Despite the fact that Sheena tried to drive away with my shoe and God attempted to rub me out of existence, the whole three days were fantastic.</span></span></div><div><br /></div></b></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><br /></span></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi80oKOwWFLdZYEkkptNX-kN0A6PX14W3KoWFLwGEhrhitFzcW_VG6QsHS7iADuBeXluMH-0igKE2PlM8oLHWaCzosAA7eDYaSndC4Ry3uPVHXfT4ftAyg0-D6lkMDk0ec15NksrLaDUE8Z/s1600/IMG_4346.jpg"></a><div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi80oKOwWFLdZYEkkptNX-kN0A6PX14W3KoWFLwGEhrhitFzcW_VG6QsHS7iADuBeXluMH-0igKE2PlM8oLHWaCzosAA7eDYaSndC4Ry3uPVHXfT4ftAyg0-D6lkMDk0ec15NksrLaDUE8Z/s1600/IMG_4346.jpg"><img style="text-align: left;display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px; " src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi80oKOwWFLdZYEkkptNX-kN0A6PX14W3KoWFLwGEhrhitFzcW_VG6QsHS7iADuBeXluMH-0igKE2PlM8oLHWaCzosAA7eDYaSndC4Ry3uPVHXfT4ftAyg0-D6lkMDk0ec15NksrLaDUE8Z/s320/IMG_4346.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5523527528479294130" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><b>Train graveyard Uyuni, Bolivia</b></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span"><u><br /></u></span></div><div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi80oKOwWFLdZYEkkptNX-kN0A6PX14W3KoWFLwGEhrhitFzcW_VG6QsHS7iADuBeXluMH-0igKE2PlM8oLHWaCzosAA7eDYaSndC4Ry3uPVHXfT4ftAyg0-D6lkMDk0ec15NksrLaDUE8Z/s1600/IMG_4346.jpg"></a><span class="Apple-style-span"><u><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7t02p6lbTsoupuCVjXzy-Bk0AuMLewUiT6KTd1HupS0GjehIESkPnUgv34ZOdRWGbbK3yVTnDiku12RlQNyio0YfSw2ezEskFA17SP-qBn04BIKkC2XrOCkcgBwvyo0iXrJS8q3h73Gzm/s320/IMG_4359.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5523527156121405938" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px; " /></u></span></div><div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><b>Our ride on the salt flats</b></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><u><br /></u></span></div><span class="Apple-style-span"><u></u></span><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbZ4fj2om_mqxuBlq3uNO_IyGfYj0N9pGiW6qB7_NHOLSxfYQVCzSonRSwmtM_Cqyd2zwzsVGSwGnKVWrW0Zm8cT3k8poT9XDe2zPskotAagn86TY2nAAPaatK2SZI3aD6-zPEtPMuVZFs/s1600/IMG_4348.jpg"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbZ4fj2om_mqxuBlq3uNO_IyGfYj0N9pGiW6qB7_NHOLSxfYQVCzSonRSwmtM_Cqyd2zwzsVGSwGnKVWrW0Zm8cT3k8poT9XDe2zPskotAagn86TY2nAAPaatK2SZI3aD6-zPEtPMuVZFs/s320/IMG_4348.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5523527521707015970" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px; " /></a><div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span">Sheena tried to drive away with my shoe!</span></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><u><br /></u></span></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbZ4fj2om_mqxuBlq3uNO_IyGfYj0N9pGiW6qB7_NHOLSxfYQVCzSonRSwmtM_Cqyd2zwzsVGSwGnKVWrW0Zm8cT3k8poT9XDe2zPskotAagn86TY2nAAPaatK2SZI3aD6-zPEtPMuVZFs/s1600/IMG_4348.jpg"></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEih9-koGLW6BPJTuLdAD_ehgHlweJSSklwFm5SvgzXptVNHUVOwgR8bFR-a6gliEFPvd87CMd34_8DH_dwmbHAREMxUdRdCdS2n3uwsSOdbQ9_1PEU_uEoP3xytV1FxCaFiBt1UhV4oQiJV/s1600/IMG_4350.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEih9-koGLW6BPJTuLdAD_ehgHlweJSSklwFm5SvgzXptVNHUVOwgR8bFR-a6gliEFPvd87CMd34_8DH_dwmbHAREMxUdRdCdS2n3uwsSOdbQ9_1PEU_uEoP3xytV1FxCaFiBt1UhV4oQiJV/s320/IMG_4350.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5523527515944534754" /></a><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><b>Falling inside a giant bottle!</b></span></div></div><div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJb3gZaN5nDaGlyKukgqjOZ9f9fV1GEjmk_M-Gy_8v4ZWlGg2SeDMtXImMM9rV5-o23VrrPYep3-IWyYL1B5P3SYpgeD-0k4w63oN_OMYRNIb_tPtnV06MvkhQHfUXHOGnpzs9qr4bMdGV/s1600/IMG_4352.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJb3gZaN5nDaGlyKukgqjOZ9f9fV1GEjmk_M-Gy_8v4ZWlGg2SeDMtXImMM9rV5-o23VrrPYep3-IWyYL1B5P3SYpgeD-0k4w63oN_OMYRNIb_tPtnV06MvkhQHfUXHOGnpzs9qr4bMdGV/s320/IMG_4352.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5523527514825565826" /></a><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><b>"This is what you get for not believing in me!" - God</b></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7t02p6lbTsoupuCVjXzy-Bk0AuMLewUiT6KTd1HupS0GjehIESkPnUgv34ZOdRWGbbK3yVTnDiku12RlQNyio0YfSw2ezEskFA17SP-qBn04BIKkC2XrOCkcgBwvyo0iXrJS8q3h73Gzm/s1600/IMG_4359.jpg"></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhipX-vljMs8X69Xgu-K3VBM88CfnIF-1gVicqWdma9c-xHGirmbo65GGSn1zgs3CQkwqLlGXF-B65WAb8t6BBX4XnuFf_HS9enyIjgZljAAykGDlXCRDx6IvT2tyIxpNHdRT0gzGJs5c5x/s1600/IMG_4363.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhipX-vljMs8X69Xgu-K3VBM88CfnIF-1gVicqWdma9c-xHGirmbo65GGSn1zgs3CQkwqLlGXF-B65WAb8t6BBX4XnuFf_HS9enyIjgZljAAykGDlXCRDx6IvT2tyIxpNHdRT0gzGJs5c5x/s320/IMG_4363.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5523527145079261570" /></a><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><b>Giant Cacti on fish island in the salt flats</b></span></div></div><div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg92YlFRHIOIR4UJgq7oRQ3oJotphcXovh8Gbx2SPkA0_WNcWJAD9u-9VnGXFbYNsp7sCXqkOW-z5cYSob8qFLD7LL0FXJ7ixiaGGmlrzFX0uFAUBsSW7O5Eoq0lKMxeFjNt9TD0JjIIa4O/s1600/IMG_4367.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg92YlFRHIOIR4UJgq7oRQ3oJotphcXovh8Gbx2SPkA0_WNcWJAD9u-9VnGXFbYNsp7sCXqkOW-z5cYSob8qFLD7LL0FXJ7ixiaGGmlrzFX0uFAUBsSW7O5Eoq0lKMxeFjNt9TD0JjIIa4O/s320/IMG_4367.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5523527140056905426" /></a><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><b>Fish island - Salt flats</b></span></div></div><div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiS4agmHii6QgLIzzyGZ1KwiRG_l-5RhfvCjaw3fxrjS53BeBuX3ublhTagmwfgYdI9D4IZBZopDTeCMhHHOnG3bsAd0QX9t-d5yHNTyo9RrWL9e3F5a5ENR5il8UZZ17o_1LgxP-gJ3yUi/s1600/IMG_4383.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiS4agmHii6QgLIzzyGZ1KwiRG_l-5RhfvCjaw3fxrjS53BeBuX3ublhTagmwfgYdI9D4IZBZopDTeCMhHHOnG3bsAd0QX9t-d5yHNTyo9RrWL9e3F5a5ENR5il8UZZ17o_1LgxP-gJ3yUi/s320/IMG_4383.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5523527133515646658" /></a></div><div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEGkd7eNpYzgRlCyX81FB2V0ON5gCFdI96ZNDJAx1JmTUREGSMBJvNxb4J8MiivNc15debYUrYP1haM5s6Ujj4wG8aRjtNhzBBMpFlEyirp0yowE9e21inax4vxXiTJ1k3zujWlWPpCEKr/s1600/IMG_4394.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEGkd7eNpYzgRlCyX81FB2V0ON5gCFdI96ZNDJAx1JmTUREGSMBJvNxb4J8MiivNc15debYUrYP1haM5s6Ujj4wG8aRjtNhzBBMpFlEyirp0yowE9e21inax4vxXiTJ1k3zujWlWPpCEKr/s320/IMG_4394.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5523527128643707234" /></a><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><b>Flamingos on the lagoons</b></span></div></div><div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZN4ntgcL4Au1xWF6L0QVrUwT5fTYIVi-J0Nlb-7PUQV08nbMl-nvprK34axDv1cxORr99sZfAUjuIbXW8YY_WZm4Us3InL-lvI2JDZAHKBpNnI96L4zKzgS0JrLLSXkRH3kutmBs-CpIK/s1600/IMG_4423.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZN4ntgcL4Au1xWF6L0QVrUwT5fTYIVi-J0Nlb-7PUQV08nbMl-nvprK34axDv1cxORr99sZfAUjuIbXW8YY_WZm4Us3InL-lvI2JDZAHKBpNnI96L4zKzgS0JrLLSXkRH3kutmBs-CpIK/s320/IMG_4423.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5523526642130626802" /></a><div style="text-align: center;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span">Hot geyers</span></b></div></div><div><br /></div><div><div>After the salt flats we headed to Argentina, with our destination being the north western city of Salta. We went via Chile and the bus route through canyons and desert was fairly spectacular. Lots of reds in the mountains contrasting with the greens of the oasis set against a bright blue sky. Salta is a cool laid back city right next to the wine producing region of Cafayate which made for a nice overnight visit. Being in Argentina is quite refreshing as day to day life is very modern and easy and we are now back in a land where food is important Hooray! More culinary (meat) discussion in the Buenos Aires blog to come later. </div><div><br /></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaSx3U86xLWOO6v-QPF6AxQEMYiCAjIelMiDndWnI7VNuzkkgf-RKuegn7ZjNpGXKboWT5M1Y08T5FjLGZlsz_Xfq7QhPq5httgraAHSWbTMcn5DM9GkNfMQbvr7eWr2JhLQ1gjXFdD3RR/s1600/IMG_4446.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaSx3U86xLWOO6v-QPF6AxQEMYiCAjIelMiDndWnI7VNuzkkgf-RKuegn7ZjNpGXKboWT5M1Y08T5FjLGZlsz_Xfq7QhPq5httgraAHSWbTMcn5DM9GkNfMQbvr7eWr2JhLQ1gjXFdD3RR/s320/IMG_4446.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5523526630234237506" /></a><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><b>The canyons and colours on the way to Salta</b></span></div></div><div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqaYzvBDeUH8y6bhY1t-tBMOZS_bMhdTR9kXz8zR3YSj_I-5bawVdCrHyjrgbnOtHJciFhAn46sU6yHWFc0nJCoxQC3BzjuABjnQE8zjduTMZt4k-7wue6vwEs6jvu7prMnCLDP_wpie5p/s1600/IMG_4449.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqaYzvBDeUH8y6bhY1t-tBMOZS_bMhdTR9kXz8zR3YSj_I-5bawVdCrHyjrgbnOtHJciFhAn46sU6yHWFc0nJCoxQC3BzjuABjnQE8zjduTMZt4k-7wue6vwEs6jvu7prMnCLDP_wpie5p/s320/IMG_4449.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5523526625132611122" /></a><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><b>Wineries at Cafayate</b></span></div></div><div><br /></div><div><div>A flight to Buenos Aires followed by another flight to Puerto Iguazu led us to our next destination. Iguazu falls have to be visited in person to be appreciated. Nothing I can say and no photographs I could take will truly reflect the magnitude and awe of these epic falls. Taking a boat right up to the base of the falls was a really fun and wet experience and the whole package made all the effort and money it took to get there well worth it.</div></div><div><br /></div><div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQpiA-IhiuPzEEBbFXi7nWnEskiCtnGdBe8xYwiP1UcQd7pqjBPitluQrI01AOHZkPXfLUGzu88JtzqbBCL-V7fzRftsABDze2NwwzQQsevpNiXoQ9UaniKWIbnxTAPayKymzf5TJapMtd/s1600/IMG_4492.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQpiA-IhiuPzEEBbFXi7nWnEskiCtnGdBe8xYwiP1UcQd7pqjBPitluQrI01AOHZkPXfLUGzu88JtzqbBCL-V7fzRftsABDze2NwwzQQsevpNiXoQ9UaniKWIbnxTAPayKymzf5TJapMtd/s320/IMG_4492.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5523526617908424370" /></a><br /></div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3N2G49JD90gItdJBJ2ngSS8mYnGeVCeVID5dghWTVHc8WTi4hMUkIe12KG3RB8M3ycI1taJzAWSc6You3r4y5IjRS-hinBQVPetVR4bDHEQKAGr0vx9AIjGXJOiZKm-PnwYFhIIo4I0tX/s1600/IMG_4500.jpg"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3N2G49JD90gItdJBJ2ngSS8mYnGeVCeVID5dghWTVHc8WTi4hMUkIe12KG3RB8M3ycI1taJzAWSc6You3r4y5IjRS-hinBQVPetVR4bDHEQKAGr0vx9AIjGXJOiZKm-PnwYFhIIo4I0tX/s320/IMG_4500.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5523536786672722274" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px; " /></a></div><div><br /></div><div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWcBaL3AsipLHEjAM9-E-1Lmyym8fzGKHzr6EMpU2Qyq7OBh7tdsZw9S5UcFL4uHdxdfH-5vlF_R3yyJOTrqH5J5kMrfBwKAO-v3rXbhvmbVbKwCZ2RsPwDSYwslrAtOwlBBldyQKHq3wU/s1600/IMG_4512.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWcBaL3AsipLHEjAM9-E-1Lmyym8fzGKHzr6EMpU2Qyq7OBh7tdsZw9S5UcFL4uHdxdfH-5vlF_R3yyJOTrqH5J5kMrfBwKAO-v3rXbhvmbVbKwCZ2RsPwDSYwslrAtOwlBBldyQKHq3wU/s320/IMG_4512.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5523526607766095602" /></a><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><b>Iguazu!</b></span></div></div></div></div><div><br /></div><div><div>So far we have seen so much natural beauty it’s hard to imagine it could get better. Having said this we have just arrived in Patagonia and once again this continent has thrown up some pretty spectacular stuff. That’ll be for next time.</div><div><br /></div><div>Boi!</div></div><div><br /></div>Simon and Sheenahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08233662842760091770noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2499237260670655211.post-64099188397441186432010-09-07T19:35:00.001-07:002010-09-10T16:07:33.630-07:004th August 2010 - 8th September 2010 - Peru<div style="text-align: left;"><b>Full on</b></div><div><div><br /></div><div>I’ve started writing this while we are waiting to board our bus to Puno and then to Copacabana in Bolivia. Hopefully we won’t have any problems on the border because we’ve overstayed our visa here in Peru. We’ve overstayed for a few reasons, one being that the annoying customs man only gave us 30 days for some reason (most people get at least 60) the other being that there is just too much to do in this unbelievable country! So much so it’s impossible to cram a months worth into a blog so I’ll have to be brief.</div><div><br /></div><div>After 5 nights of just chilling in Lima (which is a lot nicer than what it was 6 years ago) we caught a flight to Cusco, the tourism capital of Peru and the former capital of the Incan Empire. We were meant to catch the same flight as Dad who joined us for our Cusco adventure, but that didn’t eventuate, instead we just had to hang out at Cusco airport for him to arrive. It was really great seeing family again and both Sheena and I enjoyed having Dad’s company and I’m glad Dad really enjoyed his time in a very different cultural environment, however I doubt he will be rushing to join me on any high altitude treks again :p</div></div><div><br /></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhB3Ykn8eFFrNBcv5aIYZn4XcmMYruHA8GAX8tp7s1Iq-VI-PgdeFnpW6PAc4CNQVd-nruRWOMRgCfJRezNcShl57qU1WW_iKd5ZE8NK_X5bRyeGMhdoblo5XVBBY6s5DI947MuzekpwAAM/s1600/IMG_3823.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhB3Ykn8eFFrNBcv5aIYZn4XcmMYruHA8GAX8tp7s1Iq-VI-PgdeFnpW6PAc4CNQVd-nruRWOMRgCfJRezNcShl57qU1WW_iKd5ZE8NK_X5bRyeGMhdoblo5XVBBY6s5DI947MuzekpwAAM/s320/IMG_3823.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5514373172950677394" /></a><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><b>Cusco</b></span></div><div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzisQ1IEOj7lm1zlv_Ws8CTKCfOcc0STlOnJsqPmhFfXeJ9T6EP04d_FgLpsxN2QyIwMeIl-1_Buh5_Z98gAQbqrkd3fnnTCV9PdzDpniWcqqPdG2U5GBV4bDdgr2lHQ1bIi8swVRo8oo9/s1600/IMG_3825.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzisQ1IEOj7lm1zlv_Ws8CTKCfOcc0STlOnJsqPmhFfXeJ9T6EP04d_FgLpsxN2QyIwMeIl-1_Buh5_Z98gAQbqrkd3fnnTCV9PdzDpniWcqqPdG2U5GBV4bDdgr2lHQ1bIi8swVRo8oo9/s320/IMG_3825.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5514373171753253538" /></a><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><b>Dad blending in.. (sorry I just love this photo)</b></span></div></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><b><br /></b></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><b><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span">This was my second visit to Peru and my second time on the Inca trail. Last time as most of you know I got very sick and didn’t have a particularly enjoyable time of it. This time was a different story, not only did all 3 of us complete the trek in good health besides Dad experiencing the for the first time the effects of altitude (finally at the age of 27 I have found a physical activity that I‘m better at than my father!!!), we also had clear weather that allowed us to see all the wonderful snow capped mountains and valleys I missed before due to previously trekking in the wet season. It made for a completely different and more beautiful experience. We were also accompanied by a fantastic guide Christian who we had all to ourselves, his passion and knowledge about the Incas made the trip that much more enjoyable. The finale of a fairly perfect sunrise over Machu Pichu made for an unforgettable 4 days!</span></span></div></b></span></div><div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAgqyakrfilcB-1NHbQpNZ3oRAyraPjCYpzKosBvUvKMinD2wYvKwtygCyxtVmnhoemlbt7xFv_gGNPZNY_DUGgydG8vGDlohyphenhyphenIyAmuMhDlaVwDAUpiZO9VsdY6VT0vZi9BtcPIQxh9nG0/s1600/IMG_3851.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAgqyakrfilcB-1NHbQpNZ3oRAyraPjCYpzKosBvUvKMinD2wYvKwtygCyxtVmnhoemlbt7xFv_gGNPZNY_DUGgydG8vGDlohyphenhyphenIyAmuMhDlaVwDAUpiZO9VsdY6VT0vZi9BtcPIQxh9nG0/s320/IMG_3851.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5514373163835921154" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjURL3Qxveas9KNke2_JLJgpdaJyX9H7FOZJQz8ZILxtE7IkO3szg5LwuH5lx0ozBvy4e-jU8gQ_Owgty9wnxDQBocKO01pXQm1kbasYRm0zC8bXr017_6x1v-zSDpHQHwi_i1u_kpokAuz/s1600/IMG_3889.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjURL3Qxveas9KNke2_JLJgpdaJyX9H7FOZJQz8ZILxtE7IkO3szg5LwuH5lx0ozBvy4e-jU8gQ_Owgty9wnxDQBocKO01pXQm1kbasYRm0zC8bXr017_6x1v-zSDpHQHwi_i1u_kpokAuz/s320/IMG_3889.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5514373160245549378" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghyphenhyphenwkJXRDT89mssNbxMe6OesWevSG08d_2dOhE78CeAN5YT90y8lPVee29ikxAVwDoJga2A3lOaHVKzhaOatlb3ovwhRMBJBVI6NHqjJB7rPZn29h2cJfbzVNC0qO3_NJ54lnNxw7i3PZ9/s1600/IMG_3911.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghyphenhyphenwkJXRDT89mssNbxMe6OesWevSG08d_2dOhE78CeAN5YT90y8lPVee29ikxAVwDoJga2A3lOaHVKzhaOatlb3ovwhRMBJBVI6NHqjJB7rPZn29h2cJfbzVNC0qO3_NJ54lnNxw7i3PZ9/s320/IMG_3911.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5514367845229085394" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSLFmkV-iTTevZcHtMDDjakBCQhvrzPM441gmrUNo3hPRE3qDyrkoZ5DYrKgSGdV3VHTIgKCbRQcvZAxTmFx7RhMNwbZwoYfYBt8LYG1Y70g9zsQrrH9D4VXeIWknLbccOXbjKBxa9iUj6/s1600/IMG_3942.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSLFmkV-iTTevZcHtMDDjakBCQhvrzPM441gmrUNo3hPRE3qDyrkoZ5DYrKgSGdV3VHTIgKCbRQcvZAxTmFx7RhMNwbZwoYfYBt8LYG1Y70g9zsQrrH9D4VXeIWknLbccOXbjKBxa9iUj6/s320/IMG_3942.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5514367840552358034" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuT7MzRKFoiPF4PiZq0EBY9jXsA4FPJT2OMWL4UtZmvcyFZNHA-z5toeXdIwPkGe-h25_7wMDUrT5-rLdYREy3wo-zxLPBvv8pDjrxuEusd_cWhj_vk9QLI9Tna2Aie1dSnVD3-qEuhmoe/s1600/IMG_3974.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuT7MzRKFoiPF4PiZq0EBY9jXsA4FPJT2OMWL4UtZmvcyFZNHA-z5toeXdIwPkGe-h25_7wMDUrT5-rLdYREy3wo-zxLPBvv8pDjrxuEusd_cWhj_vk9QLI9Tna2Aie1dSnVD3-qEuhmoe/s320/IMG_3974.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5514367830752133682" /></a><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><b>Inca Trail Photos</b></span></div></div><div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUN5J6EZjhwExgbanweRA2Wy4sHb-0zqlj32MQNcvzav2RZCidd-lW87DWGCZ98Zv8urfnKTL389C3aorpm3NNl7xobDvEpQ4J8QceX6agHh6hyphenhyphencr01qpSD44liGVSEChRXiT-rFe1a4oO/s1600/IMG_4011.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUN5J6EZjhwExgbanweRA2Wy4sHb-0zqlj32MQNcvzav2RZCidd-lW87DWGCZ98Zv8urfnKTL389C3aorpm3NNl7xobDvEpQ4J8QceX6agHh6hyphenhyphencr01qpSD44liGVSEChRXiT-rFe1a4oO/s320/IMG_4011.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5514367825083579938" /></a><div style="text-align: center;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span">Where's Wally??</span></b></div></div><div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3zS7_ffRpdqKhxfQSZRyd_YAJICGElY5haNlFd7GGUUxeVsPT-Bn3Z-veSZKPg9Ia95c_URtP_w27L2hW6vPBHNdYLT0VFSuIzHeTe-Lr4kO0ZAn0Bx5ZbSCu9GZk-pJgo69Nhp3QbQBc/s1600/IMG_4014.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3zS7_ffRpdqKhxfQSZRyd_YAJICGElY5haNlFd7GGUUxeVsPT-Bn3Z-veSZKPg9Ia95c_URtP_w27L2hW6vPBHNdYLT0VFSuIzHeTe-Lr4kO0ZAn0Bx5ZbSCu9GZk-pJgo69Nhp3QbQBc/s320/IMG_4014.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5514367824379058098" /></a><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><b>The money shot</b></span></div></div><div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTpk_o6t4TgRC3S-DPahu4g3PcboW00HHXWycUMxbPPaDkHd4l-a0ikmEpRoi4GO83uvzSjUtWPlpxM4lnNzSKYeb8WQ3gUG6Vf6ApMRmVeauOQABukZtg2J22UqAUjFsF8EnhaKKJ6J-b/s1600/IMG_4019.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTpk_o6t4TgRC3S-DPahu4g3PcboW00HHXWycUMxbPPaDkHd4l-a0ikmEpRoi4GO83uvzSjUtWPlpxM4lnNzSKYeb8WQ3gUG6Vf6ApMRmVeauOQABukZtg2J22UqAUjFsF8EnhaKKJ6J-b/s320/IMG_4019.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5514367305836096210" /></a><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><b>Amongst Machu Pichu</b></span></div></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><b><br /></b></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><b><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;">Back in Cusco and after a few days rest and sight seeing we took off for a couple of days white water rafting. Once again it was a lot of fun and I’m fairly sure Dad will be back to do it again, he is much more at home on the water than on a mountain! After the rafting it was time for Dad to go home… a fairly fast couple of weeks with very little down time but all of it was great fun…</span></span></div><div><br /></div></b></span></div><div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJif5g-AAr27v0N0R5HLozWuGog1D_sD22yNLbT4-dn0oSZAMIabi7pPgNEmch_hb-6wvdUvwOZgjiHmeDkXXfLLRq__ER0T8KJLQU4aHCmN0Xn3Oe2bxzJD0mDAnbl9fdxQo1knKpTPIs/s1600/IMG_4027.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJif5g-AAr27v0N0R5HLozWuGog1D_sD22yNLbT4-dn0oSZAMIabi7pPgNEmch_hb-6wvdUvwOZgjiHmeDkXXfLLRq__ER0T8KJLQU4aHCmN0Xn3Oe2bxzJD0mDAnbl9fdxQo1knKpTPIs/s320/IMG_4027.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5514367296307766226" /></a><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><b>Robot dancing at Sacsayhuaman</b></span></div></div><div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjabYYkipF1D5824esJspbY6hXZQ-CeP-0_JVJGk2UKyWb3rDjvGJTvOjBbHB5WNvsLRlDO29VkFqW45ngppDKBMIwTDEplwA28_mdDgx3xCmNX4ooHyKO3Z0mpqfAJimdnRnbYCYYstBII/s1600/IMG_4051.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjabYYkipF1D5824esJspbY6hXZQ-CeP-0_JVJGk2UKyWb3rDjvGJTvOjBbHB5WNvsLRlDO29VkFqW45ngppDKBMIwTDEplwA28_mdDgx3xCmNX4ooHyKO3Z0mpqfAJimdnRnbYCYYstBII/s320/IMG_4051.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5514367287571290418" /></a><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><b>Robot dancing in the raft</b></span></div></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><b><br /></b></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal; "><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyPjmvUKCJAiQd1-HVJAMo11IfABK9RBsICoPM2EO3AIHXtdeAzhI_1vdYkrQUSNoK5AeHSmzZetpQnKBYEEHDImQOe2HnR2cPm7ea7kuNt80tMnfZYUtMhcWO6hOXGZ0f9Ai1_RLH_Y4n/s1600/IMG_5190.jpg"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyPjmvUKCJAiQd1-HVJAMo11IfABK9RBsICoPM2EO3AIHXtdeAzhI_1vdYkrQUSNoK5AeHSmzZetpQnKBYEEHDImQOe2HnR2cPm7ea7kuNt80tMnfZYUtMhcWO6hOXGZ0f9Ai1_RLH_Y4n/s320/IMG_5190.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5515424805996712130" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px; " /></a></span></b></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span">Fun on the river</span></b></div><div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijsOrvXd0mrFmod0htyHHx8JBmFkDmGx0-Yh7OXOdl9JpTGAe0uQ4zPWabxxTrZvCJdoB_GrJhwsm3q-_R7GiVdE-AuC9lQOJTXUmrCursE4bFiqGfXF19p7JVNJGVboUUgM3xZ5-s2MON/s1600/IMG_4056.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijsOrvXd0mrFmod0htyHHx8JBmFkDmGx0-Yh7OXOdl9JpTGAe0uQ4zPWabxxTrZvCJdoB_GrJhwsm3q-_R7GiVdE-AuC9lQOJTXUmrCursE4bFiqGfXF19p7JVNJGVboUUgM3xZ5-s2MON/s320/IMG_4056.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5514367281116314642" /></a><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><b>Playing football with the local kids</b></span></div></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><b><br /></b></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><b><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;">You’d think that after all that activity Sheena and I would be quite tired…. Well we were, very tired… so we thought it was a good idea to go to the Amazon jungle for 8 days… So on to a freezing bus bright and early to drive 10 hours, sleep one night… sit in a boat for 7 hours, sleep one night… sit in a boat for another 6 hours all so as we could arrive in Peru’s Manu National Reserve Zone. Manu is a highly protected area of the Amazon jungle and only gets about 1600 visitors per year, so we felt pretty lucky to be able to experience such a unique environment. We went with the purpose of spotting lots of wildlife and although we weren’t lucky enough to see any jaguars, we did get up close and personal with many different species of monkey, vultures, tarantulas, boas, poisonous frogs, toucans, caiman (crocodiles), and the very rare giant otter. The mosquitoes totally sucked as did the sand flies, we came back looking like we had the measles and once again it was an exhausting and hot experience but well worth the time and effort. </span></span></div><div><br /></div></b></span></div><div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiK2GT-ed56NZK_y96r-7In3HuMFZL8GcQBRH48uaZHAo7cI5LpF07s7c1cOwsyJEkP9lXjV4MuqR0x8uz5gX8y2u-ZprZlj-rrB7A_GaA57sRq7YRXTnMht_3qrrh9DKT9Xjz-iPIC0wy6/s1600/IMG_4077.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiK2GT-ed56NZK_y96r-7In3HuMFZL8GcQBRH48uaZHAo7cI5LpF07s7c1cOwsyJEkP9lXjV4MuqR0x8uz5gX8y2u-ZprZlj-rrB7A_GaA57sRq7YRXTnMht_3qrrh9DKT9Xjz-iPIC0wy6/s320/IMG_4077.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5514367278816821458" /></a><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><b>Capuchin Monkey</b></span></div></div><div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeDJj3PkS44yLKa4SWpyHOVKjWmVQEem2WDm2-3NjFEpGHRGkLJ7JfAKxWnOmsBiBcYAUwU_XUxCL_Xt9e_y9c1Mfe6xGhuj208cP5NL-X2oIMAq5Gqs-fMOKdv5-Zgs9BXqJ5kLDaiIQa/s1600/IMG_4084.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeDJj3PkS44yLKa4SWpyHOVKjWmVQEem2WDm2-3NjFEpGHRGkLJ7JfAKxWnOmsBiBcYAUwU_XUxCL_Xt9e_y9c1Mfe6xGhuj208cP5NL-X2oIMAq5Gqs-fMOKdv5-Zgs9BXqJ5kLDaiIQa/s320/IMG_4084.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5514366893696173074" /></a><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><b>Armadillo </b></span></div></div><div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgo361vpRuwTtjJcch6o4ZcMRxdpcPeId4IIsg22cHqG_tZw1bOtemMF8QnrGBEjNFmbJDfEE9xcZOHEkFcenoFwnqg7IF10jJGDziLwK6Qqv_tCCnTbrMBGZDaqz9REN5sVDNgB2dqksXq/s1600/IMG_4172.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgo361vpRuwTtjJcch6o4ZcMRxdpcPeId4IIsg22cHqG_tZw1bOtemMF8QnrGBEjNFmbJDfEE9xcZOHEkFcenoFwnqg7IF10jJGDziLwK6Qqv_tCCnTbrMBGZDaqz9REN5sVDNgB2dqksXq/s320/IMG_4172.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5514366886313954258" /></a><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><b>Friendly Tarantula</b></span></div></div><div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUrOAIoFpdlgEpPVO3JVHamN6C0uQGScqPwRCkicWw679WAbQ6O2THCm8tPmAQ1mZ4Kc7SQvh3sKE6uYjh4vB06nGLeKQ8m4iw8imhiotvtrZeKTjyNCjRzj_uQeplGH2HgTEXEfJlbew5/s1600/IMG_4187.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUrOAIoFpdlgEpPVO3JVHamN6C0uQGScqPwRCkicWw679WAbQ6O2THCm8tPmAQ1mZ4Kc7SQvh3sKE6uYjh4vB06nGLeKQ8m4iw8imhiotvtrZeKTjyNCjRzj_uQeplGH2HgTEXEfJlbew5/s320/IMG_4187.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5514366882822504322" /></a><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><b>Monkey & Bird Watching on Salvador Lake</b></span></div></div><div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9Rn-xazxhmyu9RuIh1o0yBFhd1j8z9UvtX9cao8m59jj_fMpZ1noMpNY0p9QEw7WFe4uZw4-FxtMp-tfHKDttQNRd6FKZO5oP9DWbZeM2dpPWrcRhJkzMEXpOAniEI5XBgHeD9iJ4uzFl/s1600/IMG_4230.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9Rn-xazxhmyu9RuIh1o0yBFhd1j8z9UvtX9cao8m59jj_fMpZ1noMpNY0p9QEw7WFe4uZw4-FxtMp-tfHKDttQNRd6FKZO5oP9DWbZeM2dpPWrcRhJkzMEXpOAniEI5XBgHeD9iJ4uzFl/s320/IMG_4230.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5514366867823167218" /></a><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><b>Caiman by the Catamaran</b></span></div></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><b><br /></b></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><b><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;">Back in Cusco, I was hit with something that gave me a nasty fever… Poor timing considering we had a 10 hour bus ride to Arequipa early the next morning. Waking up feeling rather shit, we caught a cab to the bus station to find out that our travel agent was a dirty liar and got us tickets for a different much cheaper company pocketing the extra money we paid for the better bus. Sleeping most of the way we made it to Arequipa in one piece. After briefly worrying that I may have malaria, we finally realised it was just a nasty stomach bug.</span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"><br /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;">Arequipa is a really interesting colonial city built by the Spanish at the foot of 2 active volcanoes. Good thinking. The area is also prone to earthquakes and during our time there I felt a small tremor, which is apparently a weekly event. Arequipa had a couple of great sights such as the Mummy Juanita, the frozen child sacrificed on the top of the Ampato Volcano, and the Monastery of Santa Catalina, a mysterious place only revealed about 40 years ago. The Monastery is also a photographers dream with it’s beautifully painted walls and plant life throughout.</span></span></div><div><br /></div></b></span></div><div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9skkCuDnPSYUMNxL5WSA3u3NWLVeMRJ2W8bjwKZ84kN8a2i3Xw9n0CnHauH4hk3fiMM2zLUi-koV8Kgd0hM5rKo4MZPgDq7uSBrq6OooFbPEoemAJzmgLnlt9ceU3_qKClIquxjxzDRLm/s1600/IMG_4257.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9skkCuDnPSYUMNxL5WSA3u3NWLVeMRJ2W8bjwKZ84kN8a2i3Xw9n0CnHauH4hk3fiMM2zLUi-koV8Kgd0hM5rKo4MZPgDq7uSBrq6OooFbPEoemAJzmgLnlt9ceU3_qKClIquxjxzDRLm/s320/IMG_4257.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5514366865287801554" /></a><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 102); "><b><div style="text-align: center;">Monastery of Santa Catalina</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;">A few hours outside of Arequipa is the Colca Canyon which is famous for it condors. You get so close to the condors as they fly over your head only metres away, the only place in the world you can get that close.</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><b><br /></b></span></span></span></div></div></b></span></div></div><div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgq3iFFrxv3Id7ALUBOG3HL85lFUn4lN6WAwVmR1c1GuJVrMiju3UEcDm96UFN0X3yexLLtd37h_i4M1Y1Hagt12k_RyxEOqTjNK_XxMxVZp8wKfEtcIWBLoI2BX2mL23O8oUDAfYvmDmIr/s1600/IMG_4299.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgq3iFFrxv3Id7ALUBOG3HL85lFUn4lN6WAwVmR1c1GuJVrMiju3UEcDm96UFN0X3yexLLtd37h_i4M1Y1Hagt12k_RyxEOqTjNK_XxMxVZp8wKfEtcIWBLoI2BX2mL23O8oUDAfYvmDmIr/s320/IMG_4299.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5514366522050377090" /></a><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><b>Condors of the Colca Canyon</b></span></div></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><b><br /></b></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><b><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;">I’m finishing this blog in La Paz, Bolivia (we had to pay a whopping $5 fine for overstaying our visa), and I should mention we never actually made it to Copacabana. Our bus broke down on the way to Puno and we missed our connection. So instead we stayed in Puno one night and visited Titicaca from there. A trip out to the man made Uros Islands where locals still live was spectacular due to the bizarre nature of the islands and also the beautiful sunset which lit up the lake gorgeously.</span></span></div><div><br /></div></b></span></div><div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtRJtOF9kcPeQrMaWiOy_sa-7kvD68ceZJQ-sYBN9qk15odX_YiOcmdXP3XkTarVCcg4pajeijfpboXz-T3N7KOHxQrjBcQscttlbH1Ie4RTh-LCa-CmgDblzi8KFrK4XVQiqaS-tUo_W5/s1600/IMG_4313.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtRJtOF9kcPeQrMaWiOy_sa-7kvD68ceZJQ-sYBN9qk15odX_YiOcmdXP3XkTarVCcg4pajeijfpboXz-T3N7KOHxQrjBcQscttlbH1Ie4RTh-LCa-CmgDblzi8KFrK4XVQiqaS-tUo_W5/s320/IMG_4313.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5514366515492557666" /></a><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><b>Boat ride on Titicaca</b></span></div></div><div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitbapA1GYPXHm7lUtbnFrymvnZHLRRlpdS7OTXKonpMgsc2ltko6HyKZt35y05rruGP8bktd-h4oLNOMTJfcFyB62H8wDE40_Sr3R60EJADXJYTca3srEai6lWiOe-qTfAuBk2V4opiTP4/s1600/IMG_4316.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitbapA1GYPXHm7lUtbnFrymvnZHLRRlpdS7OTXKonpMgsc2ltko6HyKZt35y05rruGP8bktd-h4oLNOMTJfcFyB62H8wDE40_Sr3R60EJADXJYTca3srEai6lWiOe-qTfAuBk2V4opiTP4/s320/IMG_4316.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5514366506423762274" /></a><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><b>The Uros Islands</b></span></div></div><div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAd2Kd4jGQyv0wAbWkur3qx8qDeLD8VBblcfL0NAyMHqQXwtqQhXv7EFebfgWJAKRBPeTNGMOcjeoIyN0BfAfO92z41-UE0EpV7a6V81Zx0-_2z8koBLIxthPiWs7klRe4kdGnhEsxcJMy/s1600/IMG_4319.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAd2Kd4jGQyv0wAbWkur3qx8qDeLD8VBblcfL0NAyMHqQXwtqQhXv7EFebfgWJAKRBPeTNGMOcjeoIyN0BfAfO92z41-UE0EpV7a6V81Zx0-_2z8koBLIxthPiWs7klRe4kdGnhEsxcJMy/s320/IMG_4319.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5514366499165793362" /></a><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><b>Sunset on the lake</b></span></div></div><div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuPNp6ysdFFYWwdpTOvcMJdYHcGkkqv8cl0_2MyCM_5Fx2_aY4yeAzyqaARFRr0t_8TpP-xmXmIpcUxKrhhs-WPDIdAzH1XgAYvhC8Y02VLa2kgVpZpcq4oHZ_1IAhrOgZqMiGorxd8HUn/s1600/IMG_4321.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuPNp6ysdFFYWwdpTOvcMJdYHcGkkqv8cl0_2MyCM_5Fx2_aY4yeAzyqaARFRr0t_8TpP-xmXmIpcUxKrhhs-WPDIdAzH1XgAYvhC8Y02VLa2kgVpZpcq4oHZ_1IAhrOgZqMiGorxd8HUn/s320/IMG_4321.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5514366493717691634" /></a><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><b>Life on the Uros Islands</b></span></div></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><b><br /></b></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><b><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;">We’re at the end of this blog now, you may notice the gaping absence of food discussion. This was to be expected as Sth America is not really known for it’s culinary delights. Having said this, Peru is definitely trying to push it’s own gastronomy and restaurants serving good quality local delicacies are popping up. We did get to taste some good dishes such as Roccoto Rellena (stuffed peppers) and of course Ceviche which we had in the best ceviche restaurant in Peru filled with locals chowing down on tasty fish cooked in lime and chilli. Now we’re in Bolivia and we’re back to eating pizza every night :p</span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"><br /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;">Time to eat some more pizza.</span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"><br /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;">Adios</span></span></div><div><br /></div></b></span></div>Simon and Sheenahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08233662842760091770noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2499237260670655211.post-3510320829690517382010-08-02T10:50:00.000-07:002010-08-07T09:55:58.850-07:001st July 2010 - 3rd August 2010 - Sardinia & Spain<div><div><b><br /></b></div><div><b>Sun & Bite Sized Fun!</b></div><div><br /></div><div>Where were we? That’s right… lying on a beach in Sardinia. </div><div><br /></div><div>We ended up in Sardinia as we just couldn’t face the hoards of tourists and queues that were inevitably going to greet us in mainland destinations such as Rome and Florence yet we were so desperate to get a taste of Italy in more ways than one.</div><div><br /></div><div>We’d heard the coast line of Sardinia was something to behold and combined with our existing affection of the white wines from the region we decided the Italian island would be our next destination after the UK. </div><div><br /></div><div>A quick flight and a wonder in the dark later.. We were at our hotel in Alghero on the west side of the island. Our plan was to somehow get to the other side of the island the next day to a small coastal town called Cala Gonone. Cala Gonone is very much a locals holiday destination, so it was nice to experience Italian families in full force with their big umbrellas and picnic hampers laid out on the beach. We can’t say we did much besides catch boats to a magnificent beach and then drank Sardinian wine and ate at one of the 2 restaurants adjacent to our hotel (we weren‘t in the mood for moving much). Our week was very relaxing and good fun… I’m not one for spending all day lying on a beach, but here I made an exception, the relaxation was divine.</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMw5RuPFa7F4Jh8yKWWexE2WYr1l8LUiRYPWn3Ts9ClWlIdICRg7Q3HBzPu_xxknxeKafJLhCm7X2v8w3qAwV2aMKWmxyED5B8-7ysF0N2dKpjQH1YDt10imvWPE2wTXBVJuK3KZJNq4KP/s1600/IMG_3495.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMw5RuPFa7F4Jh8yKWWexE2WYr1l8LUiRYPWn3Ts9ClWlIdICRg7Q3HBzPu_xxknxeKafJLhCm7X2v8w3qAwV2aMKWmxyED5B8-7ysF0N2dKpjQH1YDt10imvWPE2wTXBVJuK3KZJNq4KP/s320/IMG_3495.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5500873227522053314" /></a><div style="text-align: center;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#000066;">Cala Luna Beach - Sardinia</span></b></div><div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1Pvb0l8K2c-4g6GhE9rGYwNPJTAU51-YGKK5Nz9jNsiXaOVXrkX2RlysMGpl-7oGm6CP3Z6IZXAGTb4Phclr_ovWO5GqxJEY3UaTO5F0ZJ67ei6T2UOHIVIyOtfDeMfNMO4D3nljPeyEV/s1600/IMG_3513.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1Pvb0l8K2c-4g6GhE9rGYwNPJTAU51-YGKK5Nz9jNsiXaOVXrkX2RlysMGpl-7oGm6CP3Z6IZXAGTb4Phclr_ovWO5GqxJEY3UaTO5F0ZJ67ei6T2UOHIVIyOtfDeMfNMO4D3nljPeyEV/s320/IMG_3513.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5500873222369378722" /></a><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#000066;"><b>Enjoying the bars at Cala Ganone</b></span></div></div><div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdel0FMh0o1706xNniG8PHbZ_asAGMe35-lpXFyK8qC02mjNPsD0GCubUpsxMJel9B6MjmTT_Sjekm34HqSgwOTq5l2KF8C2SDFw7WaVe9IbBd_zO_2nGGCh_ITcKd3mgoXljZMWczwIPY/s1600/IMG_3531.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdel0FMh0o1706xNniG8PHbZ_asAGMe35-lpXFyK8qC02mjNPsD0GCubUpsxMJel9B6MjmTT_Sjekm34HqSgwOTq5l2KF8C2SDFw7WaVe9IbBd_zO_2nGGCh_ITcKd3mgoXljZMWczwIPY/s320/IMG_3531.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5500873220691652706" /></a><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#000066;"><b>Alghero - Sardinia</b></span></div></div><div><br /><div><div>Now onto Spain… somehow we ended up spending nearly a month here without having any previous intentions of it. We ended up spending so much time here to escape the crowds and heat of Italy… that’s right the heat… Spain was a good choice for escaping the heat… an average well of 30 degrees every day is cool right?? Anyway this place has been such an amazing experience culinary wise that we would have had a great time if it had been 35 degrees or minus 35 degrees!</div><div><br /></div><div>A few days in Madrid (where we stayed with Andrew Moody who we randomly discovered is living there) was highlighted by the fact the world cup final was perfectly timed for our stay in the capital. Thousands of people converged on the main squares of Madrid to watch a particularly dire football game salvaged by the late Spanish goal sending the crowd mad. The long awaited world cup win for Spain was a particularly uniting event for a country that we have since learned is relatively divided regionally. Spain has many different languages, dialects, and general cultures, and the people seem to identify themselves by their region much more than by their country. The people in Catalonia aren’t Spanish, they are Catalan, and they speak Catalan (which is very similar to Spanish), and the people in the Basque country are certainly not Spanish and their language is completely different which would explain the pro independence movements that are still very present in that region. So the world cup provided a certain unity amongst regions (except for the Basque people) and for a few hours everyone was cheering the same team.</div></div><div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0ZZpz4mPwD24u2_0M5WuatAaNp49Jp4ARyxeeQeZFJ1eUjdlMqSVPs5UPUE5e6sSbmjqEWkPaw-XRcRfwxR8x379FN8CDXgpCk6AIE9zCvSsPTi2MF1YCWDM0cen-UpH1NsTodt-nGCiX/s1600/IMG_3553.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0ZZpz4mPwD24u2_0M5WuatAaNp49Jp4ARyxeeQeZFJ1eUjdlMqSVPs5UPUE5e6sSbmjqEWkPaw-XRcRfwxR8x379FN8CDXgpCk6AIE9zCvSsPTi2MF1YCWDM0cen-UpH1NsTodt-nGCiX/s320/IMG_3553.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5500872985391964402" /></a><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#000066;"><b>Crowds in Madrid, World Cup Final</b></span></div></div><div><br /></div><div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgU7y3883R-i2MQwhEhjbhHtQPLgnGxVr9rKC5yaFdfinpNCHN6-WrNZuRoV6pEBE-B9ycgfw3Xf9Hex3J1Hip3vAIabXVsH_pGp04hIoVAawo0PnxWgddxNrZdWG0390jlDSxfanlmZKXH/s1600/IMG_3812+-+Edit.jpg"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgU7y3883R-i2MQwhEhjbhHtQPLgnGxVr9rKC5yaFdfinpNCHN6-WrNZuRoV6pEBE-B9ycgfw3Xf9Hex3J1Hip3vAIabXVsH_pGp04hIoVAawo0PnxWgddxNrZdWG0390jlDSxfanlmZKXH/s320/IMG_3812+-+Edit.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5500871802022174082" style="text-align: left; display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px; " /></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><div style="text-align: center;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#000066;">The fallen angel in Madrid</span></b></div></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><br /></span></div><div><div></div></div></div><div><div>Granada followed Madrid with the mandatory visit to La Alhambra which was very beautiful and worthy of it’s praise. Granada was especially awesome though due to the fact that it is one of the few remaining places in Spain that offer free tapas with every drink! A particularly good tapas bar filled with many a Spaniard and served by old men in a form of organised chaos gave free servings of Paella that were big enough for an entire lunch and if that wasn’t enough to fill your stomach, you could spend all of about 2 Euros and get two servings of smoked salmon with caviar, cheese and avocado on bread. It was here that our love of Spanish food began to grow.</div></div><div><br /></div><div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFa5-YtAdVyVRj7v7qoa-gPsQXinsSpfXcSfjCqPLqzpRvdvW3tlnen5vCeNSfHQ9aMAy6t7AKvH7RSPuH0c_M4FRBbe1o2_-0wsItP4VN6iYx9YQ6lbspoUf-Cer_o18NvVn1NLxwjajo/s1600/IMG_3570.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFa5-YtAdVyVRj7v7qoa-gPsQXinsSpfXcSfjCqPLqzpRvdvW3tlnen5vCeNSfHQ9aMAy6t7AKvH7RSPuH0c_M4FRBbe1o2_-0wsItP4VN6iYx9YQ6lbspoUf-Cer_o18NvVn1NLxwjajo/s320/IMG_3570.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5500872980942866530" /></a><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#000066;"><b>La Alhambra</b></span> </div></div><div><br /></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh68CDKoLsC91mDvFcWS-SyWn8rtYExs_gWs3wB6hnU7yKcrKKBNDcLyawSybOMBLjcqmt0-b9HtoXIxcj2baICzNqzrvWiEiojhrqoVc2LcjXEp7BPehroJsGtFLI2aUv-mF60PYB4fBc_/s320/IMG_3602.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5500872977283723634" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px; " /></span><div><div style="text-align: center; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#000066;"><b>Salmon tapas (notice the almost finished paella)</b></span></div></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh68CDKoLsC91mDvFcWS-SyWn8rtYExs_gWs3wB6hnU7yKcrKKBNDcLyawSybOMBLjcqmt0-b9HtoXIxcj2baICzNqzrvWiEiojhrqoVc2LcjXEp7BPehroJsGtFLI2aUv-mF60PYB4fBc_/s1600/IMG_3602.jpg"></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOwLXeexBmMj-VHRMRLMNOIUvU2BqjJJA3QxooHtFzS-ZpDkjkVnrlAuTKmTUeUjjGoXUAKGTNc-28ER8rZ6jUCIEFBZQ9NL_J4ZoUrwq4RMZDTG3W1t_kNwX5BQSnPJqOCnbsBphALSCu/s1600/IMG_3604.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOwLXeexBmMj-VHRMRLMNOIUvU2BqjJJA3QxooHtFzS-ZpDkjkVnrlAuTKmTUeUjjGoXUAKGTNc-28ER8rZ6jUCIEFBZQ9NL_J4ZoUrwq4RMZDTG3W1t_kNwX5BQSnPJqOCnbsBphALSCu/s320/IMG_3604.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5500872965744834994" /></a><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#000066;"><b>Granada from our window</b></span></div></div><div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBgIWtyLNc2zfiuZWhUne8IwLDv06EEBrcNvmrqFE7wNKr0FUuII0xexmMLbtgyEetjcktAtpgLTnTAAIzcZ7DK6trkOrhkRauM_q0NrM52XvSbjsy7waYrX_blBtB1yvb_A2hHQYiD5Ys/s1600/IMG_3610.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBgIWtyLNc2zfiuZWhUne8IwLDv06EEBrcNvmrqFE7wNKr0FUuII0xexmMLbtgyEetjcktAtpgLTnTAAIzcZ7DK6trkOrhkRauM_q0NrM52XvSbjsy7waYrX_blBtB1yvb_A2hHQYiD5Ys/s320/IMG_3610.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5500872960399900610" /></a><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#000066;"><b>Our life over the last year</b></span></div></div><div><br /></div><div><div>A short stop in Valencia which should have been longer was followed by a fantastic week in our new favourite city… Barcelona. Our time is Barcelona was spent either eating or admiring the wonderfully bizarre architecture of Gaudi hence the decision to stay in the region of L’Eixample opposed to the touristy old area known as the Bari Gothic certainly paid off. For those who haven’t been to Barcelona or know much about Gaudi, he was an architect in the late 19th and early 20th century and his unique designs ranging from lamp posts to massive churches define the city. One structure the Sagrada Familia is still yet to be completed more than 80 years since the death of Gaudi and is not expected to be finished for probably another 30 years. The Sagrada Familia was truly one of the greatest creations we have seen by man kind, and this is saying something considering we literally visited a construction site.</div><div><br /></div></div><div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjb1TsjHB2B5vvfXm4gWidMBgWXEk-d5L6wpMfCtzBXorOwwNwuIofeP9Md2tOU855znbKSl7IAeqbQJSlyHKls8gB0YUBTXtIAs9YMvw5hdrgygTJg3szcWGlEM8D_qY-U4jiVF_QI_L5l/s1600/IMG_3627.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjb1TsjHB2B5vvfXm4gWidMBgWXEk-d5L6wpMfCtzBXorOwwNwuIofeP9Md2tOU855znbKSl7IAeqbQJSlyHKls8gB0YUBTXtIAs9YMvw5hdrgygTJg3szcWGlEM8D_qY-U4jiVF_QI_L5l/s320/IMG_3627.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5500872741805429346" /></a><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#000066;"><b>Is it Paris? No it's Barcelona from our window</b></span></div></div><div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkEFmqVJC1qb8B-pI69HV2yL-omV-pFSYA14Uksq5yXs6UHNWByoFiHeqkTs7z0J3j6ZORn5IhtQxWmfSW8Oy8LLYvxVTnMStluRM0JkS_Ubl1sWthPEiaCiUBoVKP5q1YQsYahqEytPmj/s1600/IMG_3634.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkEFmqVJC1qb8B-pI69HV2yL-omV-pFSYA14Uksq5yXs6UHNWByoFiHeqkTs7z0J3j6ZORn5IhtQxWmfSW8Oy8LLYvxVTnMStluRM0JkS_Ubl1sWthPEiaCiUBoVKP5q1YQsYahqEytPmj/s320/IMG_3634.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5500872741192780082" /></a><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#000066;"><b>Gaudi's Sagrada Familia</b></span></div></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div><div>The tapas in Barcelona was definitely of a higher standard to what we ate in Granada, however it was also of a much higher price but we didn’t care. We came probably as close as we’ll ever get to eating at El Bulli by dining three times at Tapas 24 run by one of the El Bulli chefs hehe. It was of course fantastic and I could spend a long time harping on about that Patatas Bravas, the Peppers de Padron and each and every dish but that might get boring. So we were thinking, this is as good as food gets… how could it get better right?? That was until our next leg in what we now think is the gastronomy capital of the world… San Sebastian.</div><div><br /></div></div><div><div style="text-align: center; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#0000EE;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); "><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpDPx_ju14bGOVF2IBxBkO3PX_Is9rXoqKcruQGp_qVDwZgQv5H3J6O9lz4HzbtpUEq8e_tgA1fHGfAye5Llrg-vgvupPQyaNXTGLaxz5usdBThkBgUnhHV-JMV9bncsQL7iwzXth0CPdM/s1600/IMG_3657.jpg"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpDPx_ju14bGOVF2IBxBkO3PX_Is9rXoqKcruQGp_qVDwZgQv5H3J6O9lz4HzbtpUEq8e_tgA1fHGfAye5Llrg-vgvupPQyaNXTGLaxz5usdBThkBgUnhHV-JMV9bncsQL7iwzXth0CPdM/s320/IMG_3657.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5500872727281485666" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px; " /></a></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#000066;">Tapas 24</span></b></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#0000EE;"><br /></span></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "></span><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBsPHx9EISqdUYZppeRIIQQrVCHOVISULY-3BfoZgFL3bb1VwsxZ738QT1HFm3MBBPzqPB5y-SZNw4-g3GAedCJ9xhVlnchGep9TTRAce4gAkNnXohtUwHuPAehRVpMS_ucxIJY0yQGee3/s1600/IMG_3765.jpg"></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglsurJUBQV7RrEkkKYoY_qnqIWsPYHnnSZ0quvY2ROoamDglIKLSAVc7AaxxNSZHWcN1QTgGnJeZA3QL1FUYeJfu-MX9vyBcll2Vde034n1djX4aAa_9pJVk7tiwFZL_hkes2aRapkb9L6/s1600/IMG_3653.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglsurJUBQV7RrEkkKYoY_qnqIWsPYHnnSZ0quvY2ROoamDglIKLSAVc7AaxxNSZHWcN1QTgGnJeZA3QL1FUYeJfu-MX9vyBcll2Vde034n1djX4aAa_9pJVk7tiwFZL_hkes2aRapkb9L6/s320/IMG_3653.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5500872731015664546" /></a><div style="text-align: center;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#000066;">It's a mountain man! At Montserat near Barcelona</span></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#0000EE;"><u><br /></u></span></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRIMnNMG1E3DkF2Y38R3dju8So2aK1-3DaNHfVVIiVJcF9nMpHRiFwM7EMxT-lEu0L_H2KAhlkglINx45FQ0cHyK5gzxkDzXhpltUflgFtEGcRqofZsoZYS5SAZJVjzMb3mbJ3DMVri14e/s1600/IMG_3677.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRIMnNMG1E3DkF2Y38R3dju8So2aK1-3DaNHfVVIiVJcF9nMpHRiFwM7EMxT-lEu0L_H2KAhlkglINx45FQ0cHyK5gzxkDzXhpltUflgFtEGcRqofZsoZYS5SAZJVjzMb3mbJ3DMVri14e/s320/IMG_3677.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5500872722075492898" /></a><div style="text-align: center;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#000066;">Gaudi's landscaped Park Guell</span></b></div></div><div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGXO3xSNQfDeXlqzG6FCH8uSD_6rlK_7uTvB0gqf71uE99eGUfwxc-SFh-bmOgFrTLvDj6xtDdaeSkZbAYwrKIG1t28EaJ33fN-KRWxQQg-0uXvRA0qzDK-sVc4n0aKUAjm7fafhR_MfrU/s1600/IMG_3678.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGXO3xSNQfDeXlqzG6FCH8uSD_6rlK_7uTvB0gqf71uE99eGUfwxc-SFh-bmOgFrTLvDj6xtDdaeSkZbAYwrKIG1t28EaJ33fN-KRWxQQg-0uXvRA0qzDK-sVc4n0aKUAjm7fafhR_MfrU/s320/IMG_3678.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5500872348188041202" /></a><div style="text-align: center;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#000066;">Gaudi's signature cross</span></b></div></div><div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgn6peLWn_dpkkOHTFMrB-dGXTC40-uHrN4j_VZnwPLKLrqNA_dz45re3N_9Mm8__Ge7pYGSTnlnhhVUKgN3w3flPpt6VXff5MSG2ZbJ1MMXODvWuaWKUx25uontlk2yvqNDhTSaonnc-M4/s1600/IMG_3721.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgn6peLWn_dpkkOHTFMrB-dGXTC40-uHrN4j_VZnwPLKLrqNA_dz45re3N_9Mm8__Ge7pYGSTnlnhhVUKgN3w3flPpt6VXff5MSG2ZbJ1MMXODvWuaWKUx25uontlk2yvqNDhTSaonnc-M4/s320/IMG_3721.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5500872341965770002" /></a><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#000066;"><b>Hanging out in Barcelona</b></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">San Sebastian in the Basque country is known for two things, a beautiful old town sandwiched between 2 idyllic beaches, and pinxtos. The town was pretty (although noisy, you couldn’t sleep before 3am) and the beaches were very nice, however it was the pinxtos (pronounced pinchos) that kept us in the San Sebastian for seven sleepless nights. Pinxtos is a form of tapas where the portions are even smaller and are generally more delicate and creative in terms of flavour and ingredients. Gastronomy is the major past time in the Basque country and they take it very seriously, that’s why we toured many a different pinxtos bar over the course of a week experiencing a myriad of different flavours and textures. Everything from small portions of foie gras ravioli, to tender veal cheek, to mussels, to a bar that specialised purely in pinxtos made from white anchovies! The size and price of these dishes allowed us to sample an average of 8 different dishes at any one sitting… our stomachs were permanently smiling. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBsPHx9EISqdUYZppeRIIQQrVCHOVISULY-3BfoZgFL3bb1VwsxZ738QT1HFm3MBBPzqPB5y-SZNw4-g3GAedCJ9xhVlnchGep9TTRAce4gAkNnXohtUwHuPAehRVpMS_ucxIJY0yQGee3/s1600/IMG_3765.jpg"></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEip-Rqcd0zJcyj8R9HnnBzbX0dGzQxM-Gq2qsBPws73YQG4QLLnllLoPU8tjnj82i4EHPIKjprlAzo9ppy3X5jzKjuUTKvaRKTesFOG0phJoWfiXpeDRS11Vt3KN1VkOTMb-Gh3nJaEdA0L/s1600/IMG_3726.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEip-Rqcd0zJcyj8R9HnnBzbX0dGzQxM-Gq2qsBPws73YQG4QLLnllLoPU8tjnj82i4EHPIKjprlAzo9ppy3X5jzKjuUTKvaRKTesFOG0phJoWfiXpeDRS11Vt3KN1VkOTMb-Gh3nJaEdA0L/s320/IMG_3726.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5500871829411013202" /></a><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#000066;"><b>San Sebastian from our window</b></span></div></div><div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3vMbrTZvW6ps0f72TcDI2bAkdFFh1loD5N14ixZeZCU6apkMW4yN3V5ygK2McrTtXPax5TRygx5mK3jep_Rr0rBNt1gYosMG_Y4YgcO1NKQ_SzJLGjFftSX7KomWRi6zzLDhA7U4Qs_RG/s1600/IMG_3732.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3vMbrTZvW6ps0f72TcDI2bAkdFFh1loD5N14ixZeZCU6apkMW4yN3V5ygK2McrTtXPax5TRygx5mK3jep_Rr0rBNt1gYosMG_Y4YgcO1NKQ_SzJLGjFftSX7KomWRi6zzLDhA7U4Qs_RG/s320/IMG_3732.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5500871822651063330" /></a><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#000066;"><b><br /></b></span></div></div><div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgj8Fkzqa2E7NFBkURHYL3znuYL0a_Mbjo94vRWTkHEFhh5QBdnfKs2SOd6H8d0ju-JLwJLujvtXqZHs5zz9AD6XpC0lONRX1jRf_BlGzQdkzBvg_8WWRSNOZl7KL2V9sa0QmRYzsV5YLjH/s1600/IMG_3795.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgj8Fkzqa2E7NFBkURHYL3znuYL0a_Mbjo94vRWTkHEFhh5QBdnfKs2SOd6H8d0ju-JLwJLujvtXqZHs5zz9AD6XpC0lONRX1jRf_BlGzQdkzBvg_8WWRSNOZl7KL2V9sa0QmRYzsV5YLjH/s320/IMG_3795.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5500871820786007138" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgutX0Wcd_vmYeaSDYiVgpMPjYFhUNJ4jRBzIz84GCw4-CvkdjxmDdUpIFXshD7e6usFQFxx4EamyFHE9ssG-bMHuXSfBBdJfmNYLA0h4wndhME5Dt2sIrZDCHXXOanqMQOZUphaYPqKJrA/s1600/IMG_3797.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgutX0Wcd_vmYeaSDYiVgpMPjYFhUNJ4jRBzIz84GCw4-CvkdjxmDdUpIFXshD7e6usFQFxx4EamyFHE9ssG-bMHuXSfBBdJfmNYLA0h4wndhME5Dt2sIrZDCHXXOanqMQOZUphaYPqKJrA/s320/IMG_3797.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5500871807301606930" /></a><div><div style="text-align: center; "><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#000066;">San Sebastian</span></b></div></div></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#000066;"><b><br /></b></span></div><div><div><div>The fact that San Sebastian has more Michelan Starred restaurants than Paris has to say something, and it also meant that we couldn’t leave without eating in one of them. Of course the food gave Tetsuya a good run for his money and burnt a hole in our wallets, but it was worth it… see for yourself.</div><div>So we left Europe and headed for South America with full stomachs and few extra kilos under our belts. It is now time to go on a diet (Sth America is a good place as the food is fairly rubbish) and go do some hiking in the mountains before coming back home fit and healthy!</div><div><br /></div><div>Time to go look for a job.</div><div><br /></div><div>Adios!</div></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#0000EE;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#000000;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#0000EE;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#000000;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#0000EE;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#000000;">P.S. A big congrats to Dave and Carolyn on their engagement!!</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#0000EE;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#000000;"><br /></span></span></div><div><div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#0000EE;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#FF0000;"><b>THE MEAL</b></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#FF0000;"><b>Kokotxa Restaurant</b></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#FF0000;"><b>San Sebastian</b></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#0000EE;"><br /></span></div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBsPHx9EISqdUYZppeRIIQQrVCHOVISULY-3BfoZgFL3bb1VwsxZ738QT1HFm3MBBPzqPB5y-SZNw4-g3GAedCJ9xhVlnchGep9TTRAce4gAkNnXohtUwHuPAehRVpMS_ucxIJY0yQGee3/s1600/IMG_3765.jpg"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBsPHx9EISqdUYZppeRIIQQrVCHOVISULY-3BfoZgFL3bb1VwsxZ738QT1HFm3MBBPzqPB5y-SZNw4-g3GAedCJ9xhVlnchGep9TTRAce4gAkNnXohtUwHuPAehRVpMS_ucxIJY0yQGee3/s320/IMG_3765.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5500872338334453426" style="text-align: left;display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px; " /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMYeSqZM_cGj4QThFAXinyega8ER4Nktv_doRI5kG3mrCtwm7i4a-yToPZnhvqHc-YFPdxw7gEpVhvNh99iz3RgJsvWbMxnCEaDCcPB6MhNWQ4TKrrof1NXWmRgUyp1ar_XJpZTuh2anK8/s1600/IMG_3769.jpg"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMYeSqZM_cGj4QThFAXinyega8ER4Nktv_doRI5kG3mrCtwm7i4a-yToPZnhvqHc-YFPdxw7gEpVhvNh99iz3RgJsvWbMxnCEaDCcPB6MhNWQ4TKrrof1NXWmRgUyp1ar_XJpZTuh2anK8/s320/IMG_3769.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5500872329562132050" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px; " /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixpMJUE9RSAovrVHl8HvXvzxRhk0v8CkKCs84BJbKrpbqEC0iE7tsfVAoLaZ7Gju4yXdJZJvZVCQG4ZPvuF1yB9I6Z7-nSJPuCu5eju2y0OKUo0wXiX5KlpTzXBVJ-rcZikkz-SUxr3oc_/s1600/IMG_3771.jpg"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixpMJUE9RSAovrVHl8HvXvzxRhk0v8CkKCs84BJbKrpbqEC0iE7tsfVAoLaZ7Gju4yXdJZJvZVCQG4ZPvuF1yB9I6Z7-nSJPuCu5eju2y0OKUo0wXiX5KlpTzXBVJ-rcZikkz-SUxr3oc_/s320/IMG_3771.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5500872325474207058" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px; " /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiev3nuoQAnMZV9nSuolV67J4dMEwVx-wj4bd-zhSK6vg5wtkVphMG7as4HveqsqPP0bpJqkc4CQshyhkmzajZtWI-lYPITY9fhC7FNchdvzOnygC0ID7FdG62T9pIgYszdkDrnnlxtgvec/s1600/IMG_3774.jpg"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiev3nuoQAnMZV9nSuolV67J4dMEwVx-wj4bd-zhSK6vg5wtkVphMG7as4HveqsqPP0bpJqkc4CQshyhkmzajZtWI-lYPITY9fhC7FNchdvzOnygC0ID7FdG62T9pIgYszdkDrnnlxtgvec/s320/IMG_3774.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5500872093657629170" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px; " /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhujXE7pSA7y12GAgA3j5CGKItZ1utCQjevf0H9eR0qv-h2B2pkAOfMhYow0EWvSSR4_F9i_qOXeE5D-wkMfL1emPESpr2ROCWHuTI2ahjaD-56rxYDQ6th98iSG9foOE_EKCPxQ8g9h-ce/s1600/IMG_3775.jpg"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhujXE7pSA7y12GAgA3j5CGKItZ1utCQjevf0H9eR0qv-h2B2pkAOfMhYow0EWvSSR4_F9i_qOXeE5D-wkMfL1emPESpr2ROCWHuTI2ahjaD-56rxYDQ6th98iSG9foOE_EKCPxQ8g9h-ce/s320/IMG_3775.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5500872084776583730" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px; " /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIK_ls_BPxrSQwmil2zW3nmpGI8GxhBnHDNcZP-zBkg_HCrbah7IFs61qFO9q8TzePp5HBS4jqIowz8rIkdHKopzHZkHu_3hfnvse5gF4bfLqgQd3TNUQrC5vkGtb5BwdqM0y7CJI-sh96/s1600/IMG_3779.jpg"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIK_ls_BPxrSQwmil2zW3nmpGI8GxhBnHDNcZP-zBkg_HCrbah7IFs61qFO9q8TzePp5HBS4jqIowz8rIkdHKopzHZkHu_3hfnvse5gF4bfLqgQd3TNUQrC5vkGtb5BwdqM0y7CJI-sh96/s320/IMG_3779.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5500872081356806370" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px; " /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQMhboKJI-M4XJwDjhIt9YH-HKeXeGePrjsq2ti_ZbTRInzbvUA2nUOlex6gkLSX3BmEmzdrg4L4kRr1jlXju3pbQ5sTHZnUP5YvLbT_VVLB-Yc9kzLThWGgmeeSUODV-kWQqKx5g3Q3A5/s1600/IMG_3781.jpg"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQMhboKJI-M4XJwDjhIt9YH-HKeXeGePrjsq2ti_ZbTRInzbvUA2nUOlex6gkLSX3BmEmzdrg4L4kRr1jlXju3pbQ5sTHZnUP5YvLbT_VVLB-Yc9kzLThWGgmeeSUODV-kWQqKx5g3Q3A5/s320/IMG_3781.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5500872078647345218" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px; " /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0lxG1oLwTvuFOQTWeHYEfjQ7DxJSkCV3UUii8xK22ufDVGtLAvWMbise35RrUQvKbVPchkGxT5IFJq6XlPtCsCVyfzGRSfGfpSKIARTDcbRNVrX4qAhuP3Q4p4zvi2s0sT9uaJy_NFdYQ/s1600/IMG_3785.jpg"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0lxG1oLwTvuFOQTWeHYEfjQ7DxJSkCV3UUii8xK22ufDVGtLAvWMbise35RrUQvKbVPchkGxT5IFJq6XlPtCsCVyfzGRSfGfpSKIARTDcbRNVrX4qAhuP3Q4p4zvi2s0sT9uaJy_NFdYQ/s320/IMG_3785.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5500872074197342274" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px; " /></a><div><div style="text-align: center;"><u><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#000066;"><b>The damage</b></span></u></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0lxG1oLwTvuFOQTWeHYEfjQ7DxJSkCV3UUii8xK22ufDVGtLAvWMbise35RrUQvKbVPchkGxT5IFJq6XlPtCsCVyfzGRSfGfpSKIARTDcbRNVrX4qAhuP3Q4p4zvi2s0sT9uaJy_NFdYQ/s1600/IMG_3785.jpg"></a><div><br /></div></div></div></div></div></div></div>Simon and Sheenahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08233662842760091770noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2499237260670655211.post-69917916990040573972010-07-06T08:59:00.000-07:002010-07-11T08:09:49.834-07:0020th May 2010 - 30th June 2010 - Amsterdam, Belgium, France, UK<div><div><b>Consumption…</b></div><div><br /></div><div>Looking at the dates above I realise I haven’t posted in a long time and after receiving so many requests to reignite this travel blog from our long list of devoted fans (Chris, Clare and Janette) it’s time to write another chapter of this epic journey of wonder!</div><div><br /></div><div>Landing in Amsterdam the first thing we felt was short… The Dutch are giants! Besides feeling like a smurf due to our vertical inadequacies, we also felt happy and content (not unlike a smurf) as it wasn’t long before we emerged from our extremely comfortable hotel room and were gobbling cones of frite coated in globs of traditional mayonnaise, wandering the streets of idyllic Amsterdam (of course Sheena googled “best frite in Amsterdam”). Throw in a Heineken or two after a visit to my favourite café the Dampkring and we were well adjusted to the relaxed lifestyle that seems to accompany one of my favourite cities.</div><div><br /></div></div><div><br /></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmAH1zBY1UgHg5OkYqyQi0y6dElicux-d0QfVHsp_-NJOiKYZTZ1v3Lfsm6vD2Q5b-_njv-QhWGaIsuRts21fxMrwOhAvqnVkAutx4YcXHEeClb6bd6_AnVIIN7gl8ZpPybhqn2lWlv0mI/s1600/IMG_3281.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmAH1zBY1UgHg5OkYqyQi0y6dElicux-d0QfVHsp_-NJOiKYZTZ1v3Lfsm6vD2Q5b-_njv-QhWGaIsuRts21fxMrwOhAvqnVkAutx4YcXHEeClb6bd6_AnVIIN7gl8ZpPybhqn2lWlv0mI/s320/IMG_3281.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5490825734762835474" /></a><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#000066;"><b>Canals & Bikes</b></span></div><div><br /><div><div>Amsterdam isn’t all drugs and sex, and although a short visit wouldn’t be the same without a quick wander through the red light district where drunken hoards of English men on stag dos dare each other to go for it with the goods on display, the real beauty of Amsterdam comes from the amazingly green parks and the canals that ring the city, and the amazing galleries that have ignited a new found interest and respect for art that neither of knew existed within us (that Rembrant fella was quite handy with a brush). Add to the fact that literally everyone cycles everywhere, the place has a sense of vitality and a relaxed vibe that made it such a nice place to visit after spending months in Asia.</div></div><div><br /></div><div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFb6vblVAEzCWnxuhk9e24CvWMGtUhksTxj4-XEh1KUKhwA-lg414KvR7Z6skaJt0zFzc2P3pXs3liAbJCfDqVtgrt2nFTx2aZPxZtZstL2C6WNL6fS69QmSydeEtk5sxlWEk87YeM9qp9/s1600/IMG_3282.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFb6vblVAEzCWnxuhk9e24CvWMGtUhksTxj4-XEh1KUKhwA-lg414KvR7Z6skaJt0zFzc2P3pXs3liAbJCfDqVtgrt2nFTx2aZPxZtZstL2C6WNL6fS69QmSydeEtk5sxlWEk87YeM9qp9/s320/IMG_3282.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5490825731800664530" /></a><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#000066;"><b>Giggling in Vondel Park</b></span></div></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#000066;"><b><br /></b></span></div><div><div>We only spent a few nights in Amsterdam and we could have easily spent more if it weren’t for the massive price hikes that occur over the weekend, so instead we jumped on a train to Belgium and decided to spend a few nights in Ghent of all places…</div><div><br /></div><div>Ghent is kind of like a slightly less beautiful version of Bruges but was still worth a visit for once again it’s pretty canals and old medieval buildings (even though all the medieval buildings weren’t built during medieval times, they were built much later when everyone thought medieval buildings were cool). Ghent also had the best tasting waffles on the planet…</div><div><br /></div><div>We had arranged to stay in a hostel located on a house boat in Ghent… or so we thought… the owners stuffed up and when we arrived late at night there wasn’t a room for us! So instead we were greeted by their neighbour and were taken aboard his house boat which we got all to ourselves! It had a funky retro designed interior with a big music system and great CD collection and the trusting neighbour left us to our own devices! It’s cool when things like that happen on your travels.</div><div><br /></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_LUGCI7tp3v2nW9xYNTB68FPknhVv_hWCDX9ocbBFLzyaMzXdLFdFCJ024aJ4SGdbv3K4TWTTxqANFK-rMmLsOfNnf7PYzMIhpUgFYuNRIgJv-Zxj9_1W2IF216ye0je-rHKI2CummXPN/s1600/IMG_3296.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_LUGCI7tp3v2nW9xYNTB68FPknhVv_hWCDX9ocbBFLzyaMzXdLFdFCJ024aJ4SGdbv3K4TWTTxqANFK-rMmLsOfNnf7PYzMIhpUgFYuNRIgJv-Zxj9_1W2IF216ye0je-rHKI2CummXPN/s320/IMG_3296.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5490825728758531298" /></a><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#000066;"><b>This photo makes us happy... and sad</b></span></div></div><div><br /></div><div><div>“If I grew up on a farm, and was retarded, Bruges might impress me but I didn’t, so it doesn’t…” - So Bruges wasn’t to the taste of Colin Farrells character in the film “In Bruges” but it did actually impress us. It really is like a magical fairy land! Made even more magical by 13% Alc Belgian beers that make your head spin. Oh and chocolate… lots of chocolate!</div><div><br /></div></div><div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjB-jF-GWcoz1cgfZmbOSKZ_HNxrqhtc5GKHShcwj-IfGsg_ypXohI9CggrlzjBUcY8idb310fimT9GdYAry791BbWH2Q5MsTjdUAE5VS71ZlfM2s9t16nPaS0LpsgHNLNuxF0nr11S_8_K/s1600/IMG_3306.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjB-jF-GWcoz1cgfZmbOSKZ_HNxrqhtc5GKHShcwj-IfGsg_ypXohI9CggrlzjBUcY8idb310fimT9GdYAry791BbWH2Q5MsTjdUAE5VS71ZlfM2s9t16nPaS0LpsgHNLNuxF0nr11S_8_K/s320/IMG_3306.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5490825713226147714" /></a><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#000066;"><b>Bruges - Like a magical fairytale</b></span></div></div><div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgn1qAUn5KZcwyNejxm-wqix9ZFX7KwGJWp7Kk-cIMP4zVP6IJgyo4NGSqgTK62K1PLs7xb5Cl3t-oX-1DWVDOnY9Ri3kW5Cwe-Pf3P-ejdSAMvaFUjJJrdh-SP1uGxAwE2GXpA5BxRjdfI/s1600/IMG_3319.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgn1qAUn5KZcwyNejxm-wqix9ZFX7KwGJWp7Kk-cIMP4zVP6IJgyo4NGSqgTK62K1PLs7xb5Cl3t-oX-1DWVDOnY9Ri3kW5Cwe-Pf3P-ejdSAMvaFUjJJrdh-SP1uGxAwE2GXpA5BxRjdfI/s320/IMG_3319.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5490825517668888114" /></a><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#000066;"><b>13.5%</b></span></div><div><br /></div><div>After our Belgian experience, we spent 2 weeks in France. 1 week driving around the country side almost killing each other due to navigational differences, eating cheese and drinking wine in Normandy and the Loire Valley. The enormity of the D-day beaches was incredible and you could really picture what it must have been like during WWII. </div></div><div><br /></div><div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAkJBD-Vg5n4SB0qf8vvyMbnftI0CkjeNyWDTaTZWdTnxTj7pOKo3IxD-1k6Nj9hRZ8QJNNEXpBRtesifyc_R3Fh_bkF0IQtYkHMzDTWcKAA5JrCu4NK-r3gmFhVMHvzA4IebLHT5IquiU/s1600/IMG_3324.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAkJBD-Vg5n4SB0qf8vvyMbnftI0CkjeNyWDTaTZWdTnxTj7pOKo3IxD-1k6Nj9hRZ8QJNNEXpBRtesifyc_R3Fh_bkF0IQtYkHMzDTWcKAA5JrCu4NK-r3gmFhVMHvzA4IebLHT5IquiU/s320/IMG_3324.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5490825508630387666" /></a><div style="text-align: center;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#000066;">D-Day Beaches</span></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#000066;"><br /></span></b></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmQEUpOFrmHGm9XabaxsmghzBYEz3GimH3MNUnzL5FdhKWV4Pg3jktlXt4O-cWSCvBVd0e17uuaAjaGxE2oZIbU68P-budeCwZbodlo7_jnFIbEwiAHGuX3GKWBVMgrF3yc9awKMwma4F4/s1600/IMG_3327.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmQEUpOFrmHGm9XabaxsmghzBYEz3GimH3MNUnzL5FdhKWV4Pg3jktlXt4O-cWSCvBVd0e17uuaAjaGxE2oZIbU68P-budeCwZbodlo7_jnFIbEwiAHGuX3GKWBVMgrF3yc9awKMwma4F4/s320/IMG_3327.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5490825502683969218" /></a><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#000066;"><b>Mont St Michel</b></span></div></div><div><br /></div><div><div>We stayed in a bit of style whilst we had the car, whether it was our stylish cabin in a pretty campsite or our extravagant châteaux (vineyard included) in the Loire valley. Having a car made all the difference to the trip, it wouldn’t have been possible otherwise.</div><div><br /></div></div><div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXeogUNvKlHlgcf2_9Ej9Oms-CkE37GLdYQp0IY50_KYCQam9C0y8ivBMovTtBD_AzTwyHr5n4s5gVDFcenZYU8fGnTtkMv9kkS9-lL94V2_kM5kY0EjHfjT-XN5E6nmhpPVD_1jYUIDVJ/s1600/IMG_3331.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXeogUNvKlHlgcf2_9Ej9Oms-CkE37GLdYQp0IY50_KYCQam9C0y8ivBMovTtBD_AzTwyHr5n4s5gVDFcenZYU8fGnTtkMv9kkS9-lL94V2_kM5kY0EjHfjT-XN5E6nmhpPVD_1jYUIDVJ/s320/IMG_3331.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5490825495638802034" /></a><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#000066;"><b>Carefree in our cabin</b></span></div></div><div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFZve2MSqRaIg8GQ2IU7bCAOI-jTObFvzOtajB8_Ht5F48XLV8fZwi5XIaDyyduv4h_iSvvo70hwGHp1CxuIyCtC0IswhYfydOA-xXJQYdK7t37eRGoqE3TXiM1N8hqzlH7_K_4DgpO1s1/s1600/IMG_3337.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFZve2MSqRaIg8GQ2IU7bCAOI-jTObFvzOtajB8_Ht5F48XLV8fZwi5XIaDyyduv4h_iSvvo70hwGHp1CxuIyCtC0IswhYfydOA-xXJQYdK7t37eRGoqE3TXiM1N8hqzlH7_K_4DgpO1s1/s320/IMG_3337.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5490825489634064194" /></a><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#000066;"><b>Robot dancing at Chataeu D'Amboise</b></span></div></div><div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipfwbLsWIWV157iBr9_3SYjL_EExn_EsZlpAfEhy7GFOYWedxZFrf8iFem09qAL-XZ7FNgxZ_BEKvyyjLUAIXETFpzkCW-ZoacnwpWCvfGtuuBpv5_YhuWVB6KDy6qJm-brL0wgCIccftX/s1600/IMG_3354.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipfwbLsWIWV157iBr9_3SYjL_EExn_EsZlpAfEhy7GFOYWedxZFrf8iFem09qAL-XZ7FNgxZ_BEKvyyjLUAIXETFpzkCW-ZoacnwpWCvfGtuuBpv5_YhuWVB6KDy6qJm-brL0wgCIccftX/s320/IMG_3354.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5490824943373350834" /></a><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#000066;"><b>This is the sort of accommodation we</b></span></div></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#000066;"><b>stay in whilst "backpacking"</b></span></div><div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6gI8Wj8gdjnaPaR_4cGcYuBoxbtuRbsDLZfU_GBu42kKDL8-k1a5S_MeKqrVT_H5eli68nXTXBzlQ8XQLhSHrvaT8RJYUNzzYx0e9IfGqCNc7A8CJG7OZ62ad-mZUNFjfuZ_dAGPNLqYN/s1600/IMG_3356.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6gI8Wj8gdjnaPaR_4cGcYuBoxbtuRbsDLZfU_GBu42kKDL8-k1a5S_MeKqrVT_H5eli68nXTXBzlQ8XQLhSHrvaT8RJYUNzzYx0e9IfGqCNc7A8CJG7OZ62ad-mZUNFjfuZ_dAGPNLqYN/s320/IMG_3356.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5490824931558448818" /></a><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#000066;"><b>Our own château with vineyard</b></span></div><div><br /></div><div>Unexpectedly painless, we drove into Paris, ditched the car and started researching where we should eat during our week in the gluttonous capital of the world. And eat is pretty much all we did really, coffee and croissants every morning from the local brasserie or boulangerie, baguettes and a glass of rose for lunch, then more rose in the afternoon, then a hearty French dish and some more rose in the evening! That pretty much sums Paris up besides watching the French protest as they tend to do and an outing to the fantastic Pompidou Centre where we saw Picasso’s, Kandinsky’s and films of crazy naked women from the sixties cutting heads off chickens in the name of feminist art! (sorry if that offends).</div><div><br /></div><div>We both really enjoyed our time in Paris, wandering around the different arrondisments such as the Marais and the Latin Quarter, however there is quite a dirty side that doesn’t allow me to buy into the romanticised city of love it claims to be. The financial divide between black people and white people is so stark, it is clear there is a big social gap and there doesn’t appear to be any integration between people of different coloured skin. The closest interaction we would see is when the white person standing behind the bar in a brasserie would tell the black or Indian chef what to cook. It is also not possible to walk 300m down the street without coming across a poor beggar usually from Eastern Europe, and that is not an exaggeration. Besides that negative aspect, France was a lot of fun, I especially enjoyed not having to communicate with anyone and watching Sheena really earn our pastry goods from the boulanger who probably could speak perfect English but just didn’t want to… typical French :p</div><div><br /></div></div><div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqRlGhqLDZHj8WR-LezPnfAWiv1nrDFrsXyjcPh_4bLRAr3SxMnbyP-tdkuPBFykQR1mZhSLXpjlTHCIRv9gTiG046rQABcRcKhzQUvqbsc7CEZNf-Qau-L0fX32Dsx-ceOz-A4YOceN77/s1600/IMG_3395.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqRlGhqLDZHj8WR-LezPnfAWiv1nrDFrsXyjcPh_4bLRAr3SxMnbyP-tdkuPBFykQR1mZhSLXpjlTHCIRv9gTiG046rQABcRcKhzQUvqbsc7CEZNf-Qau-L0fX32Dsx-ceOz-A4YOceN77/s320/IMG_3395.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5490824925972527506" /></a><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#000066;"><b>Crepes, Rose & Buskers in the Marais</b></span></div></div><div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiQ9aBGuVS8EHk5uXsuukogQFZnejlcBog_uzelxLx8dJnkYfArTzFx9zb_k2Y3BYinzDkTF5hvncy4qLwgicsUjH1WgfZwJM7Ihwd2PRPe8LHrdPzhC9ryI0Z6qXSko_YyLQRN5KTW1Gw/s1600/IMG_3402.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiQ9aBGuVS8EHk5uXsuukogQFZnejlcBog_uzelxLx8dJnkYfArTzFx9zb_k2Y3BYinzDkTF5hvncy4qLwgicsUjH1WgfZwJM7Ihwd2PRPe8LHrdPzhC9ryI0Z6qXSko_YyLQRN5KTW1Gw/s320/IMG_3402.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5490824918137221282" /></a><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#000066;"><b>The view from our room in Paris</b></span></div></div><div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7qbbMjdPTqeM0_3kAmbbNPiBTjjW9iw5I-f1eav7ohCPeYNi8idVAQeZBga0cicmB9vPDObPTCh18IcsgoKHRRAQ2fDPqm9HicNldqo0ZwiQ-M77xsAmhunD3TolUO8PIybkqz9h2OWHW/s1600/IMG_3406.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7qbbMjdPTqeM0_3kAmbbNPiBTjjW9iw5I-f1eav7ohCPeYNi8idVAQeZBga0cicmB9vPDObPTCh18IcsgoKHRRAQ2fDPqm9HicNldqo0ZwiQ-M77xsAmhunD3TolUO8PIybkqz9h2OWHW/s320/IMG_3406.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5490824913544472242" /></a><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#000066;"><b>More robot dancing...</b></span></div></div><div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6vd-SyLlj6grP7q_ENeNWFLP_csghk__7rWeU1TkuTRtfkGKwp7vOdYXWYm5xB7Xb71fYWEdMKnXuFf4qiqJON3i812KU8Q_ngZIfpNEArHN_AYzLAtlmbzxySSfv9GDX7fP1eheams58/s1600/IMG_3408.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6vd-SyLlj6grP7q_ENeNWFLP_csghk__7rWeU1TkuTRtfkGKwp7vOdYXWYm5xB7Xb71fYWEdMKnXuFf4qiqJON3i812KU8Q_ngZIfpNEArHN_AYzLAtlmbzxySSfv9GDX7fP1eheams58/s320/IMG_3408.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5490824635714536146" /></a><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#000066;"><b>Some random structure</b></span></div></div><div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigScZhTPgu_d98EpLYHYInxHV8QpBz-VpKYsdrFLN82myfFGPbBCqzbkmmooUcMgITVDMunQvSeX6SWFUNlnZLE9Si6wykxvwswkmO-MIjgASkq_nOrS8FgL-AyPJirAKL5beGi9-HaeZK/s1600/IMG_3416.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigScZhTPgu_d98EpLYHYInxHV8QpBz-VpKYsdrFLN82myfFGPbBCqzbkmmooUcMgITVDMunQvSeX6SWFUNlnZLE9Si6wykxvwswkmO-MIjgASkq_nOrS8FgL-AyPJirAKL5beGi9-HaeZK/s320/IMG_3416.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5490824624139497362" /></a><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#000066;"><b>Sheena looking French</b></span></div></div><div><br /></div><div><div>London was like London always is, and our time was spent catching up with friends and family and watching a lot of football, drinking a lot of cider. It was really nice to spend some time with my sister Katherine and my Uncle David whom we met in Oxford. A special thanks to Geoff and Amanda for keeping us in their house for what was I’m sure a lot longer than what they expected!</div><div><br /></div></div><div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCzuJI8auWP4rF44qKh3hyJDGpUlQFVJYl0t-IQUCsXJg1Plruni544dmuvGO29RH0TgJwGwqyUj-bnZobscyWx2veozjqqiTEvD04bV3vim9tNdj1NV-CkqimIOFDNXOa06G9ym0UdLC2/s1600/IMG_3454.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCzuJI8auWP4rF44qKh3hyJDGpUlQFVJYl0t-IQUCsXJg1Plruni544dmuvGO29RH0TgJwGwqyUj-bnZobscyWx2veozjqqiTEvD04bV3vim9tNdj1NV-CkqimIOFDNXOa06G9ym0UdLC2/s320/IMG_3454.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5490824602972184530" /></a><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#000066;"><b>Geoff reconsidering his idea of watching</b></span></div></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#000066;"><b>Australia play Germany in a German Pub...</b></span></div><div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#000066;"><b><br /></b></span></div></div><div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZGTnR-Yr-dGFxSvH6G2NkJasIrNWolNrjixcuKfm3b4JqbTPi68Vq6Fue8uxXBhi291PJkoXJkWiyjhCcI2p93T1lryp_P79jqNe6ZTzvVQawhVwDIytA0noNje4KSTdwe-pO0R6oqltM/s1600/IMG_3470.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZGTnR-Yr-dGFxSvH6G2NkJasIrNWolNrjixcuKfm3b4JqbTPi68Vq6Fue8uxXBhi291PJkoXJkWiyjhCcI2p93T1lryp_P79jqNe6ZTzvVQawhVwDIytA0noNje4KSTdwe-pO0R6oqltM/s320/IMG_3470.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5490824577776442434" /></a><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#000066;"><b>I just like this photo for some reason - East London</b></span></div></div><div><br /><div><div><div>Glastonbury was surprisingly stinking hot, but at least the rain stayed away for the entire 5 days! Unheard of! Of course we had a great time, with the Flaming Lips being my highlight… mind blowing! However Glastonbury tends to throw up some more crazy stuff, such as, I dunno… flaming towers crawling with contortionists surrounded by men with lazer whips and dudes with electric tesla sparks coming out of their heads… you know, the usual..</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><object width="640" height="385"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/ut_NL_aUMCw&hl=en_GB&fs=1"><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/ut_NL_aUMCw&hl=en_GB&fs=1" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="640" height="385"></embed></object></div></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#000066;"><b>Late night fun at Glastonbury!</b></span></div></div><div><br /></div><div>So now we’re in Sardinia lying on the beach… I’ll save that for another blog, but that will pretty much be it anyway…</div><div><br /></div><div>Hope it hasn’t been too long!</div><div><br /></div><div>Ciao!</div></div><div><br /></div><div>Simon and Sheena</div><div><br /></div><div></div>Simon and Sheenahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08233662842760091770noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2499237260670655211.post-78677909293367448822010-05-27T12:34:00.000-07:002010-05-27T12:59:12.599-07:0030th April 2010 - 19th May 2010 - Turkey<div><b>What do you want for dinner? Kebab?</b></div><div><div><br /></div></div><div><div>So we’ve been in Turkey for just under 3 weeks now and are about to fly to Amsterdam tomorrow morning. Turkey really has felt like a transitional country due to the fact that the food and people would appear to be Asian, but the scenery, lifestyle and cost is much more European! This cross continental mix really adds to the charm of Turkey which is already filled to the brim with attractions such as beautiful Mediterranean beaches, magnificent ruins and architecture and an ancient and modern history that would rival that of any other country in the world. (I have clearly been reading the Lonely Planet a lot, as that spiel sounded like something from a guide book.)</div><div><br /></div><div>Since writing that first paragraph we are now in Bruge having been to Amsterdam and Gent… I guess I just got lazy… anywhoo back to Turkey…</div><div><br /></div><div>There’s no real need to go into too much detail about our trip through Turkey, mainly because it all went so smoothly and if you want to read anything historical about the place just use google or visit your local library.</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiq55sIqEzQyZ7U_-DX8jUsgqnxWx1ac0AVIBmBsR5nAwhnEL0tH4AGt4JhlX5RF-j7TEms5eVgtCMue260zxLk23HASe8e7jxsq5CTi0gSbvfl0wVlnSjG1utOsMhqCZjAi1JjoPmp_f1a/s1600/IMG_3168.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiq55sIqEzQyZ7U_-DX8jUsgqnxWx1ac0AVIBmBsR5nAwhnEL0tH4AGt4JhlX5RF-j7TEms5eVgtCMue260zxLk23HASe8e7jxsq5CTi0gSbvfl0wVlnSjG1utOsMhqCZjAi1JjoPmp_f1a/s320/IMG_3168.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5476037200126445330" /></a><div style="text-align: center;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#000066;">Olympos (not Olympus)</span></b></div><div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1_awpGfffcUBOykPLiX9M6Akgduxnex0yrzVBLhWcZarTGA6hsDt6SLDJyTYs08hWZaIKXFMjjyt0lPdCqZIBVOkoFQZG6iS1pYIDCKZH0fnidBF0qaTHISsvgs7EOhZCSP7D5VbkiEdt/s1600/IMG_3169.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1_awpGfffcUBOykPLiX9M6Akgduxnex0yrzVBLhWcZarTGA6hsDt6SLDJyTYs08hWZaIKXFMjjyt0lPdCqZIBVOkoFQZG6iS1pYIDCKZH0fnidBF0qaTHISsvgs7EOhZCSP7D5VbkiEdt/s320/IMG_3169.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5476037195251796770" /></a><div style="text-align: center;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#000066;">Backgammon - what we did in Turkey</span></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#000066;"><br /></span></b></div></div><div>We’ll give a brief run down of our itinerary though. We started in Antalya on the south coast of Turkey on the Mediterranean and made our way along the coast stopping off at various towns along the way. Generally we just spent our time swimming in the sea, drinking tea, eating kebabs, playing backgammon, and eating more kebabs. Olympos was a stand out for me, as it was just a place to not do much at all except relax and swim, however I believe the place would be a nightmare in the summer when hoards and hoards of British pack backers swamp the place. All we had to deal with was the remnants of a large New Zealand Anzac day tour for one night.<div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaBao5Hrkge_cvCI9eqF_pTtY2lmpo0DmQoD333mVqB1BtzqbkCBbqp6AS2B0LZIZUAURFNUsxhZIO7CYKtkYmcKJY3fKl_4qfY1qSLYB-yRGdebubjJvSMjgsTUQUaYt0YoH9_fFWasfZ/s1600/IMG_3179.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaBao5Hrkge_cvCI9eqF_pTtY2lmpo0DmQoD333mVqB1BtzqbkCBbqp6AS2B0LZIZUAURFNUsxhZIO7CYKtkYmcKJY3fKl_4qfY1qSLYB-yRGdebubjJvSMjgsTUQUaYt0YoH9_fFWasfZ/s320/IMG_3179.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5476037187380931826" /></a><div style="text-align: center;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#000066;">Sheena (and sunburnt Brits) on a boat</span></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#000066;">to Kekova Island</span></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxc7Q1y2RzsxEdHkUyqBJ77X8LqttNxWdL6dDDnllR2EEp9u9rL0OlxuFGw0sRea9XG5fZk-0bvW8vSJRs88KRh37jQZ5kuF4DkMuyWVP47pwwvu5L0QSib5jl8ODExuR37wIPPy-pZolR/s1600/IMG_3183.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxc7Q1y2RzsxEdHkUyqBJ77X8LqttNxWdL6dDDnllR2EEp9u9rL0OlxuFGw0sRea9XG5fZk-0bvW8vSJRs88KRh37jQZ5kuF4DkMuyWVP47pwwvu5L0QSib5jl8ODExuR37wIPPy-pZolR/s320/IMG_3183.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5476036607177979314" /></a><div style="text-align: center;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#000066;">Kekova Island</span></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#000066;"><br /></span></b></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgik6aeevsU25cRrEhYdw6wkCgymFw-57aTAtS_N7yFBzgOdsE_Z3PJKS2ATXx7izZtrJOx5Ef0c8IzyZqWNdgCXcPzP6g2K9c2F11zR52ld_Ap90Kx4E9KSIkb0iqwTSIht1pWKCH8CwN2/s1600/IMG_3209.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgik6aeevsU25cRrEhYdw6wkCgymFw-57aTAtS_N7yFBzgOdsE_Z3PJKS2ATXx7izZtrJOx5Ef0c8IzyZqWNdgCXcPzP6g2K9c2F11zR52ld_Ap90Kx4E9KSIkb0iqwTSIht1pWKCH8CwN2/s320/IMG_3209.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5476036595340806338" /></a><div style="text-align: center;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#000066;">The Gozleme Boat!</span></b></div></div><div><div><br /></div><div>So other than the Mediterranean (where I jumped off lots of boats), we also visited ancient Epheseus with it’s amazing ruins and undertook the mandatory solemn pilgrimage to Gallipoli, (we skipped Troy as from all accounts there is nothing there!).</div><div><br /></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivRLkWt7JVwHPxyJeMJ8H0sRyPhDJ4PmhELO3rs2osVITbasooM0QYDqeI5O5ZiNzjZEYEdpMCnrKyMmj4AaPbZkzjdBtSjs3GFiVHImh1lsgCi3CwlnRgl5my_OeQPy7jKEGqA4uICV1v/s1600/IMG_3216.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivRLkWt7JVwHPxyJeMJ8H0sRyPhDJ4PmhELO3rs2osVITbasooM0QYDqeI5O5ZiNzjZEYEdpMCnrKyMmj4AaPbZkzjdBtSjs3GFiVHImh1lsgCi3CwlnRgl5my_OeQPy7jKEGqA4uICV1v/s320/IMG_3216.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5476036598622698258" /></a><div style="text-align: center;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#000066;">Sunset in Selcuk - Notice the stone temple above</span></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#000066;">Sheena's head? That's the last remaining column from</span></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#000066;">the Artemis Temple, one of the original 7 Wonders of the world.</span></b></div></div><div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div></div><div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPxjkMjYF-IWBfGPGaDbWeDzkQuS5iqetVRz8tZkZHUoA_F_6awqA4iuhMrGwKpA4Zwx8kVyYt1PwTSdOAUEtUQulvoeVm1b4sVXNIK6PDqqLLLVwS9sA7GXCelSOuKpHKQOapn6dwuKw5/s1600/IMG_3228.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPxjkMjYF-IWBfGPGaDbWeDzkQuS5iqetVRz8tZkZHUoA_F_6awqA4iuhMrGwKpA4Zwx8kVyYt1PwTSdOAUEtUQulvoeVm1b4sVXNIK6PDqqLLLVwS9sA7GXCelSOuKpHKQOapn6dwuKw5/s320/IMG_3228.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5476036591099304434" /></a><div style="text-align: center;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#000066;">Epheseus</span></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#000066;"><br /></span></b></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7AvmkDxLUJJSsCe3TRCogLLOrJvI2F1zWGKW5NVXtXqgY4IfUpEEnhM3tNfGoWyU7Ut_BYxryvKQt-4F9e7sb9-nG0UIMluWpFCCPIkZB17mbOQYcGlRN09-0y-GrL0sAz1Fa-EM-U35-/s1600/IMG_3237.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7AvmkDxLUJJSsCe3TRCogLLOrJvI2F1zWGKW5NVXtXqgY4IfUpEEnhM3tNfGoWyU7Ut_BYxryvKQt-4F9e7sb9-nG0UIMluWpFCCPIkZB17mbOQYcGlRN09-0y-GrL0sAz1Fa-EM-U35-/s320/IMG_3237.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5476036588076879266" /></a><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#000066;"><b>Anzac Cove, Gallipoli</b></span></div><div><br /></div><div>We stayed in the trendy new area of Istanbul, Beyoglu, rather than the old town where all the sights and the majority of accommodation are. This was not only due to the dirt cheap yet fantastic new hostel we found but also because we were nearer all the night life and restaurants. This worked well for us as we thoroughly explored many restaurants and cafes at night having spent the day a short tram ride away visiting all of Istanbul’s fantastic historic sights such as the Blue Mosque and the amazing Aya Sofia with it‘s stunning mosaics. </div><div><br /></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfDwl_kN4ThwbwKE3aHZgt9QvWb57MkivODSSKkepi0b6WTbi81_Xtz3K3BPZAgujjGyiuH-zBjnzIu_X930McEYtx_DHmnpmMg6seHwjpn62HdsXQkbx0Tlf-hLEcNxXjz1mO-Ko754ga/s1600/IMG_3248.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfDwl_kN4ThwbwKE3aHZgt9QvWb57MkivODSSKkepi0b6WTbi81_Xtz3K3BPZAgujjGyiuH-zBjnzIu_X930McEYtx_DHmnpmMg6seHwjpn62HdsXQkbx0Tlf-hLEcNxXjz1mO-Ko754ga/s320/IMG_3248.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5476036091597965490" /></a><div style="text-align: center;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#000066;">Sheena's Baklava photo, Istanbul - possibly the best</span></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#000066;">photo taken on our trip!</span></b></div></div><div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcJcrPHSIUpdC8Iv1-cfP9m9bMZ2af1c9o4PCs6Pq32Y-nUwSE6DneWf0DQr6qtiQk1silZ86ZCDHVTinx9liEvtcpz0_wIPQ1C5DJ-mBq7opxkP1-GMeY2OhrwKGFBPzxc2t2oy8CQEoh/s1600/IMG_3254.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcJcrPHSIUpdC8Iv1-cfP9m9bMZ2af1c9o4PCs6Pq32Y-nUwSE6DneWf0DQr6qtiQk1silZ86ZCDHVTinx9liEvtcpz0_wIPQ1C5DJ-mBq7opxkP1-GMeY2OhrwKGFBPzxc2t2oy8CQEoh/s320/IMG_3254.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5476036085186371442" /></a><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#000066;"><b>Blue Mosque, Istanbul</b></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#000066;"><b><br /></b></span></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4f8yvhMyp8jlbEwjvArKiZNzqJJRCBuvs2LPG49JacR1Rio4MUQYbz1gNq9twbAAvUsl83ehHUif0nT0-wTbBF0pMUJcvX_5VMHVzzY54FwIDd1h_6iQhRaC7JDWu4uBpTMtEg4nbO3Xg/s1600/IMG_3261.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4f8yvhMyp8jlbEwjvArKiZNzqJJRCBuvs2LPG49JacR1Rio4MUQYbz1gNq9twbAAvUsl83ehHUif0nT0-wTbBF0pMUJcvX_5VMHVzzY54FwIDd1h_6iQhRaC7JDWu4uBpTMtEg4nbO3Xg/s320/IMG_3261.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5476036077969372962" /></a><div style="text-align: center;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#000066;">Mosaics in the Aya Sofia, Istanbul</span></b></div></div><div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgG_QFabg6pm_PAlIV70Q5YoLK5k-Wv2tiPYCI4gjcNdQ9r5eDtUe3CSa_hkJnlVCtpOaUMu3UG66DL6VxYAoEUL8o_wGGQiN27QBvlwwEHSEmHiHTUZ2KOYDRo6NgaZBmEORUtfvG73W1O/s1600/IMG_3262.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgG_QFabg6pm_PAlIV70Q5YoLK5k-Wv2tiPYCI4gjcNdQ9r5eDtUe3CSa_hkJnlVCtpOaUMu3UG66DL6VxYAoEUL8o_wGGQiN27QBvlwwEHSEmHiHTUZ2KOYDRo6NgaZBmEORUtfvG73W1O/s320/IMG_3262.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5476036074582364210" /></a><div style="text-align: center;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#000066;">The Aya Sofia, Istanbul</span></b></div><div><br /></div><div>So we finished our Asian portion of the trip in Istanbul where the prices are very European. We would definitely like to go back to Turkey as we feel there’s more exploring to be done, especially in the eastern portion of the country where the scenery and outdoor activities are meant to be awesome. We also have a bit of regret having not made the effort to go to Cappadoccia or Gaziantep (180 baklava shops in one town!). Oh well, we can’t do everything…</div><div><br /></div><div>So now we’re in Europe where we feel like big dags wearing our rumpled clothes with holes in them… Time for a beer.</div><div><br /></div><div>Cya!</div><div><br /></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQr2c9NiqpXXjKxEiUW1P2WPJDzDZF3XGVIkx7mtLOfQuJcvXB2naqF09LH88msss9ltksI-Nvqe0Iv3QRNZiZ3wLUzY9_xn2s7WBYmye2HUKkCtpNctbsEZWFngGwPS8Eg_hhs0Fet_T_/s1600/IMG_3276.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQr2c9NiqpXXjKxEiUW1P2WPJDzDZF3XGVIkx7mtLOfQuJcvXB2naqF09LH88msss9ltksI-Nvqe0Iv3QRNZiZ3wLUzY9_xn2s7WBYmye2HUKkCtpNctbsEZWFngGwPS8Eg_hhs0Fet_T_/s320/IMG_3276.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5476036068612794562" /></a><div style="text-align: center;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#000066;">The Blue Mosque as seen from </span></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#000066;">the Bosphorus</span></b></div></div></div>Simon and Sheenahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08233662842760091770noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2499237260670655211.post-72781937988780004312010-05-02T23:23:00.000-07:002010-05-02T23:59:25.906-07:0015th April 2010 - 30th April 2010 - Bahrain, Jordan and Syria<div><div><b>The land of meat</b></div><div><br /></div><div>Arriving in Bahrain, Sheena really didn’t know what to expect, and I kind of expected a little Dubai. A little Dubai is pretty much it, and although Bahrain doesn’t have a plethora of tourist sights, we still very much enjoyed our stay. This was because we stayed with Sheena’s masi (aunt) and uncle. Deepa masi and Tony uncle spoiled us with food and drove us around over the few days we were there (even chucking a sickie to get some time off work) taking us to the F1 track, and all the way over the causeway to the Saudi Arabia border. </div><div><br /></div><div>One of the interesting things about Bahrain is the influx of Saudis that flood there over their weekend (Thursday and Friday) so as they can do all the things they’re not allowed to do back in their home country. Masses of men come in their fancy cars, drive really fast, drink lots of booze, and womanise, and it’s for this reason that the Saudis don’t seem to be looked fondly upon. Standing at a viewing tower at the border looking into Saudi Arabia, Sheena and I had the heebie jeebies and it made us so glad we don’t live in a country where such strict and to be honest ridiculous rules apply with horrendous punishments to those who “break” the law. Saudi Arabia will not be on our list of countries to visit anytime soon.</div><div><br /></div></div><div><br /></div><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQRHGtm1l3t-S-ozB8adaJlhFst6WSrMhQgi0S8efVp-WXRtv2Mgar_Y36yrjX62-BBTlerfnMwDHfQV7vOZph5PddoTUGr6BLGtPQv4Uohf_rCevBMzPLfAdd0d3MLijW23DOsYbTyKg0/s320/IMG_2871.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5466927300665248994" /><div style="text-align: center;"><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#000066;"><b>Deepa Masi & Tony Uncle on</b></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#000066;"><b>the Saudi Arabian border</b></span></div><div><br /><div style="text-align: left;"><div style="text-align: left;">On the contrary, Jordan is a country that everyone should have on their “must visit” lists. Those who do make it over to Amman, Petra and around will be continuously having the same conversation that goes something like this.</div><div style="text-align: left;">Random Jordanian man: “Where you from?”</div><div style="text-align: left;">Uneasy tourist overly scared of being in a Muslim country: “Australia”</div><div style="text-align: left;">Random Jordanian man: “WELCOME TO JORDAN!”</div><div style="text-align: left;">Then again, if you happen to stay at the Abbasi Palace in Amman, where the owner Nijma treats you like her long lost child she hasn’t seen in 20 years, you will definitely get used to Jordanian hospitality very quickly. </div><div><br /></div></div></div></div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBsMncipfmmgHD9OF2-guRtXzCFv_6zJcDVtgp1Ce2QkEq7hIdhv8eJGGWhKSJgXHftZi6o9XEqA64VUCr-Qx2QRcaylt8WraF1H3vU6VdoyNtk1kc1TDTubZvpLsIsw2HseIaFoxR3tWb/s1600/IMG_2908.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBsMncipfmmgHD9OF2-guRtXzCFv_6zJcDVtgp1Ce2QkEq7hIdhv8eJGGWhKSJgXHftZi6o9XEqA64VUCr-Qx2QRcaylt8WraF1H3vU6VdoyNtk1kc1TDTubZvpLsIsw2HseIaFoxR3tWb/s320/IMG_2908.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5466927293495917154" /></a><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#000066;">Drenched by the waterfalls in Wadi Mujib</span></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#000066;"><b><br /></b></span></div><div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiw6C1gYZKLd4eKPH9ETJD1upHE93B8Sw9u5UepCQenn7OMpKxfzwO-4ziClBjxU8QWje7oqnyeVlYHFTkSi2gz83FYNXyO_MkK1VOmgBQWALl_Ca6qTgBqOY4aGAjHCfxiRBybOEAkNRKe/s1600/IMG_2935.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiw6C1gYZKLd4eKPH9ETJD1upHE93B8Sw9u5UepCQenn7OMpKxfzwO-4ziClBjxU8QWje7oqnyeVlYHFTkSi2gz83FYNXyO_MkK1VOmgBQWALl_Ca6qTgBqOY4aGAjHCfxiRBybOEAkNRKe/s320/IMG_2935.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5466927287042731010" /></a><div style="text-align: center;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#000066;">Simon's bowl cut and the obligatory float in the Dead Sea</span></b></div></div><div><br /></div><div><div><div>We visited some fantastic sights in Jordan, such as Wadi Mujib, a fantastic “valley” (really actually a crack in two big rocks) filled with a flowing river and waterfalls and we had the obligatory float in the Dead Sea. Petra of course was well worth the 2 days of exploration, with the sheer size and magnificence of the Treasury being something to behold. Our only problem with Jordan was the transport (or lack there of) and taxi drivers demanding ridiculous amounts a problem found in Syria too. Our only other commentary on Jordan is that we both found it slightly more conservative religious wise than what we expected, and I also found it a little less developed than what I envisaged. </div><div><br /></div><div>On the contrary, Syria was a lot more developed and lot less conservative (in most parts) than what we expected. With Jordan to the south and Turkey to the north, Syria on initial glance sits somewhere between the two, culturally and development wise.</div><div><br /></div></div><div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMbqUjXP8BJUyTcFYx3BjawsmC-P4MzIX3H22V7KKhlJOpOvBJUpVzUEBnnbh_dYW-QizU0JFsrvhx6QxmMR6kgREpBX7zRTIuUxH6lS0PoTPjmpzMnsAYSruiImk-d4cDSW_2I5RVcL_X/s1600/IMG_2946.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMbqUjXP8BJUyTcFYx3BjawsmC-P4MzIX3H22V7KKhlJOpOvBJUpVzUEBnnbh_dYW-QizU0JFsrvhx6QxmMR6kgREpBX7zRTIuUxH6lS0PoTPjmpzMnsAYSruiImk-d4cDSW_2I5RVcL_X/s320/IMG_2946.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5466927284233791298" /></a><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#000066;"><b>The Treasury - This is where we totally kicked</b></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#000066;"><b>some Nazi ass, fought a crusade knight but eventually</b></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#000066;"><b>lost the Holy Grail when we tried to take it over the sacred seal.</b></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#000066;"><b>Shame really.</b></span></div></div><div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0Na7s_fhGFlnAOzo46tMYR6oqz6GCGpPTc2FMBaFhd-DysdWnje6pBlmhsfsfZzNVN-ucEWCTicQ7ZHpI6j6j-czZsXdH9shTHJzOrGfOlPmmZ3WIJZD-vP7Y1T2WWjwKX__u4Auom8jZ/s1600/IMG_2965.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0Na7s_fhGFlnAOzo46tMYR6oqz6GCGpPTc2FMBaFhd-DysdWnje6pBlmhsfsfZzNVN-ucEWCTicQ7ZHpI6j6j-czZsXdH9shTHJzOrGfOlPmmZ3WIJZD-vP7Y1T2WWjwKX__u4Auom8jZ/s320/IMG_2965.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5466926966078819074" /></a><div style="text-align: center;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#000066;">Sheena looking out over the ruins at Petra</span></b></div></div><div><br /></div><div><div><div>Arriving in Syria relatively late, we were just glad to arrive at all, not knowing whether immigration was going to let us in. We had read many stories and heard conflicting information. In the end we got through with relatively little problems, although at a price… We heard so much about the unbelievable hospitality of the Syrian people, however it took us a fair while to experience, with a lot of people treating us with nothing more than indifference with a little bit of hostility (taxi drivers!!!). However upon leaving Damascus, we came across some extraordinarily warm and helpful people whom proved the stories correct.</div><div><br /></div><div>As one of the oldest if not the oldest continuously inhabited city in the world with fantastic architecture, old streets, and a bustling souq, Damascus and it’s cosmopolitan inhabitants made for a fascinating stay. We stayed in a converted old house with a beautiful courtyard and spent our days wondering the old city eating sweets and occasionally sitting down for a Turkish coffee and a puff on a nargila (shisha). The streets are filled with young girls wearing designer clothes and tight fitting tops walking next to older more conservative Muslims who don’t seem to mind, and amongst everyone are hoards of Iranian pilgrims in very conservative attire who make a pilgrimage to Damascus to visit the mosques where shrines to a specific relative of Mohammad are. We witnessed the power of religion observing the Iranian women uncontrollably weeping around the shrines and kissing everything from the floor to the door handles. We don’t understand that level of devotion, however for them it is obviously an extremely powerful influence in their lives.</div><div><br /></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjK_0Is3NxYU9m5Lp5oWa-yqkoaBkYR2Rh2QfgBLsqUOOYiWL382tf1w1BGD6Kdb15I53qiatRf4e85lqLltX_LMnfNDPPe_eYNCKDZr0cCFjQJwDTF70U_pRoWGaXzCIQubnYGRt1rPRQo/s1600/IMG_3009.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjK_0Is3NxYU9m5Lp5oWa-yqkoaBkYR2Rh2QfgBLsqUOOYiWL382tf1w1BGD6Kdb15I53qiatRf4e85lqLltX_LMnfNDPPe_eYNCKDZr0cCFjQJwDTF70U_pRoWGaXzCIQubnYGRt1rPRQo/s320/IMG_3009.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5466926963574978002" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#000066;">Turkish coffee, nargileh, the sounds of prayer </span></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#000066;">- pretty much sums it up</span></b></div><div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLJnmWOvnp8IKoub-m7AJ-r9W12zOMlp1SwKNIAjaPDvOVoUVnJ_sZJmtHuyhgT8PySGLEqYh7VnGRzWxI9vJZJku0DeX9GUA9g69ziGrqektcsOjnVJrn40Q1F94pKf223WqhdQK7fE3w/s1600/IMG_3024.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLJnmWOvnp8IKoub-m7AJ-r9W12zOMlp1SwKNIAjaPDvOVoUVnJ_sZJmtHuyhgT8PySGLEqYh7VnGRzWxI9vJZJku0DeX9GUA9g69ziGrqektcsOjnVJrn40Q1F94pKf223WqhdQK7fE3w/s320/IMG_3024.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5466926957474041026" /></a><div style="text-align: center;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#000066;">Fresh strawberry juice on every corner. Yum!</span></b></div></div><div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWrVSbZqGzJkQ-o3QlZbqgxHK3phYhGw7gmMyz7jY9A7908rg-yAib74ongnpVB9u_WeIkJYoRUIDNao4uMX4iN4LcfRaFiOrS0nx-K16StwZXZKFmGbYPwvgCPv-aRlnmGmBwI33ieBFW/s1600/IMG_3029.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWrVSbZqGzJkQ-o3QlZbqgxHK3phYhGw7gmMyz7jY9A7908rg-yAib74ongnpVB9u_WeIkJYoRUIDNao4uMX4iN4LcfRaFiOrS0nx-K16StwZXZKFmGbYPwvgCPv-aRlnmGmBwI33ieBFW/s320/IMG_3029.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5466926948851724722" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#000066;">More sweets in damascus. </span></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#000066;">Famous Bakdash ice-cream</span></b></div><div><br /><img src="http://www.blogger.com/img/blank.gif" alt="Bold" border="0" class="gl_bold" /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgL3xx7EJFGD2o5YxZB99oks80TKydSh0DqS8-ZMRC-c85DgydCznnLHj4mtgysmhTAfO20d-v6Fih2Zkipf3pNyw6rKfhNDNvMOw2DvACNkQ6s37Ra23uPaAH22NNSjZ4uA38laSXmoYDY/s1600/IMG_3037.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgL3xx7EJFGD2o5YxZB99oks80TKydSh0DqS8-ZMRC-c85DgydCznnLHj4mtgysmhTAfO20d-v6Fih2Zkipf3pNyw6rKfhNDNvMOw2DvACNkQ6s37Ra23uPaAH22NNSjZ4uA38laSXmoYDY/s320/IMG_3037.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5466926949266432386" /></a></div><div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#000066;"><b>Sheena in her new hoodie</b></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCKhzDor-s_LQcmpoU6ZGeDJ2RUHyryH-9M3mu9TR3AyFh-ksuYV2KZBHctjyfGASsmioFoL12sZ0PJq15uengjC9D43YwBwSJ_uHfJJVjKlOcigparn-QaCBUaGEu7otrhwaZ7lSbFic8/s1600/IMG_3050.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCKhzDor-s_LQcmpoU6ZGeDJ2RUHyryH-9M3mu9TR3AyFh-ksuYV2KZBHctjyfGASsmioFoL12sZ0PJq15uengjC9D43YwBwSJ_uHfJJVjKlOcigparn-QaCBUaGEu7otrhwaZ7lSbFic8/s320/IMG_3050.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5466926216309569682" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#000066;">The souq in Damascus</span></b></div><div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhd5NPlecnZTajCRlMOekyRNbb2LRPYQAvLjwHgC9fGHCoQcQUimKLVilH9dkyUCyAGtWO-AbU19ixtu8I9YteMtPnTZoE66m73mTzKc1Q-i48Y8ng_Ds6_enPu3HOueuJrmca23JgWwvB/s1600/IMG_3063.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhd5NPlecnZTajCRlMOekyRNbb2LRPYQAvLjwHgC9fGHCoQcQUimKLVilH9dkyUCyAGtWO-AbU19ixtu8I9YteMtPnTZoE66m73mTzKc1Q-i48Y8ng_Ds6_enPu3HOueuJrmca23JgWwvB/s320/IMG_3063.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5466926204112382162" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#000066;"><b>Pretty photo overlooking the Umayyad</b></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#000066;"><b>Mosque - Damascus</b></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#000066;"><b><br /></b></span></div><div><div>We also visited many ruins in Syria such as Palmyra and Apemea, along with a fantastic castle, Crac de Chavilliers. I won’t go into details because now we’re in Turkey and there a many more Roman ruins to come.</div><div><br /></div><div>So now we’re in Turkey having withstood an epic 21 hour bus journey from Aleppo (another really old city similar to Damascus) to Antalya, and we’re ready to relax in what could be described as a much easier environment. We have eaten tonnes of tasty food (mainly meat) in the Middle East and drunk plenty of coffee, now it’s time for some Mediterranean beach side relaxation!</div><div><br /></div><div>Bye!</div><div><br /></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiJUQQM1aDTxX-BJwvRhu8m8S_CLycMOblKBFsuprSAT7PaVoeOs1Uh207huEQJAEcjbGKaU1aqE22go1X21CUgVStEGluGoDkWArZhWOiPCmJGG-5U-15dfjJfa8-91kSo0kxMjSru5mi/s1600/IMG_3076.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiJUQQM1aDTxX-BJwvRhu8m8S_CLycMOblKBFsuprSAT7PaVoeOs1Uh207huEQJAEcjbGKaU1aqE22go1X21CUgVStEGluGoDkWArZhWOiPCmJGG-5U-15dfjJfa8-91kSo0kxMjSru5mi/s320/IMG_3076.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5466926193557376722" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#000066;">Ruins at Palmyra</span></b></div><div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHCP1VIiYN7PtlV7t47RW5DynrcQ5r-06ID6GOGR721WqSbhzc0eu7K9OdlcbC-mC51664fot3wOFGAaOXXnhx0-ogQUf011ujxL3VzmkJnczf3cPFK-srE5tDY2i7HUzn-FOLq_XDcFCW/s1600/IMG_3119.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHCP1VIiYN7PtlV7t47RW5DynrcQ5r-06ID6GOGR721WqSbhzc0eu7K9OdlcbC-mC51664fot3wOFGAaOXXnhx0-ogQUf011ujxL3VzmkJnczf3cPFK-srE5tDY2i7HUzn-FOLq_XDcFCW/s320/IMG_3119.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5466926185924834722" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#000066;">More ruins at Apamea. Pretty wildflowers.</span></b></div><div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzt-ggeqW7P5n2N4TE8uFhL8v1lJiYeiu8H7RBO9XTZuRq5Tda7U33RGCeGtn6oBwr3AtPza6nfKK1KKs3f1-94ZgVP4XHe7LDF1zZiO2-lNYGJo4YTISyB8L8qCKZlZrQ40PPFchJY428/s1600/IMG_3124.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzt-ggeqW7P5n2N4TE8uFhL8v1lJiYeiu8H7RBO9XTZuRq5Tda7U33RGCeGtn6oBwr3AtPza6nfKK1KKs3f1-94ZgVP4XHe7LDF1zZiO2-lNYGJo4YTISyB8L8qCKZlZrQ40PPFchJY428/s320/IMG_3124.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5466926181910871490" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#000066;"><b>Stuff of Disney dreams. The Crac Des Chevaliers castle.</b></span></div></div></div>Simon and Sheenahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08233662842760091770noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2499237260670655211.post-89913059746498757962010-04-07T20:51:00.000-07:002010-04-12T21:40:25.347-07:0014th March 2010 - 14th April 2010 - Vietnam, Cambodia & Hong Kong/Macau<div><b>Indochina</b></div><div><br /></div><div>Sigh, this is a little daunting to write because I’ve waited so long to write this and now it’s really freak’n hot here in Phnom Penh. Anywhoo, here goes, I’ll try and keep it a little briefer and more succinct in an attempt to relieve the boredom of anyone reading this and also to suppress my illusions that I’m such a creative and humorous writer that the New York Times themselves should be printing my blogs.</div><div><br /></div><div>Entering Vietnam we weren’t sure what we would be in for, as literally all reports we had heard from travellers we had met along the way indicated that Vietnam was a place full of awful people who are just out to rip you off, steal your stuff and do much worse! Some described it as a hell they couldn’t wait to get out of. Fortunately not a single one of these reports were true, at least for our stay anyway. It’s true the Vietnamese are more forth coming and self assured, which may be interpreted as aggressive, however if you talk to them, you will find they’re some of the nicest people on the planet. I think people perhaps experience problems when saving money becomes the most important thing as most of the Vietnamese people we met don’t bargain much or appreciate it much either. Once you learn this, everything is cool, and as long as you keep a smile on your face you’ll receive a smile back at you.</div><div><br /></div><div>Our time in Vietnam was spent in a few places; Dien Bien Phu, Hanoi, Halong Bay, Hue, Hoian and Ho Chi Minh city and in writing that I just noticed that everywhere we stayed except for Dien Bien Phu started with H.. isn’t that interesting. </div><div><br /></div><div>I’ll skip Dien Bien Phu because it was crap, Hanoi on the other hand was magnificent. Definitely our favourite city we visited in SE Asia. Considering just about every tree lined street is packed full of people sitting on the side of the road chowing down on some kind of tasty Vietnamese delicacy and washing it down with cheap Hanoi Beer, it is no surprise that Sheena and I spent many a day just walking around and of course eating! We have since realised that Vietnamese cuisine is incredibly under rated, and has some of the best street side food available in SE Asia… such a pleasant surprise. We ate a fair few dishes such as Hanoi’s signature dish Bun Cha (grilled pork served with vermicelli noodles with greens and bean sprouts), Banh Xeo (prawns, greens, and bean sprouts in a crispy fried crepe and wrapped with rice paper), Cha Ca (fried fish served with dill and other greens over vermicelli noodles, we ate along side a film crew making a doco about Cha Ca at our restaurant which is always a good sign!) and of course Bit Tet which is essentially Vietnamese steak and chips… just writing about these dishes makes me sad and makes my tummy rumble. In writing about these dishes I have essentially written about Hanoi! </div><div><br /></div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgA33ZgRBWxz17y2VUuWfJSMSjFBDWSetlmyyz6SlITbOubfMg_b9GSm72u8rxIdcoL37U2wT8mqfcm4Iub9KQfj89-36kne_N5jB1fmu4-p26Gu5ccX6sgNnsfx6xP9ivE-iI1TObhqLd1/s1600/IMG_2673.jpg"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgA33ZgRBWxz17y2VUuWfJSMSjFBDWSetlmyyz6SlITbOubfMg_b9GSm72u8rxIdcoL37U2wT8mqfcm4Iub9KQfj89-36kne_N5jB1fmu4-p26Gu5ccX6sgNnsfx6xP9ivE-iI1TObhqLd1/s320/IMG_2673.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5457610181254044690" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px; " /></a><div style="text-align: center;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#000066;">Cha Ca & a film crew</span></b></div></div><div><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjndqJKmyTFLX1mtDcWYbsy_tug4HFkNonhD5ORIwDphHlGtF-J9RRRHuuYlK2HlXLGmDT_2fZX938O7A-mv8jb6_t_Zu0srA58bSJdOIEhOCtJATKbhDyN28fijamaQ5GLCCYHOJZT-CtO/s1600/IMG_2670.jpg"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjndqJKmyTFLX1mtDcWYbsy_tug4HFkNonhD5ORIwDphHlGtF-J9RRRHuuYlK2HlXLGmDT_2fZX938O7A-mv8jb6_t_Zu0srA58bSJdOIEhOCtJATKbhDyN28fijamaQ5GLCCYHOJZT-CtO/s320/IMG_2670.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5457610173544671682" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px; " /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#000066;"><b>The streets of Hanoi</b></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#000066;"><b><br /></b></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#000066;"><b><br /></b></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#000066;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); font-weight: normal; -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-uxROUiuhx2iGolMelQxkffLSyteDoCUWBC214JXYHY5uH5Oz4QtwSwTCEgSmalDDd7h6egeuer1ivzSWT4Pl7SxKZ6zeYYfOVqiTvKjdLhRsN7nZed9QVP27H7UF78f-vGOv6F8E1_QC/s320/IMG_2717.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5457610202291971986" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px; " /></span></b></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#000066;">Tasty Ban Xeo</span></span></b></div><div><br /></div><div>Halong Bay was pretty but the weather was ordinary and Hue didn’t live up to expectations so I’ll just move on to Hoi An, a well preserved ancient town filled with old style buildings and tailors on mass. </div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYcsAZNdEMyf3VP5gDvrZgnZvLEAnkNwv_GLcZh0rqm3JShqICh6L2W7-aJHKn1-T9QYdPQdTWYNv452xyeMaKhlDtzefzv-sKXjhdut4FNdCUchx1kZZZqXG10rXsd-JJYrJ9njJaYsWe/s320/IMG_2698.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5457610190409462242" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px; " /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#000066;">The boats and cliffs of Halong Bay</span></b></span></div><div><br /></div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTSkIZDgWuljvdqTsysCuyjb7zyuq-vSHZ8Robf6wHWTqcfaHCaOrF4qPc_pftzGAoc7qF_HtfvZ3n0kT3pe25fq1N-twPZFY7q_26jrJvcbHIyc9thmfvFb-f4U6f7J9bEa-zeHYf0055/s1600/IMG_2702.jpg"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTSkIZDgWuljvdqTsysCuyjb7zyuq-vSHZ8Robf6wHWTqcfaHCaOrF4qPc_pftzGAoc7qF_HtfvZ3n0kT3pe25fq1N-twPZFY7q_26jrJvcbHIyc9thmfvFb-f4U6f7J9bEa-zeHYf0055/s320/IMG_2702.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5457610194410291026" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px; " /></a><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#000066;"><b>Another photo of me jumping off something</b></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: left;">So besides riding bikes through the old town we got ourselves a new wardrobe consisting of a few suits, shirts and dresses. I won’t say how much we spent as it will seem like a lot but in reality it was ridiculously cheap for tailor made clothing in high quality material… and we look hot in our new clothes! A highlight of Hoi An is their signature dish called Cau Lau… once again a very simple concoction of roasted pork served over dry noodles with chilli and herbs. Being us, we set out to find the best Cau Lau in town, and we think we did and for less than $1 a bowl, it is probably my favourite dish in all South East Asia!! Mmmm Cau Lau….</div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#0000EE;"><u><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#000000;"><br /></span></u></span></div></div></div><div><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrC5sCjVMPSogyeoAtpP4i6CRLbxzAOwfQuVYxxG-ADhYTDs6JwZzPqHNiaeZkTsTGosVLkaq32_UNMQk5tRUx5sO2oZdsjHAGsQtwRzqyaS7BdTshqlkhEoa_7bOQvie5bhjhgjEWTyQY/s1600/IMG_2759.jpg"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrC5sCjVMPSogyeoAtpP4i6CRLbxzAOwfQuVYxxG-ADhYTDs6JwZzPqHNiaeZkTsTGosVLkaq32_UNMQk5tRUx5sO2oZdsjHAGsQtwRzqyaS7BdTshqlkhEoa_7bOQvie5bhjhgjEWTyQY/s320/IMG_2759.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5457610873473559682" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px; " /></a><div style="text-align: center;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#000066;">Sheena eating Cau Lau in the market</span></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#000066;"><br /></span></b></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiS_eSNfky87MLuGQbZkn81z1hyphenhyphen9g4VfQoPdsldXcg4BAz4QZZsP1BXFOc69xSdl4OSFKAeajy1vUOhTVONiBziiBZSC8mSYS5UnIzX9HwU4HFtIhHUqqNW0W7jVy0dOJq7GOop96WlOHq5/s1600/IMG_2755.jpg"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiS_eSNfky87MLuGQbZkn81z1hyphenhyphen9g4VfQoPdsldXcg4BAz4QZZsP1BXFOc69xSdl4OSFKAeajy1vUOhTVONiBziiBZSC8mSYS5UnIzX9HwU4HFtIhHUqqNW0W7jVy0dOJq7GOop96WlOHq5/s320/IMG_2755.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5457610553888113314" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px; " /></a><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#000066;"><b>The streets of Hoi An</b></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#000066;"><b><br /></b></span></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjXuMTIRHqW1ADc3VuAMDVDM3H2mUJK-efU7-lNuDMoBt_6-mRpx0tXRTfXArZoWp2hTw29RV5Uu2d-NROFaXgV6vb-gJaMa3g1l4QzJABve1mcnm7lwePkFfwNra0wAx4M6Ejoc3scwM3/s1600/IMG_2754.jpg"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjXuMTIRHqW1ADc3VuAMDVDM3H2mUJK-efU7-lNuDMoBt_6-mRpx0tXRTfXArZoWp2hTw29RV5Uu2d-NROFaXgV6vb-gJaMa3g1l4QzJABve1mcnm7lwePkFfwNra0wAx4M6Ejoc3scwM3/s320/IMG_2754.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5457610551460795314" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px; " /></a><div style="text-align: center;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#000066;">Our favourite Cau Lau restaurant</span></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#000066;"><br /></span></b></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjlPinz2yyPv0jc1Y27EenQJIbXgHLbtQXGRBLjTjNWd6Y00dDHrfoZzAmOyLNAnYVRSTDKa3DspiwkHWJ224zvz0dnrQA36mP7tHkNKaeorxqDNWvMsIKUSqJggCuOcrys-CNDb4PWw6P/s1600/IMG_2752.jpg"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjlPinz2yyPv0jc1Y27EenQJIbXgHLbtQXGRBLjTjNWd6Y00dDHrfoZzAmOyLNAnYVRSTDKa3DspiwkHWJ224zvz0dnrQA36mP7tHkNKaeorxqDNWvMsIKUSqJggCuOcrys-CNDb4PWw6P/s320/IMG_2752.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5457610547005007266" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px; " /></a><div style="text-align: center;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#000066;">Our favourite Cau Lau!</span></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#000066;"><br /></span></b></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDW56rsY2IUUzzKcbVIc9M6OCu3XSUPenhhA_ClgTUEOrq_9qvupNy2CvlpOHN-3Kk8N2t_IAk-SRx2POvBRHkfdIvejn9ogWf0ACU7TNnVdJ_ToTn3dNyHcWdHYEQpfsgx6F9Vkhz7IpF/s1600/IMG_2740.jpg"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDW56rsY2IUUzzKcbVIc9M6OCu3XSUPenhhA_ClgTUEOrq_9qvupNy2CvlpOHN-3Kk8N2t_IAk-SRx2POvBRHkfdIvejn9ogWf0ACU7TNnVdJ_ToTn3dNyHcWdHYEQpfsgx6F9Vkhz7IpF/s320/IMG_2740.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5457610532568284162" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px; " /></a><div style="text-align: center;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#000066;">Squid stuffed with minced pork</span></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#000066;"><br /></span></b></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbIPcH2tOppiTBl0AkBWn7f3QRoRtpgoMS2O7RQgdfL-if_1IlA4lGz4i3JMTQH0HMM0cearnaasyyBqELgNE8p-PrgJ93GI_0EIR7NCqULJ_fijKoVTq8R-HntauvYhvX3mC0YJDbG80H/s1600/IMG_2731.jpg"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbIPcH2tOppiTBl0AkBWn7f3QRoRtpgoMS2O7RQgdfL-if_1IlA4lGz4i3JMTQH0HMM0cearnaasyyBqELgNE8p-PrgJ93GI_0EIR7NCqULJ_fijKoVTq8R-HntauvYhvX3mC0YJDbG80H/s320/IMG_2731.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5457610523814892626" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px; " /></a><div style="text-align: center;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#000066;">Hoi An</span></b></div></div><div><br /></div><div>So Ho Chi Minh City was spent visiting the regular sights such as the Cu Chi Tunnels and the gruesome War Remants Museum which details in pictures the horrors of the Vietnam War (only from the Vietnamese side only of course, a common trait in all museums).</div><div><br /></div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJd-u7155DjcEcBM3B-VaSJMlrQQ_ri2bbFbZ4Fc7bXGbwpb8eAEhtReHwtmm8lHCNfpXz8yK6P2Wv_maOzlWmZU7KMEU99Xzzwxc-_05kdMLgDSNl3pXa0TyKPhrqjeNJqvytDJXZtPI6/s1600/IMG_2772.jpg"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJd-u7155DjcEcBM3B-VaSJMlrQQ_ri2bbFbZ4Fc7bXGbwpb8eAEhtReHwtmm8lHCNfpXz8yK6P2Wv_maOzlWmZU7KMEU99Xzzwxc-_05kdMLgDSNl3pXa0TyKPhrqjeNJqvytDJXZtPI6/s320/IMG_2772.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5457610886857892498" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px; " /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#000066;"><b>Roadside seafood market - </b></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#000066;"><b>the garlic clams were cheap and awesome!</b></span></div><div><br /></div><div>A lot of modern history was learned during our time in Vietnam especially in regards to the French occupation and the American invasion. Both incidences are quite perplexing and very regrettable. It’s a shame the Americans didn’t learn from the French and how they got their asses kicked in Dien Bien Phu, and it’s even more incredible the Khmer Rouge didn’t learn from every body else’s mistakes and attempting a Vietnamese invasion themselves. One thing we’ve certainly learned is don’t fuck with the Vietnamese! They will kill you, and they will kill you good… the east coast of Indochina is their land and they will rule it however they see fit, the Americans, the French, the Japanese and not even the Chinese will tell them any other way… they tried… and they all failed.</div><div><br /></div><div>Our trip to Cambodia was primarily for visiting the ancient city of Angkor however we also wanted to check out the capital city Phnom Penh. The three days spent wondering around the temples of Angkor were fantastic and extremely hot. I won’t delve into specifics about Angkor as that would be boring, however I will say that the ancient city was far greater than any expectations that I previously had, truly phenomenal.</div><div><br /></div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_BuwWYADeyhSfErxaSgaKMuoG-y-HoBrA2P2mOB3C5OWCaFY_DI1QoyFzh97Szzamdh2LoH6KT15x4jbui9Jko_AqsEvlRURLi2zTUTCZeguj5BIe2LTmtKldGHPlA7x9eeqY_CsZhJD0/s1600/IMG_2840.jpg"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_BuwWYADeyhSfErxaSgaKMuoG-y-HoBrA2P2mOB3C5OWCaFY_DI1QoyFzh97Szzamdh2LoH6KT15x4jbui9Jko_AqsEvlRURLi2zTUTCZeguj5BIe2LTmtKldGHPlA7x9eeqY_CsZhJD0/s320/IMG_2840.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5457611561792643058" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px; " /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEGpb9qA3P3_VK4EuVmFxzPJeQaW5KfXN9hVbbP0pzRoxgSxSGtjnqThF7sYvULZK5YTJ9ToeZO0M02d5hmwZtlpaHQ45TybObwF-l3khjOdEjGiXqCnQrfUFgSbxMhdEZawGB3OH5ySX1/s1600/IMG_2826.jpg"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEGpb9qA3P3_VK4EuVmFxzPJeQaW5KfXN9hVbbP0pzRoxgSxSGtjnqThF7sYvULZK5YTJ9ToeZO0M02d5hmwZtlpaHQ45TybObwF-l3khjOdEjGiXqCnQrfUFgSbxMhdEZawGB3OH5ySX1/s320/IMG_2826.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5457611240813444450" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px; " /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZq9hjiLM_LKaKFdWOjppC2_GXE4tqTdOOKcCnFxGJwqtOLPA0wr4jBbl6_Am0UYTSNUeyO0msL4CRTjGhbhgMMBVOjqQ6jRcmvN4gh5ExKkV5iqqbkhyphenhyphenRrmKsnyq7ZaWzNFDGBFVJV893/s1600/IMG_2824.jpg"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZq9hjiLM_LKaKFdWOjppC2_GXE4tqTdOOKcCnFxGJwqtOLPA0wr4jBbl6_Am0UYTSNUeyO0msL4CRTjGhbhgMMBVOjqQ6jRcmvN4gh5ExKkV5iqqbkhyphenhyphenRrmKsnyq7ZaWzNFDGBFVJV893/s320/IMG_2824.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5457611237556585922" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px; " /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh44LcwoeqU0lUZLcD8JdZxwkMAZ_7dHY4YxX-IqPMwJdzTL2uvmKTjo0IYDZQQEhc_yq-uvHor3BmzorAyziO1iXezCkHaV9nU02CjTAWpCqNO9i5JaEN8kdsSTraAaKyE46uQl2M28l9Q/s1600/IMG_2820.jpg"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh44LcwoeqU0lUZLcD8JdZxwkMAZ_7dHY4YxX-IqPMwJdzTL2uvmKTjo0IYDZQQEhc_yq-uvHor3BmzorAyziO1iXezCkHaV9nU02CjTAWpCqNO9i5JaEN8kdsSTraAaKyE46uQl2M28l9Q/s320/IMG_2820.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5457611235898650322" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px; " /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIsPVMNyooHZl28GjwfXdUj6E8U1HtzBvck_kxpMAGmiLsSHK3UjFa2f1VhMlgodkuDmi6UUYg0EygCM5S_hWURzI6viBejAWKzdsx15HIC-gDKVHuJRkT8wHSgTzzLn0_-eEfRZM51ImQ/s1600/IMG_2814.jpg"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIsPVMNyooHZl28GjwfXdUj6E8U1HtzBvck_kxpMAGmiLsSHK3UjFa2f1VhMlgodkuDmi6UUYg0EygCM5S_hWURzI6viBejAWKzdsx15HIC-gDKVHuJRkT8wHSgTzzLn0_-eEfRZM51ImQ/s320/IMG_2814.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5457611224450110466" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px; " /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYBUkheph_VBK6FtlLmRDehCaVcRDfpac7Go0b66lhlr0QNaLIMMnz4Hl-bUFOdh3ja9Znl-NO1p9Jwvulk8Gf8Pc98y65tsTYIp-PS9bovzOc2CRGP6wyiDJSzzZLgtub4G_HbOSMNq7N/s1600/IMG_2810.jpg"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYBUkheph_VBK6FtlLmRDehCaVcRDfpac7Go0b66lhlr0QNaLIMMnz4Hl-bUFOdh3ja9Znl-NO1p9Jwvulk8Gf8Pc98y65tsTYIp-PS9bovzOc2CRGP6wyiDJSzzZLgtub4G_HbOSMNq7N/s320/IMG_2810.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5457611221951858066" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px; " /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQJkqHBLodD8Cjg4_5H8988quOi1dQiiDGBTBV5UbDzyvwRzQYbrMLAgU-erujEd1QMZ0oBk6EI4xbqeUgR15-1oqskvDs-yj-ZjWPhAFnSgsa3Vh8_DmWgiPR8DQV4xPpL9qbySN5bV1F/s1600/IMG_2797.jpg"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQJkqHBLodD8Cjg4_5H8988quOi1dQiiDGBTBV5UbDzyvwRzQYbrMLAgU-erujEd1QMZ0oBk6EI4xbqeUgR15-1oqskvDs-yj-ZjWPhAFnSgsa3Vh8_DmWgiPR8DQV4xPpL9qbySN5bV1F/s320/IMG_2797.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5457610896552907442" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px; " /></a><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#000066;"><b>Angkor</b></span></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmc_7OFPI0VsYxYzjvjP2OJKYspZ61iq57rQ2JspAbP9-SZqQZTPcuqNeWX9r8n55xit66uxjnFqxwShEHh4kDGEUlGO-popt9lcnTwcDxULz9umdY5m4zvc9ayKkCDmTvPWUlXga3Vqiq/s1600/IMG_2792.jpg"></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmc_7OFPI0VsYxYzjvjP2OJKYspZ61iq57rQ2JspAbP9-SZqQZTPcuqNeWX9r8n55xit66uxjnFqxwShEHh4kDGEUlGO-popt9lcnTwcDxULz9umdY5m4zvc9ayKkCDmTvPWUlXga3Vqiq/s1600/IMG_2792.jpg"></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmc_7OFPI0VsYxYzjvjP2OJKYspZ61iq57rQ2JspAbP9-SZqQZTPcuqNeWX9r8n55xit66uxjnFqxwShEHh4kDGEUlGO-popt9lcnTwcDxULz9umdY5m4zvc9ayKkCDmTvPWUlXga3Vqiq/s1600/IMG_2792.jpg"></a></div><div><br /></div><div>Phnom Penh is a fairly dusty city with a lot of poverty due to the countries horrific past that stems back way further than Pol Pot and the Khmer Rouge. Having played the part of the rope in a game of tug of war between Vietnam and Thailand that lasted centuries, been carpet bombed by their “ally” the US during the Vietnam conflict, and undergoing a Mao like cultural revolution under the Khmer Rouge that resulted in the deaths of more than a million people during a 4 year period, it’s not surprising that Cambodia is faced with the problems of today. We saw the evidence of Cambodia’s torrid past at places such as S21 Prison where the Khmer Rouge interrogated and tortured their own citizens before taking them to Cheung Ek better known as the Killing Fields where men women and children were finished off and piled in mass graves. Problems such as an low skilled workforce due to the execution of the educated during the revolution and a grossly high percentage of amputees and disfigured people as a result of the thousands of land mines scattered all over the country by the US and the Khmer Rouge leave the impression that Cambodia (in Sheena’s words) doesn’t quite know where they are and what they want to be, unlike the Vietnamese whom appear to know exactly what they want and where they’re going (yes I know we have been in these countries for too short a period to create sweeping judgements on their inhabitants but we are opinionated people and there‘s nothing like a generalisation to create something interesting to say!). It doesn’t appear all bad for Cambodia though, the western world seems to have a fairly large presence in the country (perhaps out of guilt) with the agenda of helping the people rebuild the nation. This somewhat follows the trend of Cambodia’s fate being dictated by the actions of external forces.</div><div><br /></div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgurCcWXEdJaino9tb6SZioJdKpPdar0pEDeFXtZeaBa7b7GV73IkUfAJzSyts5LZ67EILdJbRQavwUskde9QhQLoXfhdDPIkoEfd0kWGOAoLZDNdXxMFeSn2yNYdRs2pTE4MEp8sAoBSZ3/s1600/IMG_2854.jpg"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgurCcWXEdJaino9tb6SZioJdKpPdar0pEDeFXtZeaBa7b7GV73IkUfAJzSyts5LZ67EILdJbRQavwUskde9QhQLoXfhdDPIkoEfd0kWGOAoLZDNdXxMFeSn2yNYdRs2pTE4MEp8sAoBSZ3/s320/IMG_2854.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5458007553819962690" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px; " /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgv-XTaMCQis1Fo5pYKhAlsdDJ0Abu0NcrE329UPl_jgXi5jwDBBlHh0qcfBhk26l-9mY-xbEpbPew286SS2zCW9XKMwooBAfc6R5vH8_M7PLpOoMDPn4j1tGi-BUxTBmMsRe8usr7H7jfZ/s1600/IMG_2851.jpg"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgv-XTaMCQis1Fo5pYKhAlsdDJ0Abu0NcrE329UPl_jgXi5jwDBBlHh0qcfBhk26l-9mY-xbEpbPew286SS2zCW9XKMwooBAfc6R5vH8_M7PLpOoMDPn4j1tGi-BUxTBmMsRe8usr7H7jfZ/s320/IMG_2851.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5458007544224669122" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px; " /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#000066;">The S21 Prison</span></b></div><div><br /></div><div>And that’s the end of our trip in South East Asia and the end of this portion of the blog… I know I said I would make it more succinct, however as Sheena says I have written verbal diarrhoea and can’t help myself. Hope it wasn’t too tedious!</div><div><br /></div><div>On to HONG KONG!</div><div><br /></div><div>Sorry.. Haven’t blogged this yet and we are now in HK having also been to Macau… HK is like HK always is. We had a nice day eating Yum Cha with Spoon (not the utensil, Sheena’s friend from high school) and exploring HK Island a bit. We have also been to Macau where the highlight was eating Portuguese tarts and African Chicken and the lowlight was the casino (need I say more). I reckon the free drinks casinos supply are spiked with a splash of greed and served with a fresh slice of stupidity…</div><div><br /></div><div>Now it’s on to BAHRAIN!</div><div><br /></div><div>Bye!</div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgA33ZgRBWxz17y2VUuWfJSMSjFBDWSetlmyyz6SlITbOubfMg_b9GSm72u8rxIdcoL37U2wT8mqfcm4Iub9KQfj89-36kne_N5jB1fmu4-p26Gu5ccX6sgNnsfx6xP9ivE-iI1TObhqLd1/s1600/IMG_2673.jpg"></a>Simon and Sheenahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08233662842760091770noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2499237260670655211.post-9443541188974401832010-03-22T03:11:00.003-07:002010-03-22T03:40:57.503-07:002nd March 2010 - 14th March 2010 - Luang Prabang & The Nam Ou (Laos)<div style="text-align: left;"><b>A friendly country</b></div><div><div><br /></div><div>So we arrived in Luang Prabang after a 15 hour overnight bus trip with fat swollen ankles and weary heads and booked ourselves into a nice hotel in the middle of the old French colonial region of the town. Luang Prabang is a very cute place, well maintained with a thriving tourist industry catering to people wanting a slice of Buddhist culture in a somewhat European setting right on the Mekong River. Yes it is very touristy with almost every shop catering to the travellers needs, however it is also a very beautiful and serene place perfect for spending a lot of time just wandering around and absorbing the atmosphere.</div><div><br /></div><div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-TqcwLnOOGQah85msIPQMKRIrTQWuGqbpr8LUje9St-6t-ifdAMNgdYiKvrvXN9oO5uoW6k-3IXi2XoDxmehCeXe2WCtg7f_H9cH-v2cciS8jNnOOhFi4c0uJhRAxNgT_GcbrODcwok4n/s1600-h/IMG_2465.jpg"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-TqcwLnOOGQah85msIPQMKRIrTQWuGqbpr8LUje9St-6t-ifdAMNgdYiKvrvXN9oO5uoW6k-3IXi2XoDxmehCeXe2WCtg7f_H9cH-v2cciS8jNnOOhFi4c0uJhRAxNgT_GcbrODcwok4n/s320/IMG_2465.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5451399021923280866" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px; " /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#000066;">Luang Prabang</span></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#000066;"><b><br /></b></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#000066;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); font-weight: normal; -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiZpIV6bDLAcQ0pqY-Z9sKsz0LSc7GAZPdDTiV_DRVVtaAa1NYg4Ura_vLgdnVmMWEeYbk_4Qha16PKCUoWTpS5JMco6f7gmkisytyi2z6Al_ok8j7-YBSVe8VhGEkQqZ3PAWDhRjYmTcj/s320/IMG_2473+(Medium).jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5451399028146910370" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px; " /></span></span></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#000066;">"Absorbing the atomsphere" Sheena style</span></span></b></div><div><br /></div><div>Our stay was spent like most, visiting the many wats scattered around town and taking a day trip out to the magnificent Kuang Si waterfalls. On our way to the waterfalls I was stuck in a tuk tuk talking to this weird Canadian bloke who claimed he was in Laos as a spy researching the financial climate of communist nations… Needless to say we doubted his story considering he was divulging the information in the first place and secondly because he was an idiot. There’s one in every tuk tuk.</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5W4SIyQx5N5Ys7oxMBIrV6US6wa_kbYPBrLaNRrj-291gt1NWdMjClE_FG_CPNjK-izfl4lbvRqAzsX1JtbJHUEkZv1bhfr44yUp_F88xmydHCxA_dvbf2i7KYysv9STugE5SbAKiiXKX/s1600-h/IMG_2508.jpg"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5W4SIyQx5N5Ys7oxMBIrV6US6wa_kbYPBrLaNRrj-291gt1NWdMjClE_FG_CPNjK-izfl4lbvRqAzsX1JtbJHUEkZv1bhfr44yUp_F88xmydHCxA_dvbf2i7KYysv9STugE5SbAKiiXKX/s320/IMG_2508.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5451399045771642306" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px; " /></a><div style="text-align: center; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#000066;"><b>One of the many photos of me</b></span></div><div style="text-align: center; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#000066;"><b>jumping off something - Kuang Si Falls</b></span></div><div style="text-align: center; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#000066;"><b><br /></b></span></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiL3rJHltPrtbPySLW5WFR2gLQq2K7lFkzM0aZjBRzDww8iYSA_Lkoou7J5Fnrm11j2jYyeA0m4V_zHzT0L8jO-IhiY1byg3sd3l6gNqPTnfWK6x8N1iGgSbVbU_1nxUiPu8wPhEIff0svT/s1600-h/IMG_2499.jpg"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiL3rJHltPrtbPySLW5WFR2gLQq2K7lFkzM0aZjBRzDww8iYSA_Lkoou7J5Fnrm11j2jYyeA0m4V_zHzT0L8jO-IhiY1byg3sd3l6gNqPTnfWK6x8N1iGgSbVbU_1nxUiPu8wPhEIff0svT/s320/IMG_2499.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5451399042039344370" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px; " /></a><div style="text-align: center; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#000066;"><b>Near Kuang Si Waterfall</b></span></div><div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjALtpT4fOTTl_Z0FgaSzM6wNy6QYsFQ6VRSmeCl7glQYJ51PjArf7vMiHW3Siy2WZmL2Bchbp5F_iPpd4xqW7mszDraRDBknsTkGn_SKjQv7BwqkFb0RcTjLfimajvrkC3xmryjrFO4JbW/s1600-h/IMG_2491.jpg"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjALtpT4fOTTl_Z0FgaSzM6wNy6QYsFQ6VRSmeCl7glQYJ51PjArf7vMiHW3Siy2WZmL2Bchbp5F_iPpd4xqW7mszDraRDBknsTkGn_SKjQv7BwqkFb0RcTjLfimajvrkC3xmryjrFO4JbW/s320/IMG_2491.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5451399032008766226" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px; " /></a><div style="text-align: center; "><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#000066;">The largest of the falls</span></b></div></div></div><div><br /></div><div>Speaking of idiots, we couldn’t believe what we saw during the morning alms procession, which involves the local monks receiving food from local Buddhists at dawn. The daily ritual is supposedly very spiritual for the Buddhist people, as they believe that by feeding the monks, they are in turn, feeding the spirits of their deceased relatives. Tourists are invited to come watch and courteously take photographs, but out of common decency, they are expected to stand back silently and not interrupt the procession. Unfortunately the advent of the digital camera has given the few obnoxious tourists the ability to treat human beings like creatures in a zoo without at least the financial repercussion of film expenditure and we unfortunately witnessed possibly the most disgraceful display of this behaviour you could possibly imagine spoiling it for respectful tourists and offending the monks and locals.</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgw0RA-7YDayL_gTJCpVo7IhUt4WG89oZtQHOagFDSdmt9IjDyypKQn2Yh4MVFNI4_dv4lEFE1YjD_nRXAzPNd8fKV9O7Jz2c9cBcDN1CIJWBfrAe0cR3ZJYQnbjSv6u9wlpWc6U0DItd09/s320/IMG_2528.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5451399255928435810" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px; " /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#000066;"><b>The monks after receiving alms</b></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#000066;"><b><br /></b></span></span></div><div>We would have liked to have stayed a little longer in Luang Prabang, just relaxing, and of course eating, however it is amazing how even on a very long trip time seems to run out. So after a bit of research, we decided to not follow most people in going south to Vang Vieng and instead we decided to head up north to Nong Khiaw where we would take a bit of time exploring the Nam Ou (river) before heading across the border into Vietnam via the newly opened crossing at Tay Trang.</div><div><br /></div><div><div style="text-align: center; "><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhw70e1y15UHBwn0FzZrKe2V7HCheo45O2Gc_f8Pa4y77TLJP4QHDdknxrO8SPkcofIgSTXUztv34aK314kf7UKnAJJTEjN719rqLMDqBSvrKP30KhcAW9yaMN4fmrgjxsnwRIyfwCODAM4/s1600-h/IMG_2540.jpg"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhw70e1y15UHBwn0FzZrKe2V7HCheo45O2Gc_f8Pa4y77TLJP4QHDdknxrO8SPkcofIgSTXUztv34aK314kf7UKnAJJTEjN719rqLMDqBSvrKP30KhcAW9yaMN4fmrgjxsnwRIyfwCODAM4/s320/IMG_2540.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5451399259863361026" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px; " /></a></div><div style="text-align: center; "><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#000066;">Gardens in a wat - Luang Prabang</span></b></div></div><div><br /></div><div>The Nam Ou has only recently been discovered by tourists, and hence there are not many people visiting the region. This will surely change soon with the opening of the Vietnamese border and the fact that this river is home to some of the most beautiful scenery and fishing villages inhabited by the friendly Laotian people. Lush jungle and sheer cliffs on either side of a reflective river made for some pretty breathtaking moments. </div><div><br /></div><div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwjkZvExTFsuSf-asoB53XZyQEv6h1b1zLL3HwIKl7mSqam5smnPylkDIf150joqxeu3xqPsWpjbQ77829Qu14SFKMn8ovpCM2EW0XS9-NZop7azKOeq-g76pG3Dv3HxyumP7NnQVqbaMW/s1600-h/IMG_2564.jpg"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwjkZvExTFsuSf-asoB53XZyQEv6h1b1zLL3HwIKl7mSqam5smnPylkDIf150joqxeu3xqPsWpjbQ77829Qu14SFKMn8ovpCM2EW0XS9-NZop7azKOeq-g76pG3Dv3HxyumP7NnQVqbaMW/s320/IMG_2564.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5451399263664060722" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px; " /></a><div style="text-align: center; "><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#000066;">Nong Khiaw and the Nam Ou</span></b></div><div style="text-align: center; "><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#000066;"><br /></span></b></div></div><div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiV1DMI_bOrfyiwvq3vfY0gYOhevBTJ6tIW36PNLK90AS27peyfNb1Amz0gVxPAcnj1NgecCKPaxx6tTtQG-jdQncPQpup5WD0Jq8lkKA8bWmA6070KGQ4meQmtXQp-WUQcnd0ZqQleEV-j/s1600-h/IMG_2565+edit.jpg"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiV1DMI_bOrfyiwvq3vfY0gYOhevBTJ6tIW36PNLK90AS27peyfNb1Amz0gVxPAcnj1NgecCKPaxx6tTtQG-jdQncPQpup5WD0Jq8lkKA8bWmA6070KGQ4meQmtXQp-WUQcnd0ZqQleEV-j/s320/IMG_2565+edit.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5451399273379030226" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px; " /></a><div style="text-align: center; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#000066;"><b>The view from the bridge in Nong Khiaw</b></span></div><div style="text-align: center; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#000066;"><b>to the Nam Ou below</b></span></div></div><div><br /></div><div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDwfVePu88_PZhFG6gpBESXc1RDDpEK5lZiK7UW3Geulz4b-A_YsboJV5Y1wWDzYK3RjQ31ls9YmUut-VeRSYfdjZ_7xDcfaQUQRVqhI91DqGue5UfCBWv-NxAT4YVa4Nx92FZooUCL2Zj/s1600-h/IMG_2598.jpg"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDwfVePu88_PZhFG6gpBESXc1RDDpEK5lZiK7UW3Geulz4b-A_YsboJV5Y1wWDzYK3RjQ31ls9YmUut-VeRSYfdjZ_7xDcfaQUQRVqhI91DqGue5UfCBWv-NxAT4YVa4Nx92FZooUCL2Zj/s320/IMG_2598.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5451399276474305154" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px; " /></a><div style="text-align: center; "><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#000066;">Muang Noi - Villages use old cluster bomb </span></b></div><div style="text-align: center; "><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#000066;">casings for fencing</span></b></div><div style="text-align: center; "><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#000066;"><br /></span></b></div><div style="text-align: center; "><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#000066;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-weight: normal; "><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIIupa_4N-g6buTFBwxEd2_oZT6Lj7AcaqorVmJkVeo8jEPFR9JZDZEGg4ELJANWqtLrtXs2IDc0cPPiDiXOa2bYyvhPyZMyArJsbWZKxxxKty-5SgwgwLAbyX0ivMboSA9JFSxA9X7H1F/s1600-h/IMG_2601.jpg"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIIupa_4N-g6buTFBwxEd2_oZT6Lj7AcaqorVmJkVeo8jEPFR9JZDZEGg4ELJANWqtLrtXs2IDc0cPPiDiXOa2bYyvhPyZMyArJsbWZKxxxKty-5SgwgwLAbyX0ivMboSA9JFSxA9X7H1F/s320/IMG_2601.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5451399526123827026" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px; " /></a><div style="text-align: center; "><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#000066;">Sunset at the village Muang Noi</span></b></div><div style="text-align: center; "><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#000066;"><br /></span></b></div><div style="text-align: center; "><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#000066;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-weight: normal; "><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7GOF6vzc46EojiwGeUqMBa-V9P8m3sA-kBPdfW0a1Sy-TS6KWcvZX8nfx0UnvmrLVZAdiclGcQUWUUOZt7yTWrGx6a55l7721N7zfXnqecq29xmC7Mho2ydaYGypxOpb54j8vsGMQLlQE/s1600-h/IMG_2635.jpg"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7GOF6vzc46EojiwGeUqMBa-V9P8m3sA-kBPdfW0a1Sy-TS6KWcvZX8nfx0UnvmrLVZAdiclGcQUWUUOZt7yTWrGx6a55l7721N7zfXnqecq29xmC7Mho2ydaYGypxOpb54j8vsGMQLlQE/s320/IMG_2635.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5451399536392939970" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px; " /></a><div style="text-align: center; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#000066;"><b>Sheen getting ready to float down the Nam Ou</b></span></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZL9Mlg-D34EZPvnYxDpwpOxNq7xB39CfHclReEaoy09jE7XJ0dolgxpCQAtVJsVZ21RIj7sXgGt1n3x9qEHXMV8SD3VHfx4gnIjgXiQhYZENu66zkU3uvCcd4_usrs5gDKWXgf7DBb-rf/s1600-h/IMG_2625.jpg"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZL9Mlg-D34EZPvnYxDpwpOxNq7xB39CfHclReEaoy09jE7XJ0dolgxpCQAtVJsVZ21RIj7sXgGt1n3x9qEHXMV8SD3VHfx4gnIjgXiQhYZENu66zkU3uvCcd4_usrs5gDKWXgf7DBb-rf/s320/IMG_2625.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5451399531897172178" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px; " /></a><div style="text-align: center; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#000066;"><b>One of the villages on the Nam Ou</b></span></div><div style="text-align: center; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#000066;"><b><br /></b></span></div></span></span></b></div></span></span></b></div></div><div>Sheena and I spent about a week heading up the river stopping off at places along the way (including an unexpected wedding where we had the local hooch Lao Lao shoved down our throats) until we made it all the way up to the remote town of Phongsali right up near the Chinese border. Phongsali is a former French hill station located up in the mountains surrounded by wild flowers and tribal villages. Phongsali was actually more like a revisit to China with a large presence of Chinese immigrants and Chinese food available. It was weird being up in the cold mountains having spent so much time in the much warmer climates down at sea level.</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaOxPDpiW0bBrsYXKp5J0M2cNWD0sObjMKyYXYzARN_PKnlsb1heI54x5e22l851TMnL-CjJ8gsNDkLXTY0pkhD78xRB8JTIlNltVHMRMQpRFPHg11dUqjzTka5x-iu3AOc5cXLD_4F1It/s1600-h/IMG_2641.jpg"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaOxPDpiW0bBrsYXKp5J0M2cNWD0sObjMKyYXYzARN_PKnlsb1heI54x5e22l851TMnL-CjJ8gsNDkLXTY0pkhD78xRB8JTIlNltVHMRMQpRFPHg11dUqjzTka5x-iu3AOc5cXLD_4F1It/s320/IMG_2641.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5451399541128602306" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px; " /></a><div style="text-align: center; "><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#000066;">Many hours spent in boats like this</span></b></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMwZy7EcUrhopujIGGR_F3g24FxSJwaBajlsdYpf4j9iEvoZ2sexBJhKtj4HEDyga1N4o7XpFuYHFZhpUCXpd2noGvxB-L96H2oPvoAz216MZr2G3pTesMmwqRrTL2cOghepy3EF2Csn_D/s1600-h/IMG_2662.jpg"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMwZy7EcUrhopujIGGR_F3g24FxSJwaBajlsdYpf4j9iEvoZ2sexBJhKtj4HEDyga1N4o7XpFuYHFZhpUCXpd2noGvxB-L96H2oPvoAz216MZr2G3pTesMmwqRrTL2cOghepy3EF2Csn_D/s320/IMG_2662.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5451399543646077426" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px; " /></a><div style="text-align: center; "><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#000066;">Sheena and our guide in Phongsali</span></b></div></div><div><br /></div><div>Our river trip meant for many many hours sitting on wooden planks in noisy boats and we were both glad when the trip came to an end, however we were sad as well as it meant the end of our stint in Laos. With possibly the friendliest people in the world living in the most amazing scenery, Laos is one of the most beautiful countries I have ever visited. The friendliness of the people is especially inspiring, seeing as the amount they suffered during Americas “secret war” that was conducted in Laos simultaneously with the Vietnam war. More bombs were dropped on Laos during that period than what were dropped during the entirety of World War 2, resulting in casualties of up to 1/6th of the entire Laotian population. Terrible stuff… and yet having endured so much and having had their country literally “sent back to the stone age” Laos is rebuilding and forgetting and their (tourism) future seems quite bright.</div><div><br /></div><div>We hope we get to come back again one day.</div><div><br /></div><div>Simon & Sheena</div><div><br /></div></div>Simon and Sheenahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08233662842760091770noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2499237260670655211.post-80512496972125984292010-03-15T19:07:00.000-07:002010-03-16T03:57:18.329-07:0027th February 2010 - 1st March 2010 - The Gibbon Experience (Laos)<div style="text-align: left;"><b>Zipping, Bee Stings, & Singing</b></div><div><div><br /></div><div>3 days is not a very long time to dedicate an entire blog entry to, however the Gibbon Experience deserves some special attention. For the name Gibbon Experience is very true, this little trip truly was an experience!</div><div><br /></div><div>For those who do not know what it is, The Gibbon Experience involves staying for 3 days, 2 nights, in tree houses perched 30m+ above the ground in the beautiful Bokeo National Park in north eastern Laos. The organisation that runs the trip focuses on sustainable ecotourism with the main purpose to enable people to be immersed in the jungle with the added attraction of possibly getting to see the very rare Gibbon and hear their incredible song.</div><div><br /></div><div>The Gibbon Experience covers a large area of the national park, and so as a means of getting around, one has to trek a fair amount, however there are also many zip lines which can be up to 400m long and up to 150m above the ground. These zips connect the tree houses to the hill sides or intermediate platforms perched well above the ground! These zip lines are what probably attracts most people to the trip, and to be honest it certainly played a part in our desire to spend $350 each!! It’s impossible to describe the feeling of attaching your harness to a cable, and then throwing yourself off a tree, seeing the valley disappear below you, flying over the tree tops in the middle of a jungle… it was simply breath taking and exhilarating. Any video cannot give it justice.</div><div><br /></div><div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4vC9dRGWGpwZ2JJ_oYgvUP6A9j8vdtonGpoIWqj4QkNODWMMKQqw_zigUvOnaMTjqjy6J4MBTwgK1qLCVIn0TUgvIdewvdHtjc1jgxPkD1pmn8r7r1977-gOZfIqDN_2r9l8Nw6ZpohA_/s1600-h/IMG_2417.jpg"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4vC9dRGWGpwZ2JJ_oYgvUP6A9j8vdtonGpoIWqj4QkNODWMMKQqw_zigUvOnaMTjqjy6J4MBTwgK1qLCVIn0TUgvIdewvdHtjc1jgxPkD1pmn8r7r1977-gOZfIqDN_2r9l8Nw6ZpohA_/s320/IMG_2417.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5449165088299911826" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px; " /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#000066;">Zipping into our tree house</span></b></div><div><br /></div><div>There are only a small number of tree houses and a small number of people accommodating them for the 3 days. We shared our tree house with 3 young Swedish travellers (2 boys and a girl) and another young male German rock climber, all of whom were very nice. Sheena and I were the oldest and were hence dubbed Grandma and Grandpa, which we think is a bit rough being only 26! However we did feel a bit old, as during the treks it was quite hard to keep up with 20 year old European giants with legs longer than Sheena herself. Besides young Europeans, we shared our tree house with some non human inhabitants. One being an adorable kitten who was the ruler of abode… she survived on our leftovers and the odd unlucky cicada (we found it a bit strange that an organisation that promotes sustaining the jungle would place cats in the tree houses???). Sheena hates cats… well at least she used to… this kitten won her over by coming into our mosquito net and snuggling between the two of us whilst we slept, and then if we needed to go to the toilet, the kitten would get up with us and escort us down the ladder to the loo, standing guard whilst we did our business and escorting us back up… very cute. The other inhabitants were much more native, but less cute and certainly more aggressive! Our tree was lucky enough to have several bee hives attached... Big bees too, some up to 2cm long. These bees were fairly angry and certainly didn’t like zip lines, chasing everyone down the cable as they went past. I was lucky enough to upset a bee enough for it to commit suicide by leaving his stinger in my ear whilst I was flying down a cable 30m above the ground. I can tell you that zipping is made far less fun if a bee is buzzing around your head and your ear is on fire. 1.5 hours later, the searing pain had subsided somewhat, but writing this blog 12 days after the event, I can still feel it in my ear. I have never been stung by something like that before!</div><div><br /></div><div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgc8cOp3FPKFS0-ujQ01rBfCR2Il_5UmtYZzh6pL_89LqMxTO0FiRpQv0pC_FAJ6BzvV1UZJ_UlQvk759wbIjmeSw8FVi-2cRscDOywnbuDlNp52xl9NJKjPZ1o-rVEARbjIJ_jmxazbkje/s1600-h/IMG_2436.jpg"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgc8cOp3FPKFS0-ujQ01rBfCR2Il_5UmtYZzh6pL_89LqMxTO0FiRpQv0pC_FAJ6BzvV1UZJ_UlQvk759wbIjmeSw8FVi-2cRscDOywnbuDlNp52xl9NJKjPZ1o-rVEARbjIJ_jmxazbkje/s320/IMG_2436.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5449165093984414338" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px; " /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#000066;">About 3 seconds before being attacked by bees</span></b></div><div><br /></div><div>After our first day, which was spent getting used to the zips and flying about as we pleased, we got up before dawn at 5:30 to embark on a trek with a guide to try and spot the elusive Gibbon. We started by literally running up a hill in the jungle trying to chase a sound that only the guide could hear. After an hour or so of not seeing much we went back to our tree for breakfast. After breakfast, more zipping and some long trekking… then more zipping…</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqTUgVFmMvmhTTKAyvz1Ft9_h89xDola7x6lsZQ0jT_-vG9L34EXv2GZw6zE_VLWZqqo0dIooa5v36F1hZ-ggprXKFgrvu8I-fcz51OSnSksXlIU5krxsCkRrpefw_EeBayzP79AbiQti2/s320/IMG_2451.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5449165105352666418" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px; " /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#000066;">More Zipping!</span></b></span></div><div><br /></div><div>The next day, we decided to not bother running through the jungle as we thought we would have a better chance seeing the gibbons from our tree house if they were to appear. What a great move that turned out to be. At first we could hear them singing from a distance whilst still lying in bed and as the sound got louder and louder we could then eventually see them swinging from tree to tree on the ridge a few hundred metres away. As great as it was to see the gibbons, for me the true enjoyment came from their truly incredible song they sing together. There’s only one way I can really describe it (indulge me for a minute)… to me it sounded like a smooth high frequency sine wave note slowly having it’s cut off filter modulated by an LFO (low frequency oscillator) creating a gated effected that got louder and louder as more gibbons chimed in. So incredible that I’m sure The Chemical Brothers listened to some Gibbons before creating their electronic wonder pieces ;-). Probably a really unromantic way of describing such a sound, and most readers probably won’t understand it either hehe, but I’m sorry that’s the only way I know how. I suggest you come to Laos to hear it for yourself… if not that, I’m sure Wikipedia can enlighten you :p</div><div><br /></div><div>So in the end, after 3 great days of zipping above the tree tops (which was just too much fun), the experience I will remember the most was listening to a bunch of primates sing their morning song. I never would have thought that be the case. Besides my bee sting to the ear, the only other incident involved Sheena zipping and deciding to use her forearm as a break, leaving a mighty impressive black and red cable mark on her skin, which apparently stung according to her, and I believe it.. See for yourself!</div><div><br /></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgF8F0zJm-9dAVJl1QsK2_1ZMU5hDDvCaeIKqD8lxkM0IWNN6eLApkho7m9OAlZgkRfVoQg5JYr-F7qZ8MKwYesS8dNl0PAglG8fHAhBLNr4MI_OKhthNNbgLwHX1XAnq6qHgW1hmwf6Cxu/s320/IMG_2456.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5449165111163494498" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px; " /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#000066;">Nice scar</span></b></div><div><br /></div><div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPH9QWwFAQgz1fae3e8h1iNLYDSNmiKanxHxKywjVtFY69k4EeRP89ktT6OwnzlIRw9pCL0GLDP6lu85bwwauFpmQJSOZCkXf_ksfToM6oMQ4R9ifHzRzQr9vnGCM_K0iFyjsUagC5C2r_/s1600-h/IMG_2457.jpg"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPH9QWwFAQgz1fae3e8h1iNLYDSNmiKanxHxKywjVtFY69k4EeRP89ktT6OwnzlIRw9pCL0GLDP6lu85bwwauFpmQJSOZCkXf_ksfToM6oMQ4R9ifHzRzQr9vnGCM_K0iFyjsUagC5C2r_/s320/IMG_2457.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5449165121281286306" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px; " /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#000066;"><b>Our Tree House</b></span></div><div><br /></div><div>We couldn’t have had a better way to introduce ourselves to Laos… not exactly authentic, however it left a smile on our face which hasn't left since arriving in this beautiful country. We have been here 10 days now and I have a lot more to write. That will have to be saved till next time.</div><div><br /></div><div>So long!</div><div><br /></div><div>Simon & Sheena</div><div><br /></div></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dzoRL8XW1VcnMoLFAXyxeRUNZrB1gQgARUfx7fwRzsBZ1T3L5i_I-ngRFBNYf8VRbjSGU6hxPaoRCjrNtkj6A' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div><div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#000066;">One of the smaller zips back home</span></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#000066;"><br /></span></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#000066;"><br /></span></b></div><div><br /></div></div>Simon and Sheenahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08233662842760091770noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2499237260670655211.post-36850225887118572492010-03-15T08:21:00.000-07:002010-03-15T08:49:35.338-07:0012th February 2010 - 25th February 2010 - Bangkok - Sukhothai - Chiang Mai<div style="text-align: center;"><i>(note that I wrote this blog a while ago but haven't had the chance of posting it till now)</i></div><div><b><br /></b></div><div><b>Culture and shit...</b></div><div><br /></div><div>Sawutdee Krup!</div><div><br /></div><div>Lazy time over… after a month of acquiring a wad more freckles and a darker shade of brown (as many relatives would say; “My Sheena you are so dark!”), it was time to leave the sandy shores and venture up north to expose ourselves to what we like to call “culture and shit” (oh the irony). So after another comfy bus ride we arrived in Bangkok and headed to the regular travellers haunt around Khao San Rd to look for some accommodation (it‘s the easiest place to go).</div><div><br /></div><div>In Bangkok we visited the regular sights such as the Palace and surrounding wats with their impressive Buddahs and chedis, whilst also getting beaten to a pulp in a pleasant way by some of Thailands most revered masseurs at the famous centre in Wat Phra Chetuphon. Chinatown made for an interesting visit with it’s range of food (such as flattened and grilled pig face) and shops, which made a nice change from wandering around the generic tourist stalls around Khao San Rd.</div><div><br /></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhq_MVBVUGm5mzcdfIyxkHezdPYcAVons14y0l-yarjwE5Q4hPTnHiFCW9T1kNFJ-Py-xWyGwgJh6-aYGnajIs4bIHqCf5JwpaYbOP_iwLYueYOssYCL6fqVyAQhccpEEHji8ow7wGf0D63/s320/IMG_2246.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5448882230261345250" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px; " /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#330099;"><b>Wat Phra Chetuphon</b></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#330099;"><b><br /></b></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#330099;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); font-weight: normal; -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDnFciENocwTEnzNNUdn5_GCD9AWzLmNEDYAJuVPhHRzHjcG15LGn9SRumw-3b5V7nAsQICrO95nsZ2vdJlBY_15DLdacke-OtZAqF3cTgnqYEyhnaCzy_zLe_C5BO1t9-uaSQ2OrMKFdh/s320/IMG_2252.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5448882231097104786" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px; " /></span></b></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#000066;">Checking out the Royal Palace in Bangkok</span></span></b></span></div><div><br /></div><div>We were required to obtain our Laos visas in Bangkok and as a result we were forced to wait a few days until the process was completed. We utilised the time by taking a day trip out to Ayutthaya to visit the ruins of one of Thailand’s ancient capitals. The visit was very worthwhile with many interesting ruins to roam around containing tombs, wats, and Buddah statues. Thailand has had several capitals in it’s history with Ayutthaya, Sukhothai, and Bangkok being the most interesting. Ayutthaya and Sukhothai were both attacked, burned and looted by the neighbouring Burmese leaving behind the ruins seen today.</div><div><br /></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRRlLjjMYf_MxTicbqNTgXW5wsMHtMMnQ8IOnvrAzVODgCuhimUV2V-SqMqkFMSzOrfzkq8DpwfpDLC0F257pwCXKiZwx1CIKdVZdEmbfrUgBl9jNMN5bQzMXhwBMTGduQ3bisuHgUKlIE/s320/IMG_2257.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5448882240230246482" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px; " /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><br /></span></div><div><br /></div><div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfJKoDWvpaVUOu5DWEOp8494a1ZdXTdIwFuwtGn0IIY6zV-nRqcjl1o2UCJy-sGd7kMU72Kg16y_2ydeRRWHi_MxzXJDl2tpsN3HMYPidXNzK6k-kh3CfYENxlx0VklzXqEXTx9BRwdHvN/s1600-h/IMG_2262.jpg"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfJKoDWvpaVUOu5DWEOp8494a1ZdXTdIwFuwtGn0IIY6zV-nRqcjl1o2UCJy-sGd7kMU72Kg16y_2ydeRRWHi_MxzXJDl2tpsN3HMYPidXNzK6k-kh3CfYENxlx0VklzXqEXTx9BRwdHvN/s320/IMG_2262.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5448882254390335362" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px; " /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirTWNf9HnmNbvB3PadA2HgaS0j6y4REZ4Sm5mbX-WCDDGQoNQWU9C2fv_qckglGWmdwwrsJDPmFFUlFByNbrxEX7oYznnQdMEhBvlbPc9WNVl73148Npa6Zpnf7MnqG3nR_gky5rgnrkY-/s1600-h/IMG_2261.jpg"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirTWNf9HnmNbvB3PadA2HgaS0j6y4REZ4Sm5mbX-WCDDGQoNQWU9C2fv_qckglGWmdwwrsJDPmFFUlFByNbrxEX7oYznnQdMEhBvlbPc9WNVl73148Npa6Zpnf7MnqG3nR_gky5rgnrkY-/s320/IMG_2261.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5448882251994212850" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px; " /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#000066;"><b>The Ancient City of Ayutthaya</b></span></div><div><br /></div><div>The day after receiving our passports back, we headed up to Sukhothai. The older of the two ancient capitals populated over 800 years ago, Sukhothai is located almost midway between Bangkok and Chiang Mai making it an excellent place to break up a long journey. I was very keen to visit the ancient city and Sheena was less keen as it would have been so easy to get an overnight train all the way to Chiang Mai. Might I just say “I was right and she was wrong” :p Sukhothai was up there with one of the most spectacular sights I have ever seen. A fantastically maintained historical park containing enormous Buddha statues, and the ruins of palaces and wats, made even the more enjoyable by the fact you can cycle around in relative peace and quiet due to the low numbers. Standing in front of a pond reflecting the sun drenched images of the ancient palace at sunset made for a particularly memorable experience.</div><div><br /></div><div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbT7p1dMTedcVjQNx6qiUHMCAIrKhpGC3AVs2W5A87ZzkFcDRktBwClmdu0ESGEjt2ecikgUZhOnOWH8O4dbiauJh1PDZJBSGoZJVf6SZKPS4Hy9b3eIpKAo0isQhObbwhXj22_6U5hboK/s1600-h/IMG_2294.jpg"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbT7p1dMTedcVjQNx6qiUHMCAIrKhpGC3AVs2W5A87ZzkFcDRktBwClmdu0ESGEjt2ecikgUZhOnOWH8O4dbiauJh1PDZJBSGoZJVf6SZKPS4Hy9b3eIpKAo0isQhObbwhXj22_6U5hboK/s320/IMG_2294.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5448882768343256114" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px; " /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2zpJ3Gx8jChq3BX4zpUvxkpgnNIU91IkC_NuXAFaKKLS4In-82-ZfwqPx_F48OLdoWMa-KHolL_b4Rhxq_PknekFaEFJXZQZjIy2w3m26YVb8k8zFyrJn6Z0XpflwxWsuStDg0fLXWj1Z/s1600-h/IMG_2284.jpg"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2zpJ3Gx8jChq3BX4zpUvxkpgnNIU91IkC_NuXAFaKKLS4In-82-ZfwqPx_F48OLdoWMa-KHolL_b4Rhxq_PknekFaEFJXZQZjIy2w3m26YVb8k8zFyrJn6Z0XpflwxWsuStDg0fLXWj1Z/s320/IMG_2284.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5448882757417208690" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px; " /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaYNtg8bdNsY1w04BYCx6UGnFMYhBVSDfwR3T2odaiVRzWs_DA4SgybrP85_MXxZfkmpnv2IhC2zUnsZ_u0ySiN_SsTeW-bIyEDyok098-Iy6mWV891745IzceulWOrS4ZdNeOQ6tM5Min/s1600-h/IMG_2280.jpg"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaYNtg8bdNsY1w04BYCx6UGnFMYhBVSDfwR3T2odaiVRzWs_DA4SgybrP85_MXxZfkmpnv2IhC2zUnsZ_u0ySiN_SsTeW-bIyEDyok098-Iy6mWV891745IzceulWOrS4ZdNeOQ6tM5Min/s320/IMG_2280.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5448882751406914994" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px; " /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZhrd_fjX3-QPiQqijgfQWm-tP9IiBGjZTPrOZPzChgPmcu0f7VT_X4zKC9OQegDV6JG9EYdhyphenhyphen7kmU2jLhk3SBhuNY-fy-Rsi5ii8-gMP9fRg8_VItCsusWZgtDv7_KP6QZ1XGKSqp9vzq/s1600-h/IMG_2278.jpg"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZhrd_fjX3-QPiQqijgfQWm-tP9IiBGjZTPrOZPzChgPmcu0f7VT_X4zKC9OQegDV6JG9EYdhyphenhyphen7kmU2jLhk3SBhuNY-fy-Rsi5ii8-gMP9fRg8_VItCsusWZgtDv7_KP6QZ1XGKSqp9vzq/s320/IMG_2278.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5448882745690987890" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px; " /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikumBuHLiGv9L9-aRPZBg9EicEgMHqvRqTvawzClfmHtll5Y_aABlkSmWu1JrRZ02iFqO7RclJG3_Bt3E-cGi-vS24RkESJdV8m2bBL_qGkKRh9JmrjqOaIE564rC67DkfsTlnBrscQGtI/s1600-h/IMG_2271.jpg"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikumBuHLiGv9L9-aRPZBg9EicEgMHqvRqTvawzClfmHtll5Y_aABlkSmWu1JrRZ02iFqO7RclJG3_Bt3E-cGi-vS24RkESJdV8m2bBL_qGkKRh9JmrjqOaIE564rC67DkfsTlnBrscQGtI/s320/IMG_2271.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5448882738050835858" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px; " /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#000066;"><b>Cycling and admiring the beautiful</b></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#000066;"><b>Sukhothai</b></span></div><div><br /></div><div>By the time we reached Chiang Mai, we were fairly ready for some relaxation, so our stay in town was fairly subdued. Our time was predominantly spent spending the morning eating and reading in our favourite breakfast joint, followed by a wander around the walled old city or simply continuing reading and relaxing in our room. We did manage to find time for a cooking class one fun afternoon at our favourite breakfast restaurant where we both learned to make green curry and pad thai from scratch. We broke up our stay in Chiang Mai with a trip out to Pai (pronounced “bye” not “pie”!), we had heard a lot about this place as it is written up as a travellers oasis. Unfortunately for us we came at the wrong time of year… usually Pai is green and lush with a beautiful flowing river.. we got to see a river half full and a whole stack of burnt trees and black ground as all the farmers use the “slash and burn” technique to prepare for the next years crop,.. A technique which conservationists are trying to eradicate. Our trip to Pai was saved by a really fun visit to an elephant camp where we got to ride bare back for a an hour (about 45 minutes too long to be honest) and then got to play with the elephant in the river! The elephant is trained to throw us off it’s back into the water and spray us with it’s trunk… really great fun J. I’m very conscious of cruelty to animals and I donate to WSPA every month, I also research animal parks before visiting them, hence why we didn’t go to the Tiger Temple in Kanchanaburi. Some people say that elephants shouldn’t be utilised in this manner, however I’m off the opinion that humans and animals can interact in many different ways, as long as the elephant is being kept full of food and is happy, I don’t see the problem. All in all, besides a stressful afternoon when we realised we were running out of pages in our passport, our trip to Chiang Mai and around was very pleasant made even nicer by getting to see a friendly face from home in Jess one night at the markets.</div><div><br /></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1eewmReqzov-znAUI1W1XAmChkKCrnYch9ZD6yRkutouIRGMUsyq1Dq1dECq5QZsO09dh-tGf1ge8sSDYjfGT3VFHBO6NYK_D8fNqA983aKt56rcg0qe1H4Ibv3rP_Cf8gmgaHE1g2ssx/s320/IMG_2338.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5448882998625794706" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px; " /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#000066;">Our friendly elephant in Pai</span></b></span></div><div><br /></div><div>Thailand has come to an end now and Laos has since beckoned…Sheena and I both admit that we aren’t the most culturally inquisitive people, however we do like to understand at least a synopsis of history for whatever country we may be in at any time. Yet having spoken to many other tourists whilst in Thailand, it would appear that a large percentage of visitors to the country have no real interest in history, culture, and food and are purely interested in lazing on the sand, drinking, partying, and in some cases having sex with as many locals as possible. This to me is pretty sad, and I personally think people are missing out on learning something fascinating or tasting something flavoursome and spicy (harden the f**k up people and learn to eat the damn chilli!). Each to their own I guess, but it‘s hard not to be a little critical if not high and mighty when you think a country‘s integrity is being whittled away… I heard a guy say today that “Thailand knows tourism and Laos doesn’t”… I’m sitting in Laos right now writing this blog and I think that Laos understands Thailand’s tourist industry; they think it’s gotten out of control. </div><div>Laos seem to be making a concerted effort not to become the next Asian theme park. I hope they keep it up. Our trip through Thailand was fantastic, we loved almost every minute of it, and will most likely come back again…. however, I hope that if it any more changes occur to the country, they are in the reverse direction to where the place is heading now.</div><div><br /></div><div>Time for a beer Lao (which Sheena now drinks!)</div><div><br /></div><div>Bye!</div><div><br /></div><div>Simon & Sheena</div><div><br /></div>Simon and Sheenahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08233662842760091770noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2499237260670655211.post-68508962588835979422010-02-18T08:00:00.000-08:002010-02-24T22:01:12.005-08:0018th January 2010 - 11th February 2010 - Langkawi - Thai Islands<div style="text-align: left;"><b>Islands, islands and more islands</b></div><div><br /></div><div>I suppose I should write another blog seeing as another well defined leg of the trip is over.. But it’s really hot and I’m pretty tired from riding a bike all day and I don’t really feel like I’ve got a creative hat on so this may not be the most interesting read.. Feel free to skip to the pictures!</div><div><br /></div><div>So after our culinary experience in Penang we jumped on a boat to the Malaysian Island of Langkawi and after a few hours of sea spray we were at our tax haven. Langkawi is nice… the beach is nice… and the beer is really cheap… which is nice… the food isn’t so nice… but all in all Langkawi is, well, nice… I’m glad we went there before the Thai Islands though as we probably would’ve been disappointed.</div><div><br /></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwEI9qBC_HfFvsmBjZPnYkW_xcC1L1PzNA6vD6FGvh4D-3yHGo3NMmtnr2PBbJhj0pEGQBKpKCf786IXPABURexXawLL2NFs7lx7dDrmK4B_3ldJAYD8yZgdJeD42bnRG3wgSLf18UaE1V/s320/IMG_2053.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5439614513573166562" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px; " /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#000066;"><b>Langkawi - Drinking beer at sunset</b></span></span></div><div><br /></div><div>Whilst in Langkawi we learned that you can only get 15 day visas on the Thai border instead of the 30 day visas previously offered. This meant we had to go back to Penang to get a 60 day visa from the consulate.. Massive pain in the ass… but at least it meant we got another good meal, and further more, it has meant we’ve had the freedom to spend more time in Thailand. So there was a silver lining.</div><div><br /></div><div>From Penang we caught a speedy mini bus all the way up to Krabi on the west coast of Thailand on the other side of Phangnga Bay from Phuket. We both really liked Krabi as it had some great market food such as crispy chicken salad and crispy catfish salad, both very spicy but both really tasty. However we also liked the general vibe of Krabi combined with our excellent value guesthouse (Ban To Guesthouse), and as a result we stayed longer than anticipated.</div><div><br /></div><div>From Krabi we first visited Rai Leh, which is located on the Phangnga Peninsula and is only accessible by boat. We took our first of many rides in a long tail boat to Rai Leh and and here we got our first “Thai Island experience”… crystal blue water… limestone cliffs… and lots of burning Europeans on the sand. (Speaking of Europeans, I wasn’t aware that the national language of Thailand is German… but apparently that’s what the majority of people here speak… there you go). Rai Leh is stunning, and although the first beach we went to was great, it wasn’t a patch on Phra Nang Beach a further 10 minutes walk away where the limestone cliffs and stalactites precariously loom over the water. Bizarrely, the beach is also home to a cave where locals worship a god by placing large penis statues at the shrine!</div><div><br /></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihNSfoQCKTcAoMJ839O7MX9uWSOc_x-TgDxALW1P_UjbAwV9Gb8XQeXMjc4-_YfEXRceI8Yw3yWpzvybMMwSrfqKwjfV3u8aKOMJFVC09u5uE7Ke5DuZMexYhtlWNPUFHkOHsHM51ykEmY/s320/IMG_2088.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5439614526505065810" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px; " /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#000066;">Phra Nang Beach</span></b></span></div><div><br /></div><div>There is also a lagoon in Rai Leh, however to visit it, you have to climb up a very steep path using ropes and clinging on to rocks and then climb down three vertical drops of about 4m each also by rope and rock. This was rather unexpected as there was no mention of it in any guide book or at the start of the walk itself. Although unexpected, the rope climbing was really fun and a little bit scary which made the lagoon all the more rewarding and all in all our day in Rai Leh very memorable.</div><div><br /></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwqub5V8QHWV2yhG0fTlq7jPoYXGX1iHBbX7whGf5IjqSLpWA1XFgo1gGa1EA6KK2Rp-udbUn1bMPG8Xz_R3oVpYf3Ms1MdxEU3ekAbmKMDe0zyNhFkreQA_X9AmALkrZmc99jKKz0IAjz/s320/IMG_2068.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5439614522436506706" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px; " /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#000066;"><b>Scrambling up the rocks</b></span></div><div>Another day trip from Krabi involved some snorkelling and kayaking around Hong Island, once again located in the bay. We got a really good taste of what was to come on the trip, seeing some beautiful tropical fish, and a decent amount of colourful coral. Kayaking around the island itself was good fun and provided a very different view of the limestone island. Pictures won’t reflect our amazing these islands actually are.. Definitely worth the hype.</div><div><br /></div><div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnN36_piPvjeng5ai_w2Y50GLJ_dIdDgU4PYLNjdo_OElGIrisNfD2Swsc3FFfEBV5WAGSDr1Ey4E08lJBVcpwjsrQEgm4hAJ0SvFIQrwXsxQCCcyQb4GBxGYOGoxqWtIXzqe9Atxa-Exd/s1600-h/IMG_2109.JPG"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnN36_piPvjeng5ai_w2Y50GLJ_dIdDgU4PYLNjdo_OElGIrisNfD2Swsc3FFfEBV5WAGSDr1Ey4E08lJBVcpwjsrQEgm4hAJ0SvFIQrwXsxQCCcyQb4GBxGYOGoxqWtIXzqe9Atxa-Exd/s320/IMG_2109.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5439614533728900402" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px; " /></a><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#000066;"><b>Hong Island</b></span></div></div><div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWdMxEbXBSJT5V6PjqMXreep54EDJnYf0uVXAtM45HL1JBfTjkFsDt4gj2EOfEMgi-gNLLsFHJH-a2HxfgG-_lbKPGR_buImvfKcKmY1epjPa5DnGoa6VT7UiMNm1oUj9i2xe32aKxxcVt/s1600-h/IMG_2104.JPG"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWdMxEbXBSJT5V6PjqMXreep54EDJnYf0uVXAtM45HL1JBfTjkFsDt4gj2EOfEMgi-gNLLsFHJH-a2HxfgG-_lbKPGR_buImvfKcKmY1epjPa5DnGoa6VT7UiMNm1oUj9i2xe32aKxxcVt/s320/IMG_2104.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5439614529111184386" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px; " /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#000066;"><b>Kayaking around Hong Island</b></span></div><div><br /></div><div>So we finally left Krabi and headed out to the famous Phi Phi Island… Pretty much paradise on earth. Not wanting to stay in the generic town centre we instead stayed out of town near Long Beach in a place called Viking Nature Resort. A very nice place with it’s own private beach. Soon we were drinking Bacardi on the porch of our upgraded suite taking it all in. Really all we did in Phi Phi was eat, drink and snorkel. I was lucky enough to be able to swim with Black Tipped Reef Sharks in the early hours of the morning right off Long Beach. Unfortunately Sheena couldn’t come because there was quite a strong current and it took pretty much all of my swimming strength to negotiate the pull of the water. Seeing sharks was awesome!</div><div><br /></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgR5IVnbLq-AfkeH2X69mqEEWi_dQxN3wxIbEbX8C2YSyZkhID8cCtSFiwgG5UniOX0m4cdVL27TdGC7LdvEtMGMG4oiuaxikexxdLB85r2ncOVdmlQTlVu2fLG0EzjWsxojZLN70aTFGVj/s320/IMG_2118.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5439615032434874626" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px; " /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#000066;">Our private beach on Koh Phi Phi</span></b></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#000066;"><br /></span></b></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#000066;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); font-weight: normal; -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKY0gQsafe3syZGVnRtuh8rJxNamb9pgbMVSacWSZfFAJr_KNecVqGhHX4PorRl6fpH7EOUKguURkfPGCloJE_r6LAaDeXiNU79gfI8hGAU2OWWzxFP4dDg9UEdtgAqK7SBR1TE4DAOBe3/s320/IMG_2122.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5439619093322798162" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px; " /></span></span></b></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#000066;">Enjoying the upgrade suite</span></b></div><div><br /></div><div>After Phi Phi we went to Patong in Phuket… it was shit… the best thing was seeing Avatar at the movies… end of…</div><div><br /></div><div>Far out.. I’ve written so much and I haven’t even gotten to the Surin Islands yet!</div><div><br /></div><div>The Surin Islands are the most northern Thai islands on the west coast of Thailand, right near the border with Burma. We read that these islands are the best in Thailand for snorkelling and so we forked out a wad of cash and headed out from our base in Khao Lak for a 3 day 2 night stay on the islands. We spent the 3 days free diving at various locations around the island which provided the most spectacular marine life and coral formations I have ever seen… Sheena said it was better than the Great Barrier Reef! The water depth rarely got deeper than 7m, which meant visibility was fantastic and it gave you the opportunity for some great free diving, getting amongst the corals and fish on the sea floor. The variety of marine life was outstanding with plenty of anemone fish (clown fish or Nemos), parrot fish, barracuda, and sharks etc, and although Sheena and I weren’t fortunate enough to see Green Turtles, plenty of people in our group did. Our accommodation was just a tent right on a deserted beach… and it was probably the most beautiful of all beaches we have come across. I now want to get my diving certificate so I can explore some more of what the northern Thai Islands have to offer.</div><div><br /></div><div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhe8Ou7LSASMVHug4JqsdU-URcH_hdXEWltxzQc0N6KCLnGkZWWTyjzCs0qvoMqSv79khyXDcuRWHCYbbb_CuOVC4Gpp7-Bsy6U7qcGrx4yRQfz4OS_I8DsrwRdoQeEP5PYMb-JmgOft70b/s1600-h/IMG_2193.jpg"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhe8Ou7LSASMVHug4JqsdU-URcH_hdXEWltxzQc0N6KCLnGkZWWTyjzCs0qvoMqSv79khyXDcuRWHCYbbb_CuOVC4Gpp7-Bsy6U7qcGrx4yRQfz4OS_I8DsrwRdoQeEP5PYMb-JmgOft70b/s320/IMG_2193.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5439615087213811250" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px; " /></a><div style="text-align: center;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#000066;">Surin Islands</span></b></div></div><div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjofwHGRPnUQAF6uYoM9rjJbdz80AJaJyQLESZayoxnBhxzAV7hsPeAVKB7CJDqzC3shZOCOEkd_yerRmNCu9cBoxzYXrCBgPOOEWmwyL0SLRU06PYnmbvQJzx-wBQSh8FbGOFwy0RGQmgZ/s1600-h/IMG_2169.jpg"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjofwHGRPnUQAF6uYoM9rjJbdz80AJaJyQLESZayoxnBhxzAV7hsPeAVKB7CJDqzC3shZOCOEkd_yerRmNCu9cBoxzYXrCBgPOOEWmwyL0SLRU06PYnmbvQJzx-wBQSh8FbGOFwy0RGQmgZ/s320/IMG_2169.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5439615069640041442" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px; " /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#000066;"><b>The view from our tent</b></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#000066;"><b><br /></b></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#000066;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); font-weight: normal; -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhC02WzyFIfuo7kWYebXWbwCvS_v4OvcqUUHlb8LOb4h6ddau_Sg0fmO4fkmLRxwp4EL2bafFD8OFYS6BcECJzL7G0KwDx4mlOVfHeNl3yvfav19NFgT-uKjd3tt4CvLNrvsuSvONbH4VJe/s320/IMG_2201.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5439619054152538370" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px; " /></span></b></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#000066;">Surin fun!</span></span></b></div><div><br /></div><div>Our Island adventure ended with a visit to the East side of the Thai Peninsula, just to check it out. However to break up the trip and to give ourselves a bit of diversity from the sun and water, we decided to visit Khao Sok National Park. Our time there involved a bit of trekking though the dense evergreen forest and a bit of hiding in our bungalow whilst monkeys tried to open the door! We would liked to have stayed longer and done some more exploring of the park, but that will have to wait for another time.</div><div><br /></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDV_BQ4pDwPv8r0t3JIfnTR5sHVFNNKM88dBO2w5JwcMqjx3oXw46NWdcI3uwvIY8TupXXrMLjklRcgLM-rNKcrSC6M_IBHKGh5ildBJWjYaNqek63_TTjdW5dB3G45kzdRH1EPynfTn4y/s320/IMG_2212.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5439619071616802162" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px; " /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#000066;">Monkey Trouble in Khao Sok</span></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#000066;"><br /></span></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#000066;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); font-weight: normal; -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpCMeadydOVtj64JKtg92p-AurAiGrdfZKRZnqiihEzCZNmK-O9re3rIU7YMGfIRl31u9bV9JOZBCujC-U60s_mXb_TkbcPGFXzs4lqL_rgVkY2MUPytDy2-0FlQdtSUEkD977bXeRgIxe/s320/IMG_2218.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5439619074548034146" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px; " /></span></span></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#000066;">Trekking in the National Park</span></span></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#000066;"><br /></span></span></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#000066;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); font-weight: normal; -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-KlAbD0tS3RmRJ7qKaXE6A26XyV0dsIM34xIxWTysYWaVqr_itJw5MMXetQYv2mCLE0ueLm0Fqzvmy633Zrq3HuNYxcuCVt1NsDAfb8bWcc8JRGuWtpJw5P89yA28EhSaHlo_-TOOs54G/s320/IMG_2228.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5439619080335630002" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px; " /></span></span></span></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#000066;">Our trekking destination</span></span></span></b></div><div><br /></div><div>So eventually we made it to the East side and in doing so we skipped Koh Samui and Koh Phangnang and went straight to Koh Tao as we weren’t really interested in a partying scene. Whether it was because the water was relatively rough (when the water is calm on the west it is rough on the east and vice versa), or whether we were comparing it to the Surin Islands, but we have to say we much preferred what was saw on the west side. That’s not to say that Koh Tao isn’t beautiful, it really is and we thoroughly enjoyed our stay, but it just didn’t compare.</div><div><br /></div><div>So there you go… no particularly funny or amazing stories to say, and no profound and enlightening experiences to be had… after all, we pretty much just spent a month swimming around pristine blue water looking at the fishes and mermaids and what not…</div><div><br /></div><div>Since writing this blog we have already been to Bangkok, Ayutthaya, and Sukhothai, however I will leave the “culture and shit” for another time as this has already gone on too long…</div><div><br /></div><div>So until next time!</div><div>Take Care</div><div><br /></div><div>Simon & Sheena</div><div><br /></div><div>P.S. We also got engaged at Koh Phi Phi if you didn’t already know…</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9IiCdB3wPA8XsrAJ2yhXmIKhni3HowKFyN5V9r7BZCIR0PfK3lrrd-R_WNJGXVflYK8tlBpaOwYhf1_DBprTUZuOULEy8rF2YnQiE94DeiUHtPnDkhZ99glns8pjiW3MwJc3xY07dHyrD/s1600-h/IMG_2160.JPG"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9IiCdB3wPA8XsrAJ2yhXmIKhni3HowKFyN5V9r7BZCIR0PfK3lrrd-R_WNJGXVflYK8tlBpaOwYhf1_DBprTUZuOULEy8rF2YnQiE94DeiUHtPnDkhZ99glns8pjiW3MwJc3xY07dHyrD/s320/IMG_2160.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5439615061277381154" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px; " /></a><div style="text-align: center;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#000066;">Koh Phi Phi</span></b></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgR5IVnbLq-AfkeH2X69mqEEWi_dQxN3wxIbEbX8C2YSyZkhID8cCtSFiwgG5UniOX0m4cdVL27TdGC7LdvEtMGMG4oiuaxikexxdLB85r2ncOVdmlQTlVu2fLG0EzjWsxojZLN70aTFGVj/s1600-h/IMG_2118.JPG"></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgR5IVnbLq-AfkeH2X69mqEEWi_dQxN3wxIbEbX8C2YSyZkhID8cCtSFiwgG5UniOX0m4cdVL27TdGC7LdvEtMGMG4oiuaxikexxdLB85r2ncOVdmlQTlVu2fLG0EzjWsxojZLN70aTFGVj/s1600-h/IMG_2118.JPG"></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgR5IVnbLq-AfkeH2X69mqEEWi_dQxN3wxIbEbX8C2YSyZkhID8cCtSFiwgG5UniOX0m4cdVL27TdGC7LdvEtMGMG4oiuaxikexxdLB85r2ncOVdmlQTlVu2fLG0EzjWsxojZLN70aTFGVj/s1600-h/IMG_2118.JPG"></a></div>Simon and Sheenahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08233662842760091770noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2499237260670655211.post-72377523888220797322010-01-17T07:18:00.000-08:002010-01-17T07:32:42.680-08:0010th January 2010 - 17th January 2010 - Singapore & Malaysia<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipgdm_pi_rIW9l2fz2iNBbggKsXL-muJlDSF1JLdJD_AxmAu2CHR91F2rb1XdBOLClCT7LnyoHQq8sUc0TAmR7cDgb_9iWXnRwoAGT04O3DjjuOat47PkKbRM-mXSOrBYRPdEWN_nXQmtc/s1600-h/IMG_2034.jpg"></a><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfF52iJuVxNByTcyR8a-GzrlHN_FXlxp9uxYAHG9XjFBy84hK8CUSrYd_t7Zu5IxRTBMH1pnES6q9gJr_BTC2XEdlVnelSJJbNw_hjQqy5fWezcHvdXeTi-5P2J1FgPMb5TtqxGZuXBitT/s1600-h/IMG_1993.jpg"></a><div><b>Mmmmmmalaysia</b></div><div><br /></div><div>Well we’ve only been gone a week now, but it appears that I’ve already acquired myself my own hostel in Penang and am waiting for my first guest to arrive, so no better time to rekindle the blog for phase 2 of Simon and Sheenas gallivanting trip around the world!</div><div><br /></div><div>You may be slightly confused by the first paragraph… don’t worry Mum I haven’t bought a guesthouse and I don’t plan to settle down here in Malaysia. I am only looking after the place here whilst K.D the hostel owner has to unfortunately attend his sisters funeral a few towns away.. The poor guy is so exhausted with stress and sadness that he has entrusted his business with his willing guests whilst he is with his family. Sheena and I have actually only just come back from our day out and have taken over whilst another English bloke goes and gets a well deserved feed at the local food court.</div><div><br /></div><div>Speaking of food… you must excuse us if this “travel” blog rapidly converts into a food blog… especially whilst here in Penang (my newly crowned food capital of the world!). I could list everything we’ve eaten but I’ll be here all night. However I should firstly at least mention what we have done prior to our stay here in on the island.</div><div><br /></div><div>Having arrived in Singapore we realised that there is really nothing to do.. So we went and found some food… (I did warn you)… On this tiny well organised paradise for the obsessive compulsive we scoffed down many a dish including the vastly overpriced and overrated Chilli Crab (it was nice just not worth the effort). Besides food we have also discovered another gem that Singapore has to offer and that’s New Asia Bar at the top of the Swissotel Hotel. This place was heaven for me… great music not played too loud… excellent cocktails… an amazing panoramic view of the city from 40+ storeys up… but best of all was the fact that the bar oozed a class not to be found in any venue in Sydney. Superb!</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhft98R4CDhfKVxOSYelUDXMAc5mPbVjfhpOVJBxe4bu6L1juzzmeMEz3qoJqTqLhsimuusZn5m7J3gTIa8pQnoUHsSfDogoRGHAtZQwfS9Gu3WGwnet2imKfB_OHgXOvbIVaIiaENvgynH/s320/IMG_1990.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5427729755359378482" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px; " /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#000066;"><b>Chilli Crab... a messy ordeal</b></span></div><div><br /></div><div>So on to Kuala Lumpur. Our very spacious and comfy bus took us into KL which greets you with the magnificent and elegant Petronas Towers. Those who know me, know that I like to rank things in terms of their bigness and bestness… and the Petronas Towers are in the top 5 tallest buildings in the world and are the tallest twin towers! However, it’s not these facts which make the structures impressive or the fact that I know the man who was the chief engineer in designing the buildings that makes me write about them. It’s just that not too often something built in this day and age will make an impression in years to come, yet these graceful structures will. So from our one night stay in KL I can really only talk about a couple of concrete buildings, but I guess KL doesn’t have too much to offer and we didn’t stay for long at all… Oh and you must go to Old China Café around the corner from Petaling St (the tourist market) for the best iced tea in Malaysia and a flavoursome Laksa or mouth watering Rendang. Superb! </div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfF52iJuVxNByTcyR8a-GzrlHN_FXlxp9uxYAHG9XjFBy84hK8CUSrYd_t7Zu5IxRTBMH1pnES6q9gJr_BTC2XEdlVnelSJJbNw_hjQqy5fWezcHvdXeTi-5P2J1FgPMb5TtqxGZuXBitT/s320/IMG_1993.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5427729763974536786" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px; " /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#000066;"><b>The Petronas Towers</b></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#000066;"><b><br /></b></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#000066;"><b><br /></b></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#000066;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); font-weight: normal; -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJoLAkuyqM0XRU69SeIxZ1K-O7FtlJgaXfWZW0hZOqaTBH2p-IfXTlBSYniVJoK1SN2_x0MdqMJ2uq_SyEC6UR-0Fz6R5G_E6w3XZq4PHCbV2IGly8is3TOV-fSa8iws2iWtmVDXAVgt4B/s320/IMG_1996.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5427729767387240850" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px; " /></span></b></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#000066;"><b>They don't look like it, but these are iced teas</b></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#000066;"><b>and iced coffees from Old China Cafe in KL</b></span></div><div><br /></div><div>Finally we get to where I am sitting now in Penang. Once again our even more spacious and even more comfy bus took us to our destination. We found this lovely hostel run by a couple who are more than willing to bend over backwards for you, and in doing so, the guests are willing to help them out in times such as these. Talking to other guests here, it appears that their opinions of Penang are fairly negative. This is mainly due to the excessive construction of multi storey hotels that litter the coastline. Mum, I expect that the island has changed a lot since your visit years ago. This is not to say that Penang is not a great place, one just has to visit for the right reasons. If you want a beautiful tropical beach and lush rainforest; don’t come to Penang. Come to Penang if you want to see an amazingly integrated society that resides in a historical colonial town (George Town) which is fantastically preserved. It’s not so much the sights which make this town interesting, but more so the character of George Town itself and the interaction between the Muslim Malays, the Buddhist Chinese, and the Hindu Indians.</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqxRdIv909FDRnydcTRzcvWX0My5yCkHRNnHe57U8P4n4dg42eDECnTQJc8YeEtO8EFWPc9ZM3y6z-HGFBede3XFnR_f5pLJoOhM7Bhz80x36oDdmdeH4u2h9ON1OSgRSSBHhvh1SzmSor/s320/IMG_2005.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5427729775256636226" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px; " /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#000066;"><b>The Local Fauna</b></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#000066;"><b><br /></b></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#000066;"><b><br /></b></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#000066;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); font-weight: normal; -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDYt5Rsh7UeMyD604dfLYBYjZ7H5T5Y-xmbsgpkjFvH00z5GBMuKwPfcTkMb6f6Zox1gxNLkW7xNQKX6E2Z8QmvzqqdQvKhcm06Y2373uW10aY69pYF7o-hXMzjP7hKL-76JM-6iYiwGCq/s320/IMG_2024.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5427730171390551538" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px; " /></span></b></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#000066;"><b>Colonial George Town</b></span></div><div><br /></div><div>So of course with the array of cultures present on the island, the food here is outstanding. I would firstly like to acknowledge Nimita for pointing us in the direction of the food blog, those guys know what they’re talking about and our tummys thank them and you. So we’ve devoured fish curries, oysters, fried radish cakes, iced coffees, tamarind prawns, and of course bacon candy, plus so much more. Superb!</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipgdm_pi_rIW9l2fz2iNBbggKsXL-muJlDSF1JLdJD_AxmAu2CHR91F2rb1XdBOLClCT7LnyoHQq8sUc0TAmR7cDgb_9iWXnRwoAGT04O3DjjuOat47PkKbRM-mXSOrBYRPdEWN_nXQmtc/s1600-h/IMG_2034.jpg"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipgdm_pi_rIW9l2fz2iNBbggKsXL-muJlDSF1JLdJD_AxmAu2CHR91F2rb1XdBOLClCT7LnyoHQq8sUc0TAmR7cDgb_9iWXnRwoAGT04O3DjjuOat47PkKbRM-mXSOrBYRPdEWN_nXQmtc/s320/IMG_2034.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5427730178313254226" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px; " /></a><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#000066;"><b>Crunchy Tamarind Prawns</b></span></div></div><div><br /></div><div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxZH-EpAWJsrR5LjPTHLyE2Qife9eBSZV5k0R8Ys1uTB7Klso8HFDARSfIZsOnRcBzM5hyaLFEATvolNxtEroXgivmkDJdjX3E9P83srImD7n5YHJoQH1UL_c2AQBv1xMGi7KMMCXL6xTB/s1600-h/IMG_2018.jpg"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxZH-EpAWJsrR5LjPTHLyE2Qife9eBSZV5k0R8Ys1uTB7Klso8HFDARSfIZsOnRcBzM5hyaLFEATvolNxtEroXgivmkDJdjX3E9P83srImD7n5YHJoQH1UL_c2AQBv1xMGi7KMMCXL6xTB/s320/IMG_2018.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5427730164322931282" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px; " /></a><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#000066;"><b>Sheena doing what she does best... eating..</b></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#000066;"><b>in this case specifically the refreshing Chendul</b></span></div></div><div><br /></div><div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZ3jzXAuNRwRq4IAdzz6Jx-KNZn38nX0yR3GUZl5XRtIG9rH-_KdUuAs1Bm59V3vx-U3bjigI88D3ThI-dLf9Ajqvx6jGV5CjeKGZ-1dxwki6r8ILAZQxD2x07nmIDdDDXmQwcsQYHLqus/s1600-h/IMG_2012.jpg"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZ3jzXAuNRwRq4IAdzz6Jx-KNZn38nX0yR3GUZl5XRtIG9rH-_KdUuAs1Bm59V3vx-U3bjigI88D3ThI-dLf9Ajqvx6jGV5CjeKGZ-1dxwki6r8ILAZQxD2x07nmIDdDDXmQwcsQYHLqus/s320/IMG_2012.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5427729786138390850" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px; " /></a><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#000066;"><b>The Fried Radish Cake Man</b></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div></div><div>So now we’re off to Langkawi to take relax on the beach, drink cheap beer (which Sheena now likes) and generally take stock of things and think about how lucky we are to be on this trip.</div><div><br /></div><div>It’s at this point I’d like to pay my respects to Nick Delaney who at only 15 tragically passed away in the Blue Mountains earlier this week. I remember when Nick was born and remember seeing him grow up... and although I haven’t seen him for many years now, you could tell as a 6 year old that he was a good kid. Nicks older brother Chris who was with him at the time was my best friend in primary school and the early years of high school so I am very glad he his safe and well after such an ordeal, however I feel so sad for him and his family… no one should have to lose a family member so young. RIP Nick Delaney.</div><div><br /></div><div>Sorry to end on such a sad note, however that’s just life I guess. Keep safe all.. We will :)</div><div><br /></div><div>Simon & Sheena.</div><div><br /></div>Simon and Sheenahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08233662842760091770noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2499237260670655211.post-65294646142128405872010-01-16T20:04:00.000-08:002010-01-17T05:19:32.294-08:002nd December 2009 - 20th December 2009 Delhi & Pune<div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#0000EE;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=""><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#000000;"><br /></span></span></span></div><div><b>The end of India</b></div><div><br /></div><div>I know this is a bit belated and most of you have probably heard enough about India having seen us on our quick stay back in Sydney… but this blog is for us as much as it is for anybody else so you can either keep reading or skip this section all together!</div><div><br /></div><div>After our teary farewell from our family in the village we caught a train back to Delhi where we arrived at the ungodly hour of 4:30AM. We caught a cab straight to Sheena’s great aunts place where we stayed for the week. </div><div><br /></div><div>Sheena’s family is large… very large.. Which inevitably results in many family lunches and teas etc etc. I complain occasionally as sometimes it can be tiring, but in all honesty, Sheena’s older family members have so many interesting stories to tell from the days of Indias independence movement concerning meetings with Nehru and Ghandi and also the traumas of partion including evacuation from what is now Pakistan. I believe there is a book in their stories that should be written, as it would be a shame for the history to be lost over time.</div><div><br /></div><div>Besides family meetings, we also got to experience the typical attractions of Delhi, Old Fort, Qutab, the Jama Masjid etc etc. All very interesting and amazing sights to be seen of course. It was disappointing to be confronted with aggressive staff working in the Jama Masjid who clearly didn’t want visitors coming to the Mosque. I had to bite my tongue from saying something (good move), other tourists just turned and walked out. It’s sad, because it’s really counterproductive for some of these men to act in such a way. Being poorly treated by someone dressed in traditional Muslim attire who also has the long beard, only perpetuates the negative stereotype that many people have in the west of Muslims and creates greater division between societies. In reality the man is very foolish because he’s only creating enemies of people who are there to embrace their culture and gain a greater understanding of a different way of life and it’s hard for people to not be affected by these experiences.</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKQUXO_IxmMIVPefZG_UZa8BueubQVVqNk6ddIgC6wk7DtaVXxLIwIiaoO_uu-7zfrmWTdsXN72OiDc1LyqTVTCiyvGMHOIxUwJ5fXx5Pa00YbZPICJK_lpNxYbAsGkD-9gkYP71hEEfxp/s1600-h/IMG_1965.jpg"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKQUXO_IxmMIVPefZG_UZa8BueubQVVqNk6ddIgC6wk7DtaVXxLIwIiaoO_uu-7zfrmWTdsXN72OiDc1LyqTVTCiyvGMHOIxUwJ5fXx5Pa00YbZPICJK_lpNxYbAsGkD-9gkYP71hEEfxp/s320/IMG_1965.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5427562399941077250" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px; " /></a><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#000066;"><b>Red Fort</b></span></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgII6k9movwF7Lk8S3nYvpRWOcyUrhIjJF4ZiOXTzo9OSwHxBB0QfSXyAPYsGs1VIaZXu2TQ036aJBN_0AtRBt-20HAiQiEooTwZcnrAB4wTEvjvmcxuDBcm51pNC8mjyMK_sYLS_eZYba7/s1600-h/IMG_1946.jpg"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgII6k9movwF7Lk8S3nYvpRWOcyUrhIjJF4ZiOXTzo9OSwHxBB0QfSXyAPYsGs1VIaZXu2TQ036aJBN_0AtRBt-20HAiQiEooTwZcnrAB4wTEvjvmcxuDBcm51pNC8mjyMK_sYLS_eZYba7/s320/IMG_1946.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5427562396841526610" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px; " /></a><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#000066;"><b>Old Delhi</b></span></div></div><div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgy7KSY3_l0P8GY_puaMFftLqaQ7kvdmawCOMxf43wroqVydXBxMieZJCAfsYJRA_dMQlSchA8K-ZXkDECU8_0UHENcVZPlQS2RtTIaGdtPTnDS9KqA7-IrAlJqUhouAxIATAeNQjqt7GLo/s1600-h/IMG_1942.jpg"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgy7KSY3_l0P8GY_puaMFftLqaQ7kvdmawCOMxf43wroqVydXBxMieZJCAfsYJRA_dMQlSchA8K-ZXkDECU8_0UHENcVZPlQS2RtTIaGdtPTnDS9KqA7-IrAlJqUhouAxIATAeNQjqt7GLo/s320/IMG_1942.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5427562387808143954" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px; " /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#000066;"><b>Prayer Time at the Jama Masjid</b></span></div><div><br /></div><div>Of course we couldn’t talk about Delhi without talking a little bit about food (this is a blog from Simon and Sheena after all). In talking about food in Delhi, I’m just going to say one thing. Kareems Restaurant… Kebabs… Burra Chicken… Mutton Biryani… Mutton Curry… AWESOME!!!… heart transplant… say no more except everyone should eat here once before they die.. Vegetarians excluded.</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyeJUp-wn8zV3qgBbmhsyhIZvTudu_9cIR5uzNpgEYHYrcSRMgEEb0J14bxXRS43pLWWvbp0hIcuEgHrPcr6NPR0UHbzCxbACr0YLR5SPtcCb2l1004MlgNZ_zBv29tjqLIfzBt-czi7fY/s320/IMG_1971.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5427562405092582738" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px; " /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#000066;"><b>Kebabs & Biryani at Kareems</b></span></div><div><br /></div><div>So after Delhi we flew down to Pune to stay with Dadima (she’s grandmother on her fathers side) for a about 2 weeks. There’s really nothing to do in Pune so there’s not too much to say. For those who know Dadima, she is exactly the same, which is of course a good thing. At 87 she still loves to have her long chats and still loves filling us up with food, however now Sheena and I know enough Hindi to be able to tell Ayesha (Dadimas in house help) that we don’t want any more to eat!</div><div>Just a quick edit.. I can't believe I didn't mention our trip to Bombay.. or should I say our trip to Britannia Restaurant... merely writing this down so that anyone who reads this knows that when in Bombay eat Berry Chicken Palau from this amazing Iranian restaurant... but be quick.. the crazy friendly old dude who owns it who is about 1000 years old plans to shut it down when he departs...</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgg-weDG0QJvAxNqNkre-LVf6Zt6evUQeLH77UwSpKM2JThMNokn8sRTRwztI6YCZnG-Gf301E99vzfs8mSIRxxKpSyR8P1RCNCJVXkCqbRwoz6JEphxA-8W_rypX4qNCn8d1VnCKRrxy-m/s320/IMG_1984.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5427562414053933330" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px; " /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#000066;"><b>The Obligatory Couch Photo</b></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#000066;"><b>With Dadima </b></span></div><div><br /></div><div>So after over 3.5 months we finished our Indian visit in a traditional manner… at a wine tasting festival… It was a very memorable stay and although I know we’ll be back in India in the near future, I think we will remember this trip more fondly than most. After all it’s not often you gain an entirely new family.</div><div><br /></div>Simon and Sheenahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08233662842760091770noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2499237260670655211.post-79445492133833040382009-11-29T21:51:00.001-08:002009-11-29T22:27:34.131-08:0026th October - 30th November: Farewell to Chatola<meta equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=utf-8"><meta name="ProgId" content="Word.Document"><meta name="Generator" content="Microsoft Word 11"><meta name="Originator" content="Microsoft Word 11"><link rel="File-List" href="file:///C:%5CUsers%5Csheena%5CAppData%5CLocal%5CTemp%5Cmsohtml1%5C01%5Cclip_filelist.xml"><o:smarttagtype namespaceuri="urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:smarttags" name="City"></o:smarttagtype><o:smarttagtype namespaceuri="urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:smarttags" name="place"></o:smarttagtype><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <w:worddocument> <w:view>Normal</w:View> <w:zoom>0</w:Zoom> <w:punctuationkerning/> <w:validateagainstschemas/> <w:saveifxmlinvalid>false</w:SaveIfXMLInvalid> <w:ignoremixedcontent>false</w:IgnoreMixedContent> <w:alwaysshowplaceholdertext>false</w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText> <w:compatibility> <w:breakwrappedtables/> <w:snaptogridincell/> <w:wraptextwithpunct/> <w:useasianbreakrules/> <w:dontgrowautofit/> </w:Compatibility> <w:browserlevel>MicrosoftInternetExplorer4</w:BrowserLevel> </w:WordDocument> </xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <w:latentstyles deflockedstate="false" latentstylecount="156"> </w:LatentStyles> </xml><![endif]--><!--[if !mso]><object classid="clsid:38481807-CA0E-42D2-BF39-B33AF135CC4D" id="ieooui"></object> <style> st1\:*{behavior:url(#ieooui) } </style> <![endif]--><style> <!-- /* Style Definitions */ p.MsoNormal, li.MsoNormal, div.MsoNormal {mso-style-parent:""; margin:0in; margin-bottom:.0001pt; mso-pagination:widow-orphan; font-size:12.0pt; font-family:"Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman";} @page Section1 {size:8.5in 11.0in; margin:1.0in 1.25in 1.0in 1.25in; mso-header-margin:.5in; mso-footer-margin:.5in; mso-paper-source:0;} div.Section1 {page:Section1;} --> </style><!--[if gte mso 10]> <style> /* Style Definitions */ table.MsoNormalTable {mso-style-name:"Table Normal"; mso-tstyle-rowband-size:0; mso-tstyle-colband-size:0; mso-style-noshow:yes; mso-style-parent:""; mso-padding-alt:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; mso-para-margin:0in; mso-para-margin-bottom:.0001pt; mso-pagination:widow-orphan; font-size:10.0pt; font-family:"Times New Roman"; mso-ansi-language:#0400; mso-fareast-language:#0400; mso-bidi-language:#0400;} </style> <![endif]--> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="" lang="EN-AU"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Farewell</span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="" lang="EN-AU"><span style="font-weight: bold;"></span>
<br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="" lang="EN-AU">Goodbyes suck… There’s no two ways about it, they just suck…</span></p><p class="MsoNormal">
<br /><span style="" lang="EN-AU"><o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="" lang="EN-AU"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="" lang="EN-AU">Tomorrow we will be leaving Chatola, the tiny picturesque village which has been our home for almost two and a half months and heading back to <st1:city st="on"><st1:place st="on">Delhi</st1:place></st1:city>. More importantly, we will be leaving our newly inherited family whom we will miss very much.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal">
<br /><span style="" lang="EN-AU"><o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="" lang="EN-AU"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="" lang="EN-AU">We’re definitely happy to be moving on and getting a change in scenery, food, and of course there’s the glistening amber and fizzy bubbles of a crisp, cold Kingfisher that awaits me at the closest licensed establishment from the train station. We are however, not looking forward to the inevitable tears from the four children that will flow on the day we depart. To make things easier, we have promised to return and to bring our family along… so Mum you better get used to eating lentils!</span></p><p class="MsoNormal">
<br /><span style="" lang="EN-AU"><o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="" lang="EN-AU"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="" lang="EN-AU">We’ve said previously about how scenic this place is, but you can’t comprehend it until you see it for yourself. This is a place everyone should visit.</span></p><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9uRF70QJDThBpJZv6cjfTti6Z-XRpA4HMLmIYgPOW7hxZL98GURUs7dOtXQqLvC__K7XagwONFYZFPTx6875of4N5yvonggqGUqwgASjzxs7YN_EKgBltEaop54I1t4EYtVy8PNBDpdPi/s1600/IMG_1854.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9uRF70QJDThBpJZv6cjfTti6Z-XRpA4HMLmIYgPOW7hxZL98GURUs7dOtXQqLvC__K7XagwONFYZFPTx6875of4N5yvonggqGUqwgASjzxs7YN_EKgBltEaop54I1t4EYtVy8PNBDpdPi/s320/IMG_1854.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5409776893247367570" border="0" /></a><span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(0, 0, 102);">Anita & Cuzbu</span>
<br /></div><p class="MsoNormal">
<br /><span style="" lang="EN-AU"><o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="" lang="EN-AU"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="" lang="EN-AU"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="" lang="EN-AU">Our work at Aarohi has finished for now and we’ve been farewelled by the staff. We both think we have done some good work that will hopefully contribute effectively to the organisation. It’s hard to tell whether or not Dr Sushil (the organisation head) believes we’ve done good work, mainly because he hasn’t had the opportunity as yet to sufficiently review our projects, but even if he had I don’t think we’d know for sure!Sushil is a very hard man to read.
<br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="" lang="EN-AU">
<br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghtg8iaC3eOo2SFc3P00k0FwBTRg8wQCHdvkyZQFB1mMb4ZMPvuCOW6fICwYbm0kyFZcLBLWsXz78bdgp9hC4GrOHgc3xWounoOpmAV9jFaasKOR2kGkTyLnJtjeXV6Fna9oGQBBjASO1w/s1600/IMG_1795.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghtg8iaC3eOo2SFc3P00k0FwBTRg8wQCHdvkyZQFB1mMb4ZMPvuCOW6fICwYbm0kyFZcLBLWsXz78bdgp9hC4GrOHgc3xWounoOpmAV9jFaasKOR2kGkTyLnJtjeXV6Fna9oGQBBjASO1w/s320/IMG_1795.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5409775713851534786" border="0" /></a></p><p style="text-align: center;" class="MsoNormal"><span style="" lang="EN-AU"><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(0, 0, 153);">Our "Office"</span></span></span></p><p style="text-align: center;" class="MsoNormal"><span style="" lang="EN-AU"><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(0, 0, 153);"></span></span>
<br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="" lang="EN-AU">Many years ago Dr Sushil tragically lost his wife Oona and their young child in extraordinary circumstances. The family of three ate some poisoned mushrooms, all fell very ill and Sushil was the only one to survive. Oona and Sushil were the cofounders of the Aarohi organisation after having met at another existing NGO in the region. Since Oona’s passing, Sushil has taken the responsibility of growing the organisation to the success story that it is today (it has over 50 staff).
<br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal">
<br /><span style="" lang="EN-AU"><o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="" lang="EN-AU"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="" lang="EN-AU">To endure so much suffering and to continue on with his wife’s legacy, helping so many, makes for a man that commands enormous amounts of respect and admiration. It is however no surprise that Sushil is hard to read, there is no doubt that there is still sadness in his eyes and emotions are held close to his chest. It’s nice to see that Sushil has since remarried to a woman local to the region and they have two young children together. Unfortunately, although Aarohi have created their own school, which is miles a head of the other local public schools, the quality of education still has a long way to go. Sushil knows this and as a result, his wife and family live in Pune over 1000km away so as his children can have access to good schooling, leaving little time to be together throughout the year. Sushil’s commitment to the organisation and the people of the region is unfathomable and inspiring. Sheena and I hope to stay in touch with Sushil and contribute more to Aarohi in the years to come.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal">
<br /><span style="" lang="EN-AU"><o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="" lang="EN-AU"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="" lang="EN-AU">As mentioned earlier, Aarohi have created their own school and has classes from 1<sup>st</sup> to 8<sup>th</sup>. The teachers at Aarohi are instructed to create lesson plans and have specific objectives for every class they undertake, this is not the case in most public schools.<span style=""> </span>Although constrained to the textbooks and examinations issued by the government, the school creates their own brand of teaching and uses extra material. The difference is phenomenal in confidence and ability especially in regards to speaking English between the Aarohi children and the other local children, including the children in our family who attend public schools. Hema the 9 year old in the family can barely read Hindi, Ravi the 7 year old can’t at all, and don’t even ask about English and maths. Anita the oldest at 13 is far more advanced and said she could read Hindi at their age which is a reflection on the teachers currently at the school at which Hema and <st1:place st="on">Ravi</st1:place> attend as Anita went to the same school when she was younger.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="" lang="EN-AU"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="" lang="EN-AU">It’s no surprise that pretty much all the children fail English when one reads their textbooks. The English in the textbooks are written in print as you would expect, however they try and teach the children to write in cursive. This has just resulted in Ravi not being able recognise any letters as written in print because he’s learned to write them in running writing and they look completely different! It’s such a shame, because these children are smart, however the futures are being dictated by a faulty system.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="" lang="EN-AU">
<br /></span></p><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpktlm3TFhpCw3TmezGo0zPfGj5Q9wTIaZYrI9R9CoQ-hP8G6iM085oGYdUc4IuCBxdrq2aro2zzJMd3EBaOlkc7L18vg-fKCpMjmQE_m1luMHnfP8YkxcLArsJN-7obmJG5m_sxkZr7mR/s1600/IMG_1821.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpktlm3TFhpCw3TmezGo0zPfGj5Q9wTIaZYrI9R9CoQ-hP8G6iM085oGYdUc4IuCBxdrq2aro2zzJMd3EBaOlkc7L18vg-fKCpMjmQE_m1luMHnfP8YkxcLArsJN-7obmJG5m_sxkZr7mR/s320/IMG_1821.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5409775723090887714" border="0" /></a><span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(0, 0, 102);">Classroom in the Aarohi School</span>
<br />
<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGxYq29qlf54Gq24S2tSZHPZIb5pPUcrp4ozxWs1q0_My8Fq5dIbuOYb8DN8b-mjyAYlJGLhXYH3mfO8T_LzA5s07JS715Yru0C1Coc6vNSkrPNhhY2TWOReYpTO9OrmK0Z3EvXhQCpYOy/s1600/IMG_1872.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGxYq29qlf54Gq24S2tSZHPZIb5pPUcrp4ozxWs1q0_My8Fq5dIbuOYb8DN8b-mjyAYlJGLhXYH3mfO8T_LzA5s07JS715Yru0C1Coc6vNSkrPNhhY2TWOReYpTO9OrmK0Z3EvXhQCpYOy/s320/IMG_1872.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5409776898944949730" border="0" /></a><span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(0, 0, 102);">Classroom in a Public School
<br />(this is all the students attending on this day)</span>
<br />
<br /></div><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="" lang="EN-AU"><o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="" lang="EN-AU"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="" lang="EN-AU">Sheena and I do our best to continually try and instil confidence in the four children by encouraging them and telling their parents how clever they actually are. We especially encourage Anita a lot because she is starting senior school next year and doesn’t want to go because she is scared and is failing a lot of subjects. Anita has an amazing ability when it comes to picking up the English we speak; her good ear also transcends to her excellent music ability, she is much more intelligent than she realises. The problem is, the only gauge the parents have of their children’s ability is the report card issued by the schools, which merely tell them that they’re failing. Sundar and Asha have only had very limited schooling themselves, and although they are both very progressive and naturally wise, they still don’t have the ability to judge their children’s performance for themselves.
<br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal">
<br /><span style="" lang="EN-AU"><o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="" lang="EN-AU"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="" lang="EN-AU">In a society where tough love is prominent and encouragement is not so common, the children don’t have much belief in themselves. Having said this, I think our encouragement has washed off on Asha, as she now is starting to frequently say positive things about her children as opposed to affectionately calling them pargals (fools) like she did when we first arrived. I say affectionately because mamma and papa have nothing but love for their children even if it’s not always apparent. Both parents are wise beyond their education, and Sundar especially has a good mind for entrepreneurship and engineering, so we have confidence that he will lead their family into more prosperous times with the help of their guest house and under the guidance of Sushil.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal">
<br /><span style="" lang="EN-AU"><o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="" lang="EN-AU"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="" lang="EN-AU">Wow.. I’ve written a lot, without actually have said anything that we’ve done.. but that’s ok.. I think these experiences are far more interesting than our little side trips and happy snaps. If you’ve gotten this far into the blog than you probably think the same thing too! If you must know, since our last blog, we’ve been to Kausani for more views of the mountains, attended a local wedding (which to me was half celebration and half somewhat funeral like…) and took Anita to the town of <st1:city st="on"><st1:place st="on">Almora</st1:place></st1:city>. For Anita the Almora trip meant two hours of vomiting in the bus on the way there, two hours of feeling seedy wondering the shops, and two more hours of vomiting on the way back, not to mention the fact that she was completely overwhelmed by the mass of people, cars and bad smells she had never encountered before in her life! She won’t be going back again soon…</span></p><p class="MsoNormal">
<br /><span style="" lang="EN-AU"><o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="" lang="EN-AU"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="" lang="EN-AU">So now it’s off to <st1:city st="on"><st1:place st="on">Delhi</st1:place></st1:city> for a week and then Pune to visit Dadima, which will be nice. We will not forget our time here, nor will we forget our family.
<br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal">
<br /><span style="" lang="EN-AU"><o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="" lang="EN-AU"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="" lang="EN-AU">Speak again soon!<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="" lang="EN-AU"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="" lang="EN-AU">Simon & Sheena<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="" lang="EN-AU"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="" lang="EN-AU">
<br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="" lang="EN-AU">Scrabble: dunno<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="" lang="EN-AU">Squabble: who cares?</span></p><p class="MsoNormal">
<br /><span style="" lang="EN-AU"><o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="" lang="EN-AU"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="" lang="EN-AU">P.S The family cow had a baby calf recently, and in order to keep our legacy alive, we decided to name it after Sheena’s sister Nimita, however seeing as it’s a boy cow, Anita decided to change the name slightly, so the family are now the proud owners of Nimit the baby cow!</span></p><p class="MsoNormal">
<br /></p><p class="MsoNormal"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7zjrVbHFvfJFv4508Ud4w4wHWO43i1Tc1M1wVdFEnqkDcgRZzSDUtIxQNHmhjt0MzNsi1JkjK60Dm27Ws7hQ_Vf7I15aSP_l7GorzaNINnQRi72XNPohPp__PNg1-lX5dIxdrumaskbO-/s1600/IMG_1805.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7zjrVbHFvfJFv4508Ud4w4wHWO43i1Tc1M1wVdFEnqkDcgRZzSDUtIxQNHmhjt0MzNsi1JkjK60Dm27Ws7hQ_Vf7I15aSP_l7GorzaNINnQRi72XNPohPp__PNg1-lX5dIxdrumaskbO-/s320/IMG_1805.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5409775717154572546" border="0" /></a></p><p style="text-align: center; font-weight: bold; color: rgb(0, 0, 102);" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:130%;">Say Hello To Baby Nimit</span></p><p style="text-align: center;" class="MsoNormal">
<br /></p><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMshXxBVnguOvmFVgwixraYpThRGQLTfP1Ncku_q-g_nTGE3hhCHXgo3LGwV2QtIO0cP2000D4HA848VpFvmUNrgzVOv2DE_12P9rH-XHSurGDhcDIheutnf69vVDyLJmnpKmvtooTrAsn/s1600/IMG_1829.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMshXxBVnguOvmFVgwixraYpThRGQLTfP1Ncku_q-g_nTGE3hhCHXgo3LGwV2QtIO0cP2000D4HA848VpFvmUNrgzVOv2DE_12P9rH-XHSurGDhcDIheutnf69vVDyLJmnpKmvtooTrAsn/s320/IMG_1829.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5409775732809993922" border="0" /></a><span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(0, 0, 102);">Try and not say "Awww"</span>
<br />
<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtbk-HFOpA5LMGQrqUk4ih4mGxzLF3ObN3KfGep_uGQFSpUqkPeHPyTUsWoxOYkE6u08mIwm3phTa9-jfWwl_b0XtQRaodBOnBdKHP6pD9eLn__4q_3FGjcvn25AvFF11yxqS6zty2EjWK/s1600/IMG_1789.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 235px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtbk-HFOpA5LMGQrqUk4ih4mGxzLF3ObN3KfGep_uGQFSpUqkPeHPyTUsWoxOYkE6u08mIwm3phTa9-jfWwl_b0XtQRaodBOnBdKHP6pD9eLn__4q_3FGjcvn25AvFF11yxqS6zty2EjWK/s320/IMG_1789.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5409775707913611490" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 102); font-weight: bold;">Hema - The strongest 9 year old girl</span>
<br /><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 102); font-weight: bold;">in the world!</span></span>
<br /></div><p class="MsoNormal">
<br /><span style="" lang="EN-AU"><o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> Simon and Sheenahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08233662842760091770noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2499237260670655211.post-23833199912212930132009-10-27T00:24:00.000-07:002009-10-27T00:43:48.993-07:004th October – 25th October: Aarohi<div align="left"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimww47yE9bOlZ8xdbfva0UNI7m9CQjAntfAWFJDpwT-_kqea1UqbmEbBbg0aF3JONGoq3wI03WkEMOyOJG5HDHJlQAnccMGgGNQctSxB0BWsCxAA07zAxRwO-GshCKyT-KMdbr2RWyIZ65/s1600-h/IMG_1686.JPG"></a><strong>Village Life</strong> </div><div align="left"></div><div align="left">We have now been living in our village for five weeks which is exactly half way through the stay! Time is flying and we cannot believe we have been here this long. Not too much is happening, no new sights to be seen, no new food to be eaten (except for the locally brewed whiskey which tastes surprisingly okay and some other local produce), no new people to meet. In a way this sounds boring, but it is really nice to be settled somewhere and feel like we have a home. Simon was really happy when the family bought a dog... the dog lasted 2 days then ran away. Noone but Simon seemed to care. </div><div align="left"> </div><div align="left"></div><div align="left">Each day is interesting in it’s own way. Simon has actually learnt some hindi, and although he says he doesn’t know much his communication isn’t too bad considering. That said, most of the communication does involve the children and us exchanging insults and calling each other names (in fun way). My name is ‘unda’, which means egg and Simon’s name is now lokhi (which is kind of like a zucchini). Though, the oldest girl does call us idiot a lot. We call her pagal. So does her mother. </div><div align="left"><br />We recently celebrated Diwali (Indias Christmas essentially) which was fun and involved blowing up fireworks and drinking whisky! A good combination. </div><div align="center"></div><div align="center"></div><div align="center"><br /></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKgpmUXn4AIaWzFl1umZ5CiMki0HiuGDyPnofVxsFAhRpqy4NFFnTJRjbLruzvd4oIoRkg4uE8v-LTb-ZPrxWUA-bwNo1NiC_SQ6OfbPNn-uKw6Z_t8HmasyzXC2Wwpbj3GmTYmpyBRL_h/s1600-h/IMG_1686.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5397180113116392418" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKgpmUXn4AIaWzFl1umZ5CiMki0HiuGDyPnofVxsFAhRpqy4NFFnTJRjbLruzvd4oIoRkg4uE8v-LTb-ZPrxWUA-bwNo1NiC_SQ6OfbPNn-uKw6Z_t8HmasyzXC2Wwpbj3GmTYmpyBRL_h/s320/IMG_1686.JPG" border="0" /> <p align="center"></a><strong><span style="color:#000066;">Happy Diwali!</span></strong></p><p align="left"><br />In terms of work, Simon has done a visit of the surrounding villages and is now creating building manual based on these designs. I am still analyzing nutritional data and now thinking about writing some recipes! The work is slow but we feel like we are now getting somewhere and may hopefully be able to achieve something useful. </p><div align="left"></div><div align="left">The food is still nice, but I have to admit starting to get a little tiring. I really look forward to our packet maggi noodles and packet pastas when we have them. Who would’ve thought my standards would drop so much. </div><br /><br />Finally a big congratulations to the two good friends who just got engaged (you know who you are….if you are reading this). It’s great to get such good news even if it does feel a bit weird sitting here in the middle of nowhere!<br /><br /><br />That’s all for now.<br />Someone get me a cheeseburger.<br /><br /><br />Scrabble Sheena: Lots<br />Simon: A few less<br /><br /><br />Squabble<br />Sheena: Lots<br />Simon: Not far behind<br /><br /><br /><div align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi99FJAHaOhjwk8YBxsUZW6_fruuyz-FTB711BxaUCZjDzsoGA7eI6sNXYQ8a1sRqf0anSQ7Cm4DUnDjBvB_vfm8a1nf8BQKJEVHEtjvqo44lWTr00mSFLgQNseyFcP0LnpYN9VhOGBD-uM/s1600-h/pano1.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5397178500628563458" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 342px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 92px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi99FJAHaOhjwk8YBxsUZW6_fruuyz-FTB711BxaUCZjDzsoGA7eI6sNXYQ8a1sRqf0anSQ7Cm4DUnDjBvB_vfm8a1nf8BQKJEVHEtjvqo44lWTr00mSFLgQNseyFcP0LnpYN9VhOGBD-uM/s320/pano1.jpg" border="0" /></a><strong><span style="color:#000066;"> The view on the way to work</span></strong><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWg3IDKcQCHBz-8S1Jega8gAFmgEUhZ75qzPvKwrnvgOjIFv_EfVs5hQu-hanzdjCN-D_qiH2zob9RW8Mw9VTxoXJZWEa2ltDKFIQBBSF5d-FbTRHzAfLlMgzioml6h4NKUxNlS7WDe9Km/s1600-h/IMG_1653.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5397178495402855650" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWg3IDKcQCHBz-8S1Jega8gAFmgEUhZ75qzPvKwrnvgOjIFv_EfVs5hQu-hanzdjCN-D_qiH2zob9RW8Mw9VTxoXJZWEa2ltDKFIQBBSF5d-FbTRHzAfLlMgzioml6h4NKUxNlS7WDe9Km/s320/IMG_1653.JPG" border="0" /></a><strong><span style="color:#000066;"> Cuzbo being cute again</span></strong><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-Yvc0RDJi_qIkkBNq7H0t0xBQyx8x0nsjxoIBs7Jg2pbp1X7r9cwCUkfnqv05aVDJCpOd2KdciAkXmFozJmFbxJqzea5SuQZ0KYfDZ2DHoTCv4hEvlMVoH8IgUAs3naDWZ0myDrummxv1/s1600-h/IMG_1609.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5397178486982453794" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-Yvc0RDJi_qIkkBNq7H0t0xBQyx8x0nsjxoIBs7Jg2pbp1X7r9cwCUkfnqv05aVDJCpOd2KdciAkXmFozJmFbxJqzea5SuQZ0KYfDZ2DHoTCv4hEvlMVoH8IgUAs3naDWZ0myDrummxv1/s320/IMG_1609.JPG" border="0" /></a><span style="color:#000066;"><strong> Anita and a local friend stacking the hay for the winter months</strong></span><br /><br /><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg31nP1iukBbQ4X7aFFbUv_Vh-7NJRgSUi2npdg9WEY9v-otK-rMNmEC-ewwimQ1aEVctnxdECUkaOvBVJZxOgJLSFzbfpib11rzs42k7FpaCHEQP30N44XAYSWwuCulXqYaWqzW8SmcEqe/s1600-h/IMG_1582.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5397178484738118658" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg31nP1iukBbQ4X7aFFbUv_Vh-7NJRgSUi2npdg9WEY9v-otK-rMNmEC-ewwimQ1aEVctnxdECUkaOvBVJZxOgJLSFzbfpib11rzs42k7FpaCHEQP30N44XAYSWwuCulXqYaWqzW8SmcEqe/s320/IMG_1582.JPG" border="0" /></a><span style="color:#000066;"><strong> Whisky and cards</strong></span><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /></div></div><br /></div>Simon and Sheenahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08233662842760091770noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2499237260670655211.post-65504346006497677512009-10-02T22:14:00.000-07:002009-10-02T23:25:51.270-07:0021st September – 3rd October: Aarohi<div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold; ">Aarohi Aid Work</span></div><p class="MsoNormal">Our train from <st1:city st="on"><st1:place st="on">Delhi</st1:place></st1:city> arrived at Kathgodam where we were driven for over 2 hours to our village called Chatola (search Nainital and Almora in google maps, draw a line between the two and we’re in the middle). We were then met by our hosts for the next 2.5 months; Sundar Ram and his son <st1:place st="on">Ravi</st1:place> 7. After a steep 20 minute walk, we were at our new home and what a home! We were blown away by the house they have built for us. It is a 2 storey house. All brick, with proper stone floors, a kitchen and a bathroom with a western toilet! So much for concerns of a mud hut, with dirt floors, no electricity and a squat toilet.</p><p class="MsoNormal"><br /></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6YiTgc0HBH5RXBtCmfqZvpDfNhXOzoYPlpkiyfUzIiZIDkwjId-rkv2oWKO-8yii8Ce2aObSSi8JFOnQtbyvyuPp_06Lf2o5sm2ueCrlThFsggm2ebH7gCqkr-c4xxJ-7GmY4qhRhg01J/s320/IMG_1494.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5388247092780255730" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px; " /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><i>Our Mansion on the right</i></p> <p class="MsoNormal">We met the rest of the family, Asha (Sunders wife) and his 3 other children, all girls, Anita 13, Hema 10, and Cuzbo 5.</p> <p class="MsoNormal">The kids seemed quietly excited, until we brought out the bag of presents from <st1:country-region st="on"><st1:place st="on">Australia</st1:place></st1:country-region> (chocolates, pencils, stuffed toys etc. from Paddy’s markets). At this point the excitement bursted and the kids were became excited bubbly and very affectionate. By affectionate we mean exhausting! As tiring as they are, I’m sure from the photographs, you’ll agree they’re adorable <span style="font-family:Wingdings;mso-ascii-font-family:"Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family:"Times New Roman";mso-char-type:symbol;mso-symbol-font-family:Wingdings;"><span style="mso-char-type:symbol;mso-symbol-font-family:Wingdings;">J</span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:Wingdings;"><br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:Wingdings;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; font-family:Georgia;"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6U3nrOi8FcZaYhfg9d7So7PSC7KFHmMpD0PJG6VnewE44N1e6rwb6f7nvcUb6WOn-pQnn1MscnSD_pEFamLA99QrbxW9byKvwRZHJFLMqvoxMyXZwoToQXQKEm3TKDzSI8o9MYmfu7D-9/s320/IMG_1462.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5388247062776788946" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px; " /></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><i>From left to right: 2 neighbours, Ravi, Hema, Sunder, Anita, Asha, Cuzbo</i></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><br /></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiF6LLH6kihPxKLm0_VXC4hXr82E7WGq-WrM4TvfO7kiH1sjRZLxrbzYcmGmaWOLQ8XFBZ7t9DvB3zlzb76G7IH6fQfSLoOX_Bq0TsBlRF1CJ4wpzJizmRr-o1FKdsD9ieQJY8-I7sydkbW/s320/IMG_1465.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5388247068388867490" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px; " /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><i>Cuzbo and Hema enjoying their gifts</i></p><p class="MsoNormal">Since settling in we have really been getting to know the family and getting used to being ridiculously overfed by Asha. All the food is veg and consists of 1 vegetable dish (usually radish) plus rice and or rotis. We think by the end of this we will turn into a muli (radish)! Although repetitive the food is still tasty and very spicy.</p> <p class="MsoNormal">The older girls love to impress Sheena, and <st1:place st="on">Ravi</st1:place> is very attached to me. The youngest Cuzbo doesn’t say much most of the time, but squeaks a lot and is attached to both of us… she is so unbelievably cute, we’re thinking of taking her back to Australia! </p><p class="MsoNormal"><br /></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhk-SyxQ_7asuwBNXZPund1_JkhMx_cG7OS7rFTBqXHz1iDe0VRoZ5m1NxCqBZ45oL4J3QJOKrAOUeu5x_DLVwUlWZN_aASTTNlgOTmZHeKQazpPUyZ7UCiYQ2r2Ylxp_f4sbNwOaMkRAUn/s320/IMG_1564.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5388249155129628146" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px; " /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><i>Cuzbo looking cute</i></p><p class="MsoNormal">The family held a puja (blessing ceremony) for the new house and the extended family attended as well as the holy man. Sheena had to wear a sari and all the family were very excited to see her in traditional clothing.</p><p class="MsoNormal"><br /></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); "><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6VnOK2DvF6ThFSh10-oOyD-M-lfabJdnD4IrKmqeDpeyy3s3uNp38ACnnedbnMYxIzMQjUERDzWKKNWZA4vjKVP9e9CmXI-_BgVlxiVa8-1Fo_6eFoAFvXsIzp_5f35K3RREkpnYXRiga/s320/IMG_1489.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5388247081750685826" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px; " /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><i>The girls before the Puja, Sheena looking good..... and big!</i></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><i><br /></i></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal; "><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcRic22zijGbHipMthIX2yKXBCtXBFedqFkg03f8i1tm2A9m8ALA41s46qNBLUwJG8nC1KHic4xvTCwL6RDgPL1DYSassZEmyRnLMBGkiGWLXfb1WnVKTBFQLFEqL_l54TLnn8Bny_DzDq/s1600-h/IMG_1507.JPG"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcRic22zijGbHipMthIX2yKXBCtXBFedqFkg03f8i1tm2A9m8ALA41s46qNBLUwJG8nC1KHic4xvTCwL6RDgPL1DYSassZEmyRnLMBGkiGWLXfb1WnVKTBFQLFEqL_l54TLnn8Bny_DzDq/s320/IMG_1507.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5388249129513079890" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px; " /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhk-SyxQ_7asuwBNXZPund1_JkhMx_cG7OS7rFTBqXHz1iDe0VRoZ5m1NxCqBZ45oL4J3QJOKrAOUeu5x_DLVwUlWZN_aASTTNlgOTmZHeKQazpPUyZ7UCiYQ2r2Ylxp_f4sbNwOaMkRAUn/s1600-h/IMG_1564.JPG" style="text-decoration: none; "></a></span><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhk-SyxQ_7asuwBNXZPund1_JkhMx_cG7OS7rFTBqXHz1iDe0VRoZ5m1NxCqBZ45oL4J3QJOKrAOUeu5x_DLVwUlWZN_aASTTNlgOTmZHeKQazpPUyZ7UCiYQ2r2Ylxp_f4sbNwOaMkRAUn/s1600-h/IMG_1564.JPG" style="text-decoration: none; "></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhk-SyxQ_7asuwBNXZPund1_JkhMx_cG7OS7rFTBqXHz1iDe0VRoZ5m1NxCqBZ45oL4J3QJOKrAOUeu5x_DLVwUlWZN_aASTTNlgOTmZHeKQazpPUyZ7UCiYQ2r2Ylxp_f4sbNwOaMkRAUn/s1600-h/IMG_1564.JPG" style="text-decoration: none; "></a></i></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><i>The family at the first ceremony</i></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><i><br /></i></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal; color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlt7qn_agaaKALi_AQDgJk-GvO8AdS9Vs0HYj38yAutY2BTn69QtFivzLNJkEzU86NBs0yjw9Wix7lwaS_BUfa_dFjoCSNEk1yC57LaaNVzluRze06eWxULNbZiQ2kt1CSWDJr9DMcZMZt/s320/IMG_1515.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5388249131295691714" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px; " /></span></i></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><i>Standing on the roof for the 2nd ceremony</i></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#0000EE;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#000000;"><i><br /></i></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal; color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHpeGz1IJahzVvCIkTvf0p52ZgGa57Ryb6Dj-BYnQi40qDIw-hGeJUUQYEi_2T3CF_W8epELCtHIgeChgN807GQN0zosHcCgcVVZG9NjgPgy7ULKHp83TSDrLu8fkV3KAdMzzfsUXgOcRH/s320/IMG_1520.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5388249140482553394" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px; " /></span></i></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><i>Ravi with his uncle after lunch</i></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">Everyday we walk almost an hour each way up and down through the jungle and forest to get to the Aarohi headquarters. It’s quite tiring but also extremely beautiful and should get us fighting fit by the end of our stay here. On clear days we can see the peaks of the Himalayas in the distance towering over the valleys. Superb.</p> <p class="MsoNormal">The first time we walked home we were shown the way by two local boys who were very friendly. Just before getting home, they decided to strip down naked and go for a swim in a tiny water hole. Something that kids certainly wouldn’t do back home hehe.</p><p class="MsoNormal"><br /></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOuaJg8krl28LfBXrLU6jqhh_YbnJwIRNZMxFqrAUo1bYSjnYcLHLUaPT5phfL3DdbRlxl0hvuhqFiQ89VhEBERk82qQO-NB6m7VdOgLuRVWyEDkBkILovORO1xdY2we6ajEegf6PhVPjM/s320/IMG_1481.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5388247077038404146" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px; " /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><i>Local boys in the water hole</i></p><p class="MsoNormal">The first time we attempted to walk home from Aaorhi we of course got lost. It was a little unnerving seeing as it got dark (luckily I had packed a torch) not to mention the snake we encountered along the way.</p><p class="MsoNormal">We’ve both been given our assignments, I’ll be looking at devising a manual for locals to build houses out of brick and concrete correctly, recently they have moved away from traditional building methods and they are not constructing their houses safely. Sheena is looking at nutrition of local children as well communication methods to inform the villagers of health related issues. So we’re both quite busy.</p> <p class="MsoNormal">Anywhoo… so far so good… not too much to complain about except for the fact I would murder someone for a hamburger and a cold beer and I can’t believe I’m going to miss Muse tour Australia!</p> <p class="MsoNormal">Hope everyone is well... </p><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#0000EE;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#000000;"><br /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEic6WnS_4NnrRr7ebFc9aU8O1dsd_0zPclpKUE3PQYNDelp-2f5G4EpEpJC11rgISdAcSrSdzuj7o_9LQp3YnqJtc_Q7IfAvg_Tp5UO7Jt0jQIjqh2pBUeRxCoiy_hYOYPfMhXabXAyg6OA/s1600-h/IMG_1559.JPG"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEic6WnS_4NnrRr7ebFc9aU8O1dsd_0zPclpKUE3PQYNDelp-2f5G4EpEpJC11rgISdAcSrSdzuj7o_9LQp3YnqJtc_Q7IfAvg_Tp5UO7Jt0jQIjqh2pBUeRxCoiy_hYOYPfMhXabXAyg6OA/s320/IMG_1559.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5388249145995984354" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px; " /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>Ravi, now thanks to us affectionately known as Bandar (monkey)</i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXmONPyAq3wv94-94mstnL1gU8dEQYq_ckPKpYHflM1etdFndOo4abk4qL09pRAsOWNOWSyYgx1Vw4L6OZYE6Qk8ElBDrguFv66BUaW59Y0e0_2JvgiT7SRSfagjOE5hFBmSfjc3vRoZhq/s320/IMG_1567.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5388250322792342946" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px; " /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>Other locals who stopped us in our tracks thanks to our monkeyphobia</i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#0000EE;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); "><div style="text-align: center; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#0000EE;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="text-decoration: underline; "><br /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#0000EE;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="text-decoration: underline; "><br /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#0000EE;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="text-decoration: underline; "><br /></span></span></div></span></span></div>Simon and Sheenahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08233662842760091770noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2499237260670655211.post-53515430489010780012009-10-02T03:03:00.000-07:002009-10-02T03:24:25.139-07:0015th September – 20th September Leh Still & Delhi<div>After having returned from the trek, we ate kebabs and drank beer out of tea pots referred to as special tea so as to hide the fact a Muslim restaurant was serving alcohol.</div><p class="MsoNormal">We did manage to organise a trip up to Khardung La which at 5600m is the highest motorable pass in the world!</p><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAsK8DkQzdRau107JMkzWyZUttXwuoBLnaxONMCb9ry0pzPjUaLkIxu8Mqq3WSM6v4084DmITR9Dd_jWqfzjdIs5MbtiFpmozLe86qwFAWfEw6XYooG7V5L4htliRuFHeUb90wPZoPYjQl/s1600-h/IMG_1450.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAsK8DkQzdRau107JMkzWyZUttXwuoBLnaxONMCb9ry0pzPjUaLkIxu8Mqq3WSM6v4084DmITR9Dd_jWqfzjdIs5MbtiFpmozLe86qwFAWfEw6XYooG7V5L4htliRuFHeUb90wPZoPYjQl/s320/IMG_1450.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5387943279108042994" /></a><div style="text-align: center;">Khardung La</div> <p class="MsoNormal">After saying goodbye to all the friendly staff at Oriental Guesthouse, we then caught the early flight to <st1:city st="on"><st1:place st="on">Delhi</st1:place></st1:city>.</p> <p class="MsoNormal">In <st1:city st="on"><st1:place st="on">Delhi</st1:place></st1:city> we spent the day mooching about relaxing in air conditioned coffee shops as our train ride to Uttarakhand (location of volunteer work) wasn’t till the evening. However the day did have some drama! We needed to go to the bank and when we got there we noticed it was surrounded by monkeys... lots of monkeys… I (Simon) thought they were cute and we walked past them with out any problems. On our way out of the bank, we unintentionally scared one of the baby monkeys and it ran away screaming… that set the other big monkeys into a rage and they all came running towards us snarling! We both turned and ran back towards the bank, however Sheena was a little slower than the monkeys and one managed to catch her and caught a hold of her skirt! Luckily the beast fell off without managing to bite or scratch her leg, so Sheena avoided a lot of pain and a lot of rabies shots… So after hiding in the bank for 5 minutes, the kind bank staff escorted us out with a big stick and we managed to get to refuge safe and sound… We are now monkeyphobic.. </p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">now to go do something useful…</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">Scrabble: Sheena 4 – Simon 2</p> <p class="MsoNormal">Squabble: Sheena 6 – Simon 3</p>Simon and Sheenahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08233662842760091770noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2499237260670655211.post-60947917105128126532009-09-15T21:37:00.001-07:002009-09-15T22:18:25.871-07:009th September - 14th September: Stok Kangri Trek<meta equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=utf-8"><meta name="ProgId" content="Word.Document"><meta name="Generator" content="Microsoft Word 11"><meta name="Originator" content="Microsoft Word 11"><link rel="File-List" href="file:///C:%5CDOCUME%7E1%5CADMINI%7E1%5CLOCALS%7E1%5CTemp%5Cmsohtml1%5C01%5Cclip_filelist.xml"><o:smarttagtype namespaceuri="urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:smarttags" name="PlaceType"></o:smarttagtype><o:smarttagtype namespaceuri="urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:smarttags" name="PlaceName"></o:smarttagtype><o:smarttagtype namespaceuri="urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:smarttags" name="place"></o:smarttagtype><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <w:worddocument> <w:view>Normal</w:View> <w:zoom>0</w:Zoom> <w:punctuationkerning/> <w:validateagainstschemas/> <w:saveifxmlinvalid>false</w:SaveIfXMLInvalid> <w:ignoremixedcontent>false</w:IgnoreMixedContent> <w:alwaysshowplaceholdertext>false</w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText> <w:compatibility> <w:breakwrappedtables/> <w:snaptogridincell/> <w:wraptextwithpunct/> <w:useasianbreakrules/> <w:dontgrowautofit/> </w:Compatibility> <w:browserlevel>MicrosoftInternetExplorer4</w:BrowserLevel> </w:WordDocument> </xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <w:latentstyles deflockedstate="false" latentstylecount="156"> </w:LatentStyles> </xml><![endif]--><!--[if !mso]><object classid="clsid:38481807-CA0E-42D2-BF39-B33AF135CC4D" id="ieooui"></object> <style> st1\:*{behavior:url(#ieooui) } </style> <![endif]--><style> <!-- /* Font Definitions */ @font-face {font-family:Wingdings; panose-1:5 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0; mso-font-charset:2; mso-generic-font-family:auto; mso-font-pitch:variable; mso-font-signature:0 268435456 0 0 -2147483648 0;} /* Style Definitions */ p.MsoNormal, li.MsoNormal, div.MsoNormal {mso-style-parent:""; margin:0in; margin-bottom:.0001pt; mso-pagination:widow-orphan; font-size:12.0pt; font-family:"Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman";} @page Section1 {size:8.5in 11.0in; margin:1.0in 1.25in 1.0in 1.25in; mso-header-margin:.5in; mso-footer-margin:.5in; mso-paper-source:0;} div.Section1 {page:Section1;} --> </style><!--[if gte mso 10]> <style> /* Style Definitions */ table.MsoNormalTable {mso-style-name:"Table Normal"; mso-tstyle-rowband-size:0; mso-tstyle-colband-size:0; mso-style-noshow:yes; mso-style-parent:""; mso-padding-alt:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; mso-para-margin:0in; mso-para-margin-bottom:.0001pt; mso-pagination:widow-orphan; font-size:10.0pt; font-family:"Times New Roman"; mso-ansi-language:#0400; mso-fareast-language:#0400; mso-bidi-language:#0400;} </style> <![endif]--> <p class="MsoNormal"><b style="">Stok Kangri Trek<o:p></o:p></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><b style=""><o:p> </o:p></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal">
<br /></p><p class="MsoNormal">Scrabble: Sheena 4 - Simon 1</p><p class="MsoNormal">Squabble: Sheena 6 - Simon 1
<br /></p><p class="MsoNormal">
<br /></p><p class="MsoNormal">O.K.</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">So this is the story of the Stok Kangri trek. To make it easier for you we have provided you with 2 options. Option 1 is Simon’s abridged version for those not willing to read for more than 30 seconds. Option 2 is Sheena’s much more sensible edited version of Simon’s long winded boring summary. Read one or both as you wish.</p><p class="MsoNormal">
<br /></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><b style="">Option 1 - Abridged Version:<o:p></o:p></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal">Hot rocky</p> <p class="MsoNormal">Valley pretty</p> <p class="MsoNormal">High tiring pass</p> <p class="MsoNormal">Snow storm</p> <p class="MsoNormal">Cute Marmot</p> <p class="MsoNormal">Sheena sleep Simon climb</p> <p class="MsoNormal">Fucking Cold!</p> <p class="MsoNormal">Simon sad</p> <p class="MsoNormal">Cute Marmot</p> <p class="MsoNormal">Shower</p> <p class="MsoNormal">Beer and chicken</p> <p class="MsoNormal">The End</p><p class="MsoNormal">
<br /></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><b style=""><o:p> </o:p></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><b style="">Option 2 – Sensible Edited Version:<o:p></o:p></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><b style=""><o:p> </o:p></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><b style="">Day 1<o:p></o:p></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">We set off from Spituk on our way to Zingchen with our guides, Stenzin (our walking guide) and Andy (our personal chef as well as mountain guide). It was a hot 4-5 hours walking through fairly flat, but quite rocky terrain. The campsite was picturesque with lots of trees and a river running through it. After a hot sweaty walk, it was refreshing, to say the least to wash in the ice cold river water. Why is it on these treks, they always overfeed you? Not complaining though! Andy cooked a feast and Sheena attempted to communicate with him in her broken Hindi. Good practice. </p><p class="MsoNormal">
<br /></p><p class="MsoNormal"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirjpllCt9lkt-W_JQv5tsmfhMRSKibko2e-THhjqdECeUEIGKtd2-G184t6nKT5Ex_BIGTR2hxlo6_DbByRz_eyC29tqvXkQx_B_2gjQH8LCrFf5czp-49SL6XaarheMJkJ-VSFsy0dOV3/s1600-h/IMG_1355.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirjpllCt9lkt-W_JQv5tsmfhMRSKibko2e-THhjqdECeUEIGKtd2-G184t6nKT5Ex_BIGTR2hxlo6_DbByRz_eyC29tqvXkQx_B_2gjQH8LCrFf5czp-49SL6XaarheMJkJ-VSFsy0dOV3/s320/IMG_1355.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5381920693578391762" border="0" /></a></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p style="text-align: center;" class="MsoNormal">A horse trying to break into our tent at Zingchen
<br /></p><p class="MsoNormal"><b style="">
<br /></b></p><p class="MsoNormal"><b style="">Day 2<o:p></o:p></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">Another massive meal to start the day, before we started our uphill climb towards the Rumbak valley located in <st1:place st="on"><st1:placename st="on">Hemis</st1:placename> <st1:placetype st="on">National Park</st1:placetype></st1:place>. The Rumbak valley is home to a wildlife conservation group dedicated to looking after the local species including the snow leopard. We didn’t see any.</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">Zingchen is only at 3300m altitude and our campsite in the valley was to be at over 4000m so there was a bit of increase to be achieved. The scenery was beautiful as we followed a stream up through a gorge until we reached the base of Rumbak valley which greets you with the sight of snow capped mountains in almost every direction.</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">From our new, colder home we could see Stok La, which was the pass we had to tackle the next day…At over 4900m it looked intimidating!
<br /></p><p class="MsoNormal">
<br /></p><p class="MsoNormal"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgu7uAWZ17rJOsW9bQJvEjawl-DibM5Hshulz7zDq6bYOx_319EhyphenhyphenHxG7_vgC7kFd2B-zqrpKWmeed8Ps3MeZGLYX-BWRGrRwrouIOK4QJvdHVpeAF7zVDk-c9ZsqsvhZf8d3ANiLFB566I/s1600-h/IMG_1365.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgu7uAWZ17rJOsW9bQJvEjawl-DibM5Hshulz7zDq6bYOx_319EhyphenhyphenHxG7_vgC7kFd2B-zqrpKWmeed8Ps3MeZGLYX-BWRGrRwrouIOK4QJvdHVpeAF7zVDk-c9ZsqsvhZf8d3ANiLFB566I/s320/IMG_1365.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5381920704951510994" border="0" /></a></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p style="text-align: center;" class="MsoNormal">Heading up through the Rumbuk Valley</p><p style="text-align: center;" class="MsoNormal">
<br /></p><p style="text-align: center;" class="MsoNormal"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2OjUBFMmrA4DfAsUnzFZpPE-rxAXt4aILl83pssxwvgHhah64llTTRptoYxUpngAJJra3fNwejZWNKAMXnNtToxQjwxZ376Fe9ptt6OglKQu2H39DmI4GuFSOGcEKfr7fVLUSOAuN4zw4/s1600-h/IMG_1368.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2OjUBFMmrA4DfAsUnzFZpPE-rxAXt4aILl83pssxwvgHhah64llTTRptoYxUpngAJJra3fNwejZWNKAMXnNtToxQjwxZ376Fe9ptt6OglKQu2H39DmI4GuFSOGcEKfr7fVLUSOAuN4zw4/s320/IMG_1368.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5381920710674553458" border="0" /></a></p><p style="text-align: center;" class="MsoNormal">Sheena looking chilly at camp on day 2
<br /></p><p class="MsoNormal">
<br /></p><p class="MsoNormal"><b style="">
<br /></b></p><p class="MsoNormal"><b style="">Day 3<o:p></o:p></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><b style=""><o:p> </o:p></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal">The walk up to the Stok La was steep and difficult (more difficult for some than others <span style="font-family:Wingdings;"><span style="">J</span></span>) The view from up the top was spectacular. The walk down was easy and really enjoyable. On the way we encountered our first meeting with wildlife as a herd of Blue Sheep jumped from rock to rock on a cliff face.</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">Once at camp we could see Stok Kangri clearly and we (especially Simon) looked on in horror as a storm piled lots more snow on the peak.</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">That night we celebrated Andy’s 26<sup>th</sup> birthday with cake and soft drink kindly bought by Andy at the local supply tent.
<br /></p><p class="MsoNormal">
<br /></p><p class="MsoNormal"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEier07yskOoLB4h9ncFcS-0X7_YumgC1DPmIgh2-lkyzZOmURuae_ybqhjILlqjqTStYzIcOdlPHiQk5kBOt3dTMUg-WuO-n9QNii7z_VnZV8Hd6bEAXElSQR12A9PV53xg8di5iHPnZZBf/s1600-h/IMG_1379.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEier07yskOoLB4h9ncFcS-0X7_YumgC1DPmIgh2-lkyzZOmURuae_ybqhjILlqjqTStYzIcOdlPHiQk5kBOt3dTMUg-WuO-n9QNii7z_VnZV8Hd6bEAXElSQR12A9PV53xg8di5iHPnZZBf/s320/IMG_1379.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5381920718775539394" border="0" /></a></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p style="text-align: center;" class="MsoNormal">Sheena on top of the pass at 4900m</p><p style="text-align: center;" class="MsoNormal">
<br /></p><p style="text-align: center;" class="MsoNormal"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-cEhT2ZM1ZR5GP9uPLAjWApybarVGbUxM-9iTJ9cx6Z0bE74x3XuDgWgMKuqUm6mCYLXHlThVahP0_IEymm8T7qsVMC-QpdKe5mSXFRfTSddgMhyphenhyphenrqzM33LdkkbKVZOSQQfwtHWa2-WE8/s1600-h/IMG_1384.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-cEhT2ZM1ZR5GP9uPLAjWApybarVGbUxM-9iTJ9cx6Z0bE74x3XuDgWgMKuqUm6mCYLXHlThVahP0_IEymm8T7qsVMC-QpdKe5mSXFRfTSddgMhyphenhyphenrqzM33LdkkbKVZOSQQfwtHWa2-WE8/s320/IMG_1384.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5381920729222023010" border="0" /></a></p><p style="text-align: center;" class="MsoNormal">Heading down from the Stok La</p><p style="text-align: center;" class="MsoNormal">
<br /></p><p style="text-align: center;" class="MsoNormal"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMRgEinKGhhvmwpXw3JAVA07HG2hqcZK-oEEH2xAwprSnNex7LIdmva-1yV1HvzR-JeN7e45rajj8ANDEH5AqVfsDH7VdECegQneM8aqVWEGvjM0pI4ZzziXgtaUUV9rKjXFjLca7rdCgD/s1600-h/IMG_1392.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMRgEinKGhhvmwpXw3JAVA07HG2hqcZK-oEEH2xAwprSnNex7LIdmva-1yV1HvzR-JeN7e45rajj8ANDEH5AqVfsDH7VdECegQneM8aqVWEGvjM0pI4ZzziXgtaUUV9rKjXFjLca7rdCgD/s320/IMG_1392.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5381922476238126370" border="0" /></a></p><p style="text-align: center;" class="MsoNormal">Looking up at the snowstorm in disgust!</p><p style="text-align: center;" class="MsoNormal">
<br /></p><p style="text-align: center;" class="MsoNormal"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyRDzrOafI1BCP0J-joLzPP8Q4KdJnYS2zlyoF-xGIJXhpdn5IetKL0f4PekQ2UZ6RNMveaGaS6zJDEfddufzlzi0qifaeuyEt3yowhydZKoow8-IfsZ1i9U5PNuycbUnvrcgA4Fk9S4mE/s1600-h/IMG_1399.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyRDzrOafI1BCP0J-joLzPP8Q4KdJnYS2zlyoF-xGIJXhpdn5IetKL0f4PekQ2UZ6RNMveaGaS6zJDEfddufzlzi0qifaeuyEt3yowhydZKoow8-IfsZ1i9U5PNuycbUnvrcgA4Fk9S4mE/s320/IMG_1399.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5381922482420921794" border="0" /></a></p><p style="text-align: center;" class="MsoNormal">Celebrating Andy's birthday, Andy on the left, Stenzin on the right</p><p style="text-align: center;" class="MsoNormal"><b style="">
<br /></b></p><p class="MsoNormal"><b style="">Day 4<o:p></o:p></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><b style=""><o:p> </o:p></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal">Today’s trekking involved a relatively short walk up to Base Camp which is situated at over 4900m. Even though the walk was short, it was quite tiring as it was continuously ascending and the altitude was high. On our way up we came across a lot of disappointed trekkers who were not able to summit due to the poor weather conditions the night before. Also came across some who did summit the night before that who said it was V. Hard. Sheena discouraged and not wanting to summit. We also were fortunate to see our first Marmot; a small beaver like animal that lives in little holes in the mountains.</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">After lunch we decided to walk up the first steep section of the summit trek up to the snow line. From here we felt like we could touch the summit and it was quite exciting. After a bit of a snow fight, Sheena was starting to consider the summit. 2 hours later Sheena once again decided she didn’t like the idea of climbing a mountain in the cold and dark.</p><p class="MsoNormal">
<br /></p><p class="MsoNormal"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBO0TsjbZUz7ej0FoC8cFnzTdUnE9wVRUZuVMoGwb9MGgdFJAZ0d2-LhVfuRqUUYOAJn8e-tqlN2LC6Z1RKv62fVRIZ5QYnR24uEImKTtoRclJuOlWKRbimoi86lvtRqxjmtqDiXRqco_D/s1600-h/IMG_1402.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBO0TsjbZUz7ej0FoC8cFnzTdUnE9wVRUZuVMoGwb9MGgdFJAZ0d2-LhVfuRqUUYOAJn8e-tqlN2LC6Z1RKv62fVRIZ5QYnR24uEImKTtoRclJuOlWKRbimoi86lvtRqxjmtqDiXRqco_D/s320/IMG_1402.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5381922492278786418" border="0" /></a></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p style="text-align: center;" class="MsoNormal">Cute Marmot</p><p style="text-align: center;" class="MsoNormal">
<br /></p><p style="text-align: center;" class="MsoNormal"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEje6wq0ma2DXTZpE2jOzVSD42PXub3NVTIaN5mLK0Ogl3xilS3I3W3OrfGFi4J_xe2UUbVNcRgJCj6AeTnUCY_vKqwT0zkYNve-JMpWm5bIr5e5mMkia8pem5q5zMUHkIg7ZWxutu_p9PrA/s1600-h/IMG_1405.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEje6wq0ma2DXTZpE2jOzVSD42PXub3NVTIaN5mLK0Ogl3xilS3I3W3OrfGFi4J_xe2UUbVNcRgJCj6AeTnUCY_vKqwT0zkYNve-JMpWm5bIr5e5mMkia8pem5q5zMUHkIg7ZWxutu_p9PrA/s320/IMG_1405.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5381922497275647074" border="0" /></a></p><p style="text-align: center;" class="MsoNormal">Base Camp at over 4900m</p><p style="text-align: center;" class="MsoNormal">
<br /></p><p style="text-align: center;" class="MsoNormal"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhusJk8LA0dMw2S6vFT6I0u1l1xsaDmda0Ib8KlEycJQUEbZ5eQHs7stSsaXk6lZeQnah1wWxhwRwCgcu1SpsJx5vtXy4Ubebnsfq-3DHr0sND0k1zRC7q2_lfMa3zzovpZ8xxbjV4J857q/s1600-h/IMG_1407.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhusJk8LA0dMw2S6vFT6I0u1l1xsaDmda0Ib8KlEycJQUEbZ5eQHs7stSsaXk6lZeQnah1wWxhwRwCgcu1SpsJx5vtXy4Ubebnsfq-3DHr0sND0k1zRC7q2_lfMa3zzovpZ8xxbjV4J857q/s320/IMG_1407.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5381922506100459266" border="0" /></a></p><p style="text-align: center;" class="MsoNormal">Just up the hill from base camp at over 5000m with Stok Kangri in the background looking menacing.</p><p style="text-align: center;" class="MsoNormal">
<br /></p><p style="text-align: center;" class="MsoNormal"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgU9X640UH__E2BDfoineBf4rhZiT36YrlkovLNufxoVqVsbTlasyRQ5wfS-MRXhj9HQoGhierH05ZTBS2GCxyM6H5PWiCVkzbWvrX14AXhJrvbind9xgNApuVOupKAfyVTZcrakWKFZ4AR/s1600-h/IMG_1408.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgU9X640UH__E2BDfoineBf4rhZiT36YrlkovLNufxoVqVsbTlasyRQ5wfS-MRXhj9HQoGhierH05ZTBS2GCxyM6H5PWiCVkzbWvrX14AXhJrvbind9xgNApuVOupKAfyVTZcrakWKFZ4AR/s320/IMG_1408.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5381923413760809266" border="0" /></a></p><p style="text-align: center;" class="MsoNormal">Just above Base Camp
<br /></p><p class="MsoNormal"><b style="">
<br /></b></p><p class="MsoNormal"><b style="">Day 5<o:p></o:p></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><b style=""><o:p> </o:p></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal">At 12:30 we woke up and Sheena told the guides that she would not be attempting the summit, which meant I (Simon) would be going up with Andy and Stenzin would stay at Base Camp. </p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">With the Chemical Brothers programmed into my Ipod, I set off in the freezing cold attempting to climb a further 1200m up to the peak at over 6100m.</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">At this point there is fairly little to say except, dark, cold, and tiring, however it was all going very well up to Advanced Base Camp and I was feeling quite confident considering the good pace being set.</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">Andy and I then walked through the snow across the magnificent glacier adjacent to the peak having to jump over the odd small crevasse. This was the highlight of the night.</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">Once over the glacier the trek became a lot more difficult with the ascent becoming very steep and over snow, ice, and lots of rocks. It was at this point that I became quite cold and was also feeling the sickening effects of altitude. After a further hour and a half of steep climbing and intensely freezing temperatures we had made it up to about 6000m however I was frozen from head to toe. I could barely feel my fingers, legs and toes and with the ridge to be crossed which encounters strong winds, we decided it was no longer safe to continue.</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">Heading down towards base camp was quite painful and tedious and after coming very close to throwing up on the glacier I at least got to witness the sunrise light up the peak making all the hard work actually worth while.</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">By 6:30 in the morning I had interrupted Sheena’s sleep passing out in the tent after briefly explaining what happened.</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">After a few hours sleep we walked back down the mountain towards the <st1:place st="on"><st1:placetype st="on">village</st1:placetype> of <st1:placename st="on">Stok</st1:placename></st1:place> for about 4 hours. </p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">Even though I didn’t summit Stok Kangri, the trek was still very enjoyable and beautiful, and I am already thinking about when I want to come back and try again (Richard S – interested?)… This time with warmer clothes and in warmer July! Sheena thinks I am mad.
<br /></p><p class="MsoNormal">
<br /></p><p class="MsoNormal"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGonCMtKX6F_iVJUG52kN4sShDo4MiC4WuOdtJR8qpIn9o0J5W8P9qaU9emwvrSYADdKpy4zr45R2fPL2Ybw-D93QdLSFTfLopVGZyD6IpwjKjK2-W-xWxsIPNAL9CqkewA8vzEBRF_5gg/s1600-h/IMG_1420.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGonCMtKX6F_iVJUG52kN4sShDo4MiC4WuOdtJR8qpIn9o0J5W8P9qaU9emwvrSYADdKpy4zr45R2fPL2Ybw-D93QdLSFTfLopVGZyD6IpwjKjK2-W-xWxsIPNAL9CqkewA8vzEBRF_5gg/s320/IMG_1420.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5381923421290526866" border="0" /></a></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p style="text-align: center;" class="MsoNormal">Feeling a lot warmer than 1 hour before... the sun reveals the glacier at about 5400m having come down from about 6000m.</p><p style="text-align: center;" class="MsoNormal">
<br /></p><p style="text-align: center;" class="MsoNormal"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjBOEFCxwyYajUoc7KBaXlEjWDFGLAR0-vQgHI4s3FOtCflKNEYF7DXZV2twwzjfnrfRvcQjDWatn-DQGReZiS86jSERGDEJak3LI9NbpWyminrdIMOkQQ2oX-RZbRAdpTpa8Wgl4XyZRG/s1600-h/IMG_1421.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjBOEFCxwyYajUoc7KBaXlEjWDFGLAR0-vQgHI4s3FOtCflKNEYF7DXZV2twwzjfnrfRvcQjDWatn-DQGReZiS86jSERGDEJak3LI9NbpWyminrdIMOkQQ2oX-RZbRAdpTpa8Wgl4XyZRG/s320/IMG_1421.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5381923430296971666" border="0" /></a></p><p style="text-align: center;" class="MsoNormal">Super strong Andy having a smoke at Advanced Base Camp</p><p style="text-align: center;" class="MsoNormal">
<br /></p><p style="text-align: center;" class="MsoNormal"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKLiC4Oe1wco48DXxlmbLXM1i06WyIWmeewJ5o0JbgSLOOirzVVPdM3EpuZ3pNElFtyZhfGCH_dZKtd5o3CXn_X347Mz2zdALJkIg1yaPdrNFjpIDo5yrVr7k6FtbL1jE2UF_9eeqjpR9J/s1600-h/IMG_1428.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKLiC4Oe1wco48DXxlmbLXM1i06WyIWmeewJ5o0JbgSLOOirzVVPdM3EpuZ3pNElFtyZhfGCH_dZKtd5o3CXn_X347Mz2zdALJkIg1yaPdrNFjpIDo5yrVr7k6FtbL1jE2UF_9eeqjpR9J/s320/IMG_1428.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5381923438253246322" border="0" /></a></p><p style="text-align: center;" class="MsoNormal">The sun lighting up the peak that defeated me... this time</p><p style="text-align: center;" class="MsoNormal">
<br /></p><p style="text-align: left;" class="MsoNormal">I would've taken some photos from higher up if I could have felt my fingers, but happy snaps was not really the priority at the time :p
<br /></p><p style="text-align: center;" class="MsoNormal"><b style="">
<br /></b></p><p class="MsoNormal"><b style="">Day 6<o:p></o:p></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><b style=""><o:p> </o:p></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal">After waking up in our tent for the last night we had another Andy breakfast feast of porridge, parathas, eggs and chai. We walked down to <st1:place st="on"><st1:placename st="on">Stok</st1:placename> <st1:placetype st="on">Village</st1:placetype></st1:place> to be picked up for a ride back to Leh. </p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">All credit to our guides Stenzin and Andy (and our pony man name unknown) for constantly smiling and laughing and making us feel like a Sahib and Madam ji <span style="font-family:Wingdings;"><span style="">J</span></span> As amazing the scenery of Ladakh is, a lot of what makes this place special is the kindness of all these mountain dwellers.</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">After coming back to Oriental we had AWESOME long hot showers, chilled out and relaxed. Meat and beer for dinner. YUM.</p> Simon and Sheenahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08233662842760091770noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2499237260670655211.post-74191386285455551502009-09-15T21:24:00.000-07:002009-09-15T21:37:02.067-07:005th September - 8th September: LehLeh<br /><br />The days prior to the trek spent in Leh have been fairly relaxed (as they tend to be in this part of the world). We have basically just spent our time wandering around seeing a few of the sites such as the Tsemo Gompa perched up above the palace overlooking central Leh and some traditional dances performed by the local monks.<br />We caught a polo game which was ridiculously dangerous and hilarious as the players did not seem to have any control over where the hit the ball and dogs, cars and spectators where considered merely obstacles that were fair game to be trampled or hit with the rock hard ball!<br />A highlight has been the 7th birthday party of one of the girls of the family who run Oriental Guesthouse. All the guests were invited and free booze was provided along with a massive feast!<br />We have booked our trek up Stok Kangri and have been mentally preparing ourselves for the challenge ahead :)<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTpBIAnkdsm9O9TUvNmaEC22zLHxVPPtqX_2j12l58n4YlmNEX0-aCmUASJGYovqmklpoB6TkIsueFMY3-V36sh5wfGwwBYirOwqgAl8h_4zNzWZTsbHvRHTgbkXPsAz4CXA3GDaBXQIR4/s1600-h/IMG_1288.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTpBIAnkdsm9O9TUvNmaEC22zLHxVPPtqX_2j12l58n4YlmNEX0-aCmUASJGYovqmklpoB6TkIsueFMY3-V36sh5wfGwwBYirOwqgAl8h_4zNzWZTsbHvRHTgbkXPsAz4CXA3GDaBXQIR4/s320/IMG_1288.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5381917160771041138" border="0" /></a><br /><div style="text-align: center;">Interesting Ladakhi<br /></div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEji_HcwavFXsoLfVTb2WEDKuSJi9xLeLepztLyxkMvHe7gN74qddRBGifClyEDcbPKV8P4TRGxAmMLc8TQOeLw6rAITSsM2q6bcYuMA-mwHw579LQSTAa3bWRwfrp3f5_qiCMpiFd0m2LL8/s1600-h/IMG_1313.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEji_HcwavFXsoLfVTb2WEDKuSJi9xLeLepztLyxkMvHe7gN74qddRBGifClyEDcbPKV8P4TRGxAmMLc8TQOeLw6rAITSsM2q6bcYuMA-mwHw579LQSTAa3bWRwfrp3f5_qiCMpiFd0m2LL8/s320/IMG_1313.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5381917842615555490" border="0" /></a><br /><div style="text-align: center;">Traditional Dancing<br /></div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhi6wDfc-HWKjOkL3ywChy-R3viB1YYqIxlpFqM9ph6swrO-cKETwcL528GE9F72gtzFP8k4Fda7f6qygAFuVy0-KhbgGHrUJ8M3BkNotBOq12wH_rDFfmFavwmv6sHUDdLbFFeFElD7oZM/s1600-h/IMG_1316.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhi6wDfc-HWKjOkL3ywChy-R3viB1YYqIxlpFqM9ph6swrO-cKETwcL528GE9F72gtzFP8k4Fda7f6qygAFuVy0-KhbgGHrUJ8M3BkNotBOq12wH_rDFfmFavwmv6sHUDdLbFFeFElD7oZM/s320/IMG_1316.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5381918687493103010" border="0" /></a><br /><div style="text-align: center;">Fruit Market in Leh<br /></div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBzBS51edB-LLk8WyHynEXEjJ_bMQF4Qf0Cv9u8i8dzzOg4a_IWO28-dD4PzAhyalbB88ZtwfiERT7us5BiyNJWcBdwggtef49GfEG2z0ZD4F3xmceJ9DxQU2HaKQrqUNmFD_MFsjwFh0n/s1600-h/IMG_1318.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBzBS51edB-LLk8WyHynEXEjJ_bMQF4Qf0Cv9u8i8dzzOg4a_IWO28-dD4PzAhyalbB88ZtwfiERT7us5BiyNJWcBdwggtef49GfEG2z0ZD4F3xmceJ9DxQU2HaKQrqUNmFD_MFsjwFh0n/s320/IMG_1318.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5381918698944729506" border="0" /></a><br /><div style="text-align: center;">Leh Palace<br /></div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjlERorHRDkrAGKKX61LXW77-C4LVwWsFSHOeTmtEWa40zewyO4bpvjFvdu1zyaO5AuKVkVPcs7BSlZBrLuDAapKkCc7Q3CaKvzeq4602whOb2crQfJ0Hm99PQ2y_9NBWSSuYisLRkUmc9/s1600-h/IMG_1340.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjlERorHRDkrAGKKX61LXW77-C4LVwWsFSHOeTmtEWa40zewyO4bpvjFvdu1zyaO5AuKVkVPcs7BSlZBrLuDAapKkCc7Q3CaKvzeq4602whOb2crQfJ0Hm99PQ2y_9NBWSSuYisLRkUmc9/s320/IMG_1340.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5381918705249973810" border="0" /></a><br /><div style="text-align: center;">Sheena wearing her party hat at the birthday party!</div>Simon and Sheenahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08233662842760091770noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2499237260670655211.post-9245223695042295852009-09-06T00:37:00.000-07:002009-09-06T01:15:30.190-07:00Sydney To Leh (1st September to 4th September)With the long trip to Leh ahead which included 5 flights, all started fairly smoothly …. 4 flights in, a fairly ordinary hotel in Delhi, and a very early morning and we were at the airport again to catch the last of the 5 flights, that being Delhi to Leh. After 2.5 hours of sitting on the tarmac with constant weather updates, our pilot despondently informed us all that we wouldn’t be traveling to Leh due to low clouds. Apparently the pilot needs to be able to see in order to land…go figure…<br /><br />We initially thought it would be a good idea to stay in the airport for the next 24 hours, however sanity prevailed and we called our good friend Abhay to come to our rescue! Turned out to be a blessing in disguise as we spent the day chatting with cold beer and kebabs, while witnessing the onslaught of a Delhi monsoon. <br /><br />Another 3am morning in preparation for our 2nd attempt to get to Leh and all turned out well. The plane ride into Leh is absolutely spectacular with massive mountains protruding out of the clouds. Leh itself is beautiful, (even if all the shops were shut due to a strike!). Time to relax now in our friendly, picturesque guest house and think about the days ahead…..chai time :)<br /><br />Games Scores!<br />Scrabble: Sheena 3, Simon 0<br />Squabble: Sheena 2, Simon 0<br /><br />hmmmmmm....<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYcOGgAc8Y0LhPggdFjL1VxDWzFJMOaweQi9cKzxL5M3d1xipbsawDDkKT3L7iYHQbp-nCDvv27DwD85HDXktLPI6tSTadyqvWQzxWseFZVCE0log5VfU-H53OB6n2tHvWhsLcHcxvSKvn/s1600-h/IMG_1226%5B1%5D"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYcOGgAc8Y0LhPggdFjL1VxDWzFJMOaweQi9cKzxL5M3d1xipbsawDDkKT3L7iYHQbp-nCDvv27DwD85HDXktLPI6tSTadyqvWQzxWseFZVCE0log5VfU-H53OB6n2tHvWhsLcHcxvSKvn/s320/IMG_1226%5B1%5D" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5378262142410450930" /></a> The view of the Himalayas from the plane<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgG4KnuTAsWE_6JSDnNSx4wnDUKdOBL6IOM_9OKycbYWiYuR6RtwMfuwpPjfkcZGoRHAh4f8J6pE9GnmT7LZeczZilpRl5OFiktX0IiMswrJi9evPGIhjsqwNRA49vd63Bo9oeA0n1CS2YJ/s1600-h/IMG_1237%5B1%5D"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgG4KnuTAsWE_6JSDnNSx4wnDUKdOBL6IOM_9OKycbYWiYuR6RtwMfuwpPjfkcZGoRHAh4f8J6pE9GnmT7LZeczZilpRl5OFiktX0IiMswrJi9evPGIhjsqwNRA49vd63Bo9oeA0n1CS2YJ/s320/IMG_1237%5B1%5D" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5378262441101482018" /></a> At Oriental Guesthouse in Leh<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtWbohwNLZTv58E9WJzVg72JDgpLDwtlHSXKUhCKUY20gpoQEyZVXlqvdyQ-hhxOFz95_Zd1G7bAmrmNuYXduljsDABwFe6Cc2MEf8FxfD30ERUHLA9i9V1qanjPFcoSjUuFpuFSmLVMc6/s1600-h/IMG_1238%5B1%5D"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtWbohwNLZTv58E9WJzVg72JDgpLDwtlHSXKUhCKUY20gpoQEyZVXlqvdyQ-hhxOFz95_Zd1G7bAmrmNuYXduljsDABwFe6Cc2MEf8FxfD30ERUHLA9i9V1qanjPFcoSjUuFpuFSmLVMc6/s320/IMG_1238%5B1%5D" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5378262988699430418" /></a> Oriental Guesthouse<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5V6mZHYwDpSz2u_0rSUcQorbCVO4jtFO_ps8YxBDRR48ZAza44L_-6YItDlCFwEFAc0oM_-itVhlXhmmprSd_hJnvHOMCZH8ElZoq7C-CwCzZmzwgRvoprI5Akl4RN9JZG3pdMfygvyeD/s1600-h/IMG_1263%5B1%5D"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5V6mZHYwDpSz2u_0rSUcQorbCVO4jtFO_ps8YxBDRR48ZAza44L_-6YItDlCFwEFAc0oM_-itVhlXhmmprSd_hJnvHOMCZH8ElZoq7C-CwCzZmzwgRvoprI5Akl4RN9JZG3pdMfygvyeD/s320/IMG_1263%5B1%5D" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5378263714837589106" /></a> Shanti Stupa<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhF_breFIPBoiWf2cD7bI83-5w5vNaW5ivIwxZ64eRubHc5wtTo-7XAGgaiZ_4y5U3nj-svkDuVJa_dExbF9Twiwz02GbdB21Dd8CA3hIzmxbHDIvjtk1yOa1aVgang67ypfgW6cjEj-t8A/s1600-h/IMG_1270%5B1%5D"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhF_breFIPBoiWf2cD7bI83-5w5vNaW5ivIwxZ64eRubHc5wtTo-7XAGgaiZ_4y5U3nj-svkDuVJa_dExbF9Twiwz02GbdB21Dd8CA3hIzmxbHDIvjtk1yOa1aVgang67ypfgW6cjEj-t8A/s320/IMG_1270%5B1%5D" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5378264546447334322" /></a> Leh with Stok Kangri in the background <br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXr39xc-mBMiUAZHZxeVr1RDQsUet6W06TgGnmvqEhl4wpR3efR29z7Z6F47pkbuF7XjO0cHgGpd8QfQuNyA22b16-ia2tD3-pmCo6XIwBeFb2vRXdSknjsMo-NF96GWfnTMdjqXP8GtEw/s1600-h/IMG_1268%5B1%5D"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXr39xc-mBMiUAZHZxeVr1RDQsUet6W06TgGnmvqEhl4wpR3efR29z7Z6F47pkbuF7XjO0cHgGpd8QfQuNyA22b16-ia2tD3-pmCo6XIwBeFb2vRXdSknjsMo-NF96GWfnTMdjqXP8GtEw/s320/IMG_1268%5B1%5D" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5378264542386324482" /></a>The view from Shanti StupaSimon and Sheenahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08233662842760091770noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2499237260670655211.post-10526163131084940492009-08-31T01:41:00.000-07:002009-08-31T01:50:31.405-07:00And so it begins.........Tomorrow, the 1st of September, our long awatied exodus from Australia to grace the rest of the world with our presence begins!<div><br /></div><div>For the next 3.5 months we will be in India, with a fair proportion of that time spent undertaking projects for the charity organisation Aarohi.....</div><div><br /></div><div>But first... we have other mountains to climb... literally.. Sheena can't wait to tackle <a href="http://www.dirttreks.com/2007/india/stok/stok_Kangri_03210.JPG">Stok Kangri</a> near Leh in the Himalayas... at over 6200m it will be tough.. there will be lots of whining, headaches, sore feet, and probably some tears towards the end.. and I'm sure Sheena will suffer some problems too...</div><div><br /></div><div>Anywhoo that's all for now.. time to have our last glass of wine, our last piece of chocolate, and our last hot shower for some time... </div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div>Simon and Sheenahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08233662842760091770noreply@blogger.com0