Hi folks
well last night I arrived back here in Tallinn by bus. I am fair exhausted but and am off to find me a ferry to Helsinki this morning.
Well, I had a great time in St Petersburg. I saw the Hermitage as perviously mentioned, visited the Alexander Monastery, travelled the Metro and saw a few amazing churches. Also I spent a lot of time with my girlfriend who lives in St Petersburg.
The city is so busy, I was quite amazed. I had visited eight years ago and don't remember so many people on the street or fighting to get inside the packed metro system.
I did a side trip to Novgorod, a comparitively serence and calm place where people seemed much happier in general. The streets were so much quieter. I visited the kremlin there, a castle-like fortification housing ancient churches and the monument to the millenium of Russia. Outside flowed a river, with an interesting bridge, and for the first time in daylight hours the sun actually came out in Russia! I was quite amazing.
Yesterday I took the bus back here from St Petersburg, and today I will travel to Helsinki for my half day there. Tomorrow morning this time (8.20am) I will be off to London town!
Wednesday, October 31, 2007
Sunday, October 28, 2007
St Petersburg, Russia
Today I went to the Hermitage St Petersburg. Yes, sorry for not posting for ages but this is my first chance to use the net in a week. Anyways, I have moved from Tallinn to St Petersburg, Russia by bus last Sunday, and on Tuesday move on to Helsinki. Later in the week I should have a chance to post more extensively. It's good!
Saturday, October 20, 2007
Tallinn with pictures
Today I have dont some sight seeing around Tallinn. I also had some dumplings for lunch. Up on the hill that overlooks the city is Toompea, where the interesting and impressive Dome and Alexander Nevsky (pipcture) Churches stand. I was allowed inside but not to take photos. The Alexander Nevsky Church is Orthodox, and full of gold and icons. The Dome Church is white, with wooden sheilds lining the walls. Also an impressive organ.
Walking through the Old Town is great, and I think out of Vilnius, Riga and Tallinn Tallinn wins the 'Best Old Town of the Baltics' award. Many little streets, Such as the pictured St Catherine's Walk, to walk around for hours and get lost in.
I took a bus out to Pirita where there is the shell of an old monastry. Very few tourists out there, whereas the old town is full of them despite the time of year. On the way back I walked a couple of kilometres to see this Soviet style park decorated gaily with concrete. Into the concrete was the imprint of hands (pictured). Nice place Tallinn...
Friday, October 19, 2007
PHOTS 07 (1)
Here are some photos ive uploaded. It was a slow process. Not sure how they will be laid out. So we have the Vasa Warship and myself from Stockholm, Sweden. St Annes Church Vilnius, the Hill of Crosses Siauliai and Trakai Castle in Lithuania. Daugava River and me in front of the Science Academy, Riga, Latvia. The Kaali Crater and a wet Kurresaare, Saaremma, Estonia. Enjoy!
Tallinn (1)
Today I arrived in sunny Tallinn. The weather was really good today actually, unfortunately yesterday it was pretty crap and rained from sun up to sun down. Then, today as I leave and am on a bus all day there is sunlight. Quite infuriating.
I had my own appartment in Kurresaare, which was brilliant. The owner came in at 3pm to add wood to this large old woodfired heater and the place kept very warm. I relaxed a fair bit, on Tuesday I went to Kaali, a small town 18km from ´Kurressare. There's a large crater there which I thought was reasonably cool. Then I had two hours before the bus back and it turned pretty damned cold. It was hard to keep the blood flowing I tells you!
Yesterday I spent a few hours (well it was raining) in the Kurresaare Castle. Nice enough, but filled with a museum that has little to do with the castle itself. There was one tower open )but you couldn't see outside) and had a small bridge across, with a twenty metre drop below. Then there was the sound of a lion roaring played to frighten the tourists. Consider me frightened!!
Tallinn looks very interesting, and I have two proper days here to explore! Maybe I can get some photos up...
I had my own appartment in Kurresaare, which was brilliant. The owner came in at 3pm to add wood to this large old woodfired heater and the place kept very warm. I relaxed a fair bit, on Tuesday I went to Kaali, a small town 18km from ´Kurressare. There's a large crater there which I thought was reasonably cool. Then I had two hours before the bus back and it turned pretty damned cold. It was hard to keep the blood flowing I tells you!
Yesterday I spent a few hours (well it was raining) in the Kurresaare Castle. Nice enough, but filled with a museum that has little to do with the castle itself. There was one tower open )but you couldn't see outside) and had a small bridge across, with a twenty metre drop below. Then there was the sound of a lion roaring played to frighten the tourists. Consider me frightened!!
Tallinn looks very interesting, and I have two proper days here to explore! Maybe I can get some photos up...
Tuesday, October 16, 2007
Parnu to Kuressaare
Hi folks
I left Riga yesterday morning on the ten o'clock bus to Parnu, Estonia. Arriving there at one o'clock I soon discovered that the next bus to my destionation, Kuressare on the Estonian island of Saaremaa was not until 6.40pm. So I had an afternoon in Parnu.
It proved to be a nice little town, with an interesting modern art museum full of bs and ps. Well, what would one expect really? I walked down to the beach which, although cloudy and cold, was nice enough. Today I am off to a little village called Kaali where I will see a meterorite crater. how bout they hey?
I left Riga yesterday morning on the ten o'clock bus to Parnu, Estonia. Arriving there at one o'clock I soon discovered that the next bus to my destionation, Kuressare on the Estonian island of Saaremaa was not until 6.40pm. So I had an afternoon in Parnu.
It proved to be a nice little town, with an interesting modern art museum full of bs and ps. Well, what would one expect really? I walked down to the beach which, although cloudy and cold, was nice enough. Today I am off to a little village called Kaali where I will see a meterorite crater. how bout they hey?
Sunday, October 14, 2007
Riga, Latvia
Hello Folks,
I have moved on to Riga, the Latvian capital where I am staying in a very nice and cheap hotel. Today I saw a very moving museum on the Occupation of Latvia by both the Soviets and Nazis. Yesterday it was raining all day, and i travelled here from Siauliai in Lithuania, near which stands this amazing Hill of Crosses. Thousands and thousands of crosses of all sizes placed on a hill. If i get some time i will have to put some photos up, it really was amazing.
Following Latvia's history to indepenence over the last 100 years was equally as amazing. Riga is a much bigger city than Vilnius, and at the moment colder. The wind outside is enough to freeze my hands... which it nearly did.
What else is there to tell? A few days ago i visited Trakai outside Vilnius, where an old (14th century) castle has been rebuilt. The 1960s reconstruction is not 100% authentic, but it was worth seeing and a nice day trip from Vilnius.
I have another day in Riga before heading out to the Estonian island of Saaremaa.
I have moved on to Riga, the Latvian capital where I am staying in a very nice and cheap hotel. Today I saw a very moving museum on the Occupation of Latvia by both the Soviets and Nazis. Yesterday it was raining all day, and i travelled here from Siauliai in Lithuania, near which stands this amazing Hill of Crosses. Thousands and thousands of crosses of all sizes placed on a hill. If i get some time i will have to put some photos up, it really was amazing.
Following Latvia's history to indepenence over the last 100 years was equally as amazing. Riga is a much bigger city than Vilnius, and at the moment colder. The wind outside is enough to freeze my hands... which it nearly did.
What else is there to tell? A few days ago i visited Trakai outside Vilnius, where an old (14th century) castle has been rebuilt. The 1960s reconstruction is not 100% authentic, but it was worth seeing and a nice day trip from Vilnius.
I have another day in Riga before heading out to the Estonian island of Saaremaa.
Wednesday, October 10, 2007
Vilnius, Lithuania (1)
oK
I have given up trying to think of witty titles for now. I have had a long day filming with Siggi, my friend from Germany. It's been successful though, and the weather was quite nice. cold but plenty of blue sky.
Three large crosses live atop one of the two hills at one end of the Old Town, and they are quite magnificent. There is an old castle on the other hill, offering a good view of the Old Town and the main part of Vilnius.
I flew across on a Fokker 50, a very small passenger plane which has propellers. It was a smooth flight though, and got me safely to this town (very small for a capital) which is very nice all said. Unfortunately I had some ice cream last night which made me very sick, and I am still recovering.
I don't have much else to report, expect that i climbed both aforementioned hills today in the filming efforts. I am also enjoying how much cheaper Lithuania is compared to Sweden. More soon I presume.
Such as I took a boat trip for my final day in Stockholm around the harbour, it went over the spot the Vasa sank. Thankfully there was no repeat performance. Then I checked out the city museum which didnt have a lot on display at the moment, but was free and very interesting.
I have given up trying to think of witty titles for now. I have had a long day filming with Siggi, my friend from Germany. It's been successful though, and the weather was quite nice. cold but plenty of blue sky.
Three large crosses live atop one of the two hills at one end of the Old Town, and they are quite magnificent. There is an old castle on the other hill, offering a good view of the Old Town and the main part of Vilnius.
I flew across on a Fokker 50, a very small passenger plane which has propellers. It was a smooth flight though, and got me safely to this town (very small for a capital) which is very nice all said. Unfortunately I had some ice cream last night which made me very sick, and I am still recovering.
I don't have much else to report, expect that i climbed both aforementioned hills today in the filming efforts. I am also enjoying how much cheaper Lithuania is compared to Sweden. More soon I presume.
Such as I took a boat trip for my final day in Stockholm around the harbour, it went over the spot the Vasa sank. Thankfully there was no repeat performance. Then I checked out the city museum which didnt have a lot on display at the moment, but was free and very interesting.
Sunday, October 07, 2007
Swedish Hot Dogs
Hey everyone
still in Sweden here. Everything is pretty much good I guess.
Yesterday I was straight into the site seeing by visiting the Royal Palace. I saw the changing of the guards and then hard a look at the Treasury and a few of the Royal Apartments which are converted into show rooms of a sort.
Stockholm is a very walkable city. Not too big so all is good, although my feet are taking some time to adjust to the new walking boots and are suitably sore after a days walking.
The Swedish Royal Family seem like nice enough people, and their crowns are pretty interesting all told. Some are even the Blue and Yellow of Sweden. Yes, I presume I should have written gold instead of yellow.
But its a friendly city, if rather expensive. Very really, a cheap option for food is the hot dog which one can get for 13 Kronor, about two and a hlaf aussie dollars. Otherwise I am cooking pasta and looking out for a subway else my budget will be up the spout. These hot dogs come in the worlds smallest buns. Its quite amusing really, a long sausage in a tiny roll. No, that was not meant to be rude.
Today I went to the Vasa Museum. In the early 17th century this ship, the Vasa, left Stockholm to fight against the Poles (they were at war at the time funnily enough) and it never got out of Stockholm, sinking before it had hardly moved from the place it was built. In the late 1950s it was pulled from the bottom of the sea, restored and now is the central piece in its own museum. Very nice place, worth a look if youre in town.
Then Skansen is the worlds first and biggest open air museum. Lots of little houses with people playing the roles of people from that time (various periods over the last 300 or 400 years). Saw some nice glass blowing. Also a bit of a zoo contained in this area of which the brown bears were the highlight. One just came up to the glass and walked from one end of the glass to the other and back. And he continued this on and on. Poor thing. But he was so close it was amazing.
So yeah. One more day in Stockholm and I am moving on again, to Lithuania.
still in Sweden here. Everything is pretty much good I guess.
Yesterday I was straight into the site seeing by visiting the Royal Palace. I saw the changing of the guards and then hard a look at the Treasury and a few of the Royal Apartments which are converted into show rooms of a sort.
Stockholm is a very walkable city. Not too big so all is good, although my feet are taking some time to adjust to the new walking boots and are suitably sore after a days walking.
The Swedish Royal Family seem like nice enough people, and their crowns are pretty interesting all told. Some are even the Blue and Yellow of Sweden. Yes, I presume I should have written gold instead of yellow.
But its a friendly city, if rather expensive. Very really, a cheap option for food is the hot dog which one can get for 13 Kronor, about two and a hlaf aussie dollars. Otherwise I am cooking pasta and looking out for a subway else my budget will be up the spout. These hot dogs come in the worlds smallest buns. Its quite amusing really, a long sausage in a tiny roll. No, that was not meant to be rude.
Today I went to the Vasa Museum. In the early 17th century this ship, the Vasa, left Stockholm to fight against the Poles (they were at war at the time funnily enough) and it never got out of Stockholm, sinking before it had hardly moved from the place it was built. In the late 1950s it was pulled from the bottom of the sea, restored and now is the central piece in its own museum. Very nice place, worth a look if youre in town.
Then Skansen is the worlds first and biggest open air museum. Lots of little houses with people playing the roles of people from that time (various periods over the last 300 or 400 years). Saw some nice glass blowing. Also a bit of a zoo contained in this area of which the brown bears were the highlight. One just came up to the glass and walked from one end of the glass to the other and back. And he continued this on and on. Poor thing. But he was so close it was amazing.
So yeah. One more day in Stockholm and I am moving on again, to Lithuania.
Friday, October 05, 2007
Underway
Hi Folks
Everything is coming up in an Asian language here except what I write so I hope that this posts ok.
Well, I left Melbourne this morning at 0.15 and well so far the day has gone 27 hours. That is because Sweden, where I have safely arrived, is eight hours behind Melbourne. I have never done the trip to Europe in one hit before, usually I have stopped in Asia making it much easier, but let me just say I am a little in the twilight zone here.
Malaysian Airlines are great. Great service and their pilots appear to be excellent with two of the best landings I have experienced. I arrived at Kuala Lumpur after the first flight barely alive, the red wine I had had before leaving was not my friend. I collapsed *tired* on a bench and fell asleep. It was around 6am Malaysian time. I woke up and the sun was up and it was 7.58 which was great. The second flight was good too. Views over Afghanistan were just breath taking.
I also slept enough by the time the flight was half over and was generally awake for the second six hours. Arriving in Stockholm things went pretty quickly and smoothely = thay was until I was almost out through customs and I was brought over, randomly chosen out of two entire flights, to have my bags thoroughly checked. Individual items were even xrayed. Well, after all that they found nothing and I was allowed to proceed. And I did, to the ATM machine, which registered a technical fault. I tried another with the same result. Not a good start.
I paid for the bus to the city another way and changed some aussie dollars, and after a 40 minute trip was in the city centre, five minutes walk took me to the very conviniently located City Backpackers. It is ok.... the rooms seem good at least, even if some things are sort of broken.
It is 7.27 here in the evening. In Melbourne it would be 3.27AM the next day. So yes. The twilight zone......
However we are underway!
Everything is coming up in an Asian language here except what I write so I hope that this posts ok.
Well, I left Melbourne this morning at 0.15 and well so far the day has gone 27 hours. That is because Sweden, where I have safely arrived, is eight hours behind Melbourne. I have never done the trip to Europe in one hit before, usually I have stopped in Asia making it much easier, but let me just say I am a little in the twilight zone here.
Malaysian Airlines are great. Great service and their pilots appear to be excellent with two of the best landings I have experienced. I arrived at Kuala Lumpur after the first flight barely alive, the red wine I had had before leaving was not my friend. I collapsed *tired* on a bench and fell asleep. It was around 6am Malaysian time. I woke up and the sun was up and it was 7.58 which was great. The second flight was good too. Views over Afghanistan were just breath taking.
I also slept enough by the time the flight was half over and was generally awake for the second six hours. Arriving in Stockholm things went pretty quickly and smoothely = thay was until I was almost out through customs and I was brought over, randomly chosen out of two entire flights, to have my bags thoroughly checked. Individual items were even xrayed. Well, after all that they found nothing and I was allowed to proceed. And I did, to the ATM machine, which registered a technical fault. I tried another with the same result. Not a good start.
I paid for the bus to the city another way and changed some aussie dollars, and after a 40 minute trip was in the city centre, five minutes walk took me to the very conviniently located City Backpackers. It is ok.... the rooms seem good at least, even if some things are sort of broken.
It is 7.27 here in the evening. In Melbourne it would be 3.27AM the next day. So yes. The twilight zone......
However we are underway!
Wednesday, October 03, 2007
10 hours and counting
well
i have under ten hours to go
last minute things to do - finish packing and vacuum the apartment. not much else really.
Ive had a bit of a drama trying to find accommodation in Stockholm. I have no idea why in October it was almost impossible to find a hostel bed, but i could book for the 4th and 7th and not the 5th and 6th!
So after calling City Backpackers I have secured a double room for my entire daily budget for those two nights. Obviously said budget will need to be adjusted...
The wonderful land of Mali. Remember? I was on a bus from Bobo Diolousso in Burkina Faso to this country and didn't make it past the outskirts of town? Well, This time I fly in on the 5th of November. There is a lot to see in this amazing country, from the Mosque at Djenne to the Dogon Country.
http://www.lonelyplanet.com/worldguide/destinations/africa/mali
And then flying over to Dakar, Senegal. Can I make it this far? Only time will tell. It was my ultimate goal on two past trips. Hopefully I make it there this time! I will try to stick to beaches in Senegal - Dakar, St Louis and a bit of a trip to Thies which is kinda inland and has a tapestry factory.
http://www.lonelyplanet.com/worldguide/destinations/africa/senegal
Then I have a brief stop in Casablanca for one day and two nights, a night in London and I fly home!!!
Will I survive?
Will I catch another deadly disease?
Will I get married?
Will I become President of a relatively unknown African Country?
Only time will tell....
i have under ten hours to go
last minute things to do - finish packing and vacuum the apartment. not much else really.
Ive had a bit of a drama trying to find accommodation in Stockholm. I have no idea why in October it was almost impossible to find a hostel bed, but i could book for the 4th and 7th and not the 5th and 6th!
So after calling City Backpackers I have secured a double room for my entire daily budget for those two nights. Obviously said budget will need to be adjusted...
The wonderful land of Mali. Remember? I was on a bus from Bobo Diolousso in Burkina Faso to this country and didn't make it past the outskirts of town? Well, This time I fly in on the 5th of November. There is a lot to see in this amazing country, from the Mosque at Djenne to the Dogon Country.
http://www.lonelyplanet.com/worldguide/destinations/africa/mali
And then flying over to Dakar, Senegal. Can I make it this far? Only time will tell. It was my ultimate goal on two past trips. Hopefully I make it there this time! I will try to stick to beaches in Senegal - Dakar, St Louis and a bit of a trip to Thies which is kinda inland and has a tapestry factory.
http://www.lonelyplanet.com/worldguide/destinations/africa/senegal
Then I have a brief stop in Casablanca for one day and two nights, a night in London and I fly home!!!
Will I survive?
Will I catch another deadly disease?
Will I get married?
Will I become President of a relatively unknown African Country?
Only time will tell....
Sunday, September 30, 2007
Continuing on...
Well it's the last day of September, leaving me with four days to go until I leave just after mignight on Thursday morning. I have come down with a bit of a flu so I'm not the best, and my computer died last Tuesday so that's why it's taken me so long to post again, which leaves my goal of chatting (briefly!) about each place before I jet off in jeopardy.
It seems the week before i go is often filled with pointless dramas, and just increases my trepidation needlessly. And then there's the predicatable plane crash that comes within the last 2-3 weeks. This time a budget airline in Thailand hit the tarmac in a poor way, and few survived. Not something I want to think of really... and yet I do! I must think of better things...
Surely one of the highlights of the trip will be a place i've been to a couple of times before - London. Not a location where I will be doing much siteseeing this time around, instead hopefully it will be a good chance to catch up with friends and have a drink or two.
http://www.lonelyplanet.com/worldguide/destinations/europe/england/london
There's a little link for all those keen readers who have never heard of London, Big Ben, the Bridge, Buckingham Palace....
The Globe Theatre and Stratford - Upon - Avon are (one) sidetrip I hope to make this time around. Somehow always missed them previously. SO today I am going to start packing, although I think I have most of the things I need so it's not all that last minute.
Next post I will prepare you for my big return... to WEST AFRICA.
It seems the week before i go is often filled with pointless dramas, and just increases my trepidation needlessly. And then there's the predicatable plane crash that comes within the last 2-3 weeks. This time a budget airline in Thailand hit the tarmac in a poor way, and few survived. Not something I want to think of really... and yet I do! I must think of better things...
Surely one of the highlights of the trip will be a place i've been to a couple of times before - London. Not a location where I will be doing much siteseeing this time around, instead hopefully it will be a good chance to catch up with friends and have a drink or two.
http://www.lonelyplanet.com/worldguide/destinations/europe/england/london
There's a little link for all those keen readers who have never heard of London, Big Ben, the Bridge, Buckingham Palace....
The Globe Theatre and Stratford - Upon - Avon are (one) sidetrip I hope to make this time around. Somehow always missed them previously. SO today I am going to start packing, although I think I have most of the things I need so it's not all that last minute.
Next post I will prepare you for my big return... to WEST AFRICA.
Friday, September 14, 2007
Shaving Helsinki
Finland Finland Finland Finland
The country where I want to be
Pony Trekking or camping
or just watching tv
Hi folks. How are we out there?
I have 20 days to go, less than three weeks. I am a bit on the buggered side and face a hell of a lot of esxtra hours before I fly away. More money I hear you say... Well I wish I saw it that way, but I see myself hopping on the plane rather stressed out like I did last time. So from now on despite my busy nature I am going to try and relax wherever humanly possible. Yes it's a plan.
From St Petersburg and Vyborg I will take the train across to Helsinki, a city I have never seen before. Perhaps I will stay in the famous Stadion Hostel, located strangely enough in a stadium. What Shall I do with three days in Helsinki? I don't really know. Stuff probably. be cold. the usual. hehe
I have my passport back. In fact I got it back three days ago, it took 8 days. Pretty amazing, all the way to Japan, processed and sent off by courier back to me and all in 8 days. And to think getting the Russian visa took 3 weeks and never left australia. CRIKEY!
well
now packing lists need to be and so forth. I bought an electric battery-powered shaver yesterday so one can tell my life is full of excitment right now. Well, I can't for the life of me think why I stuck with the blade on previous trips. Cold water, carrying shaving cream around... what a silly hassle.
yeah yeah
til next time!
The country where I want to be
Pony Trekking or camping
or just watching tv
Hi folks. How are we out there?
I have 20 days to go, less than three weeks. I am a bit on the buggered side and face a hell of a lot of esxtra hours before I fly away. More money I hear you say... Well I wish I saw it that way, but I see myself hopping on the plane rather stressed out like I did last time. So from now on despite my busy nature I am going to try and relax wherever humanly possible. Yes it's a plan.
From St Petersburg and Vyborg I will take the train across to Helsinki, a city I have never seen before. Perhaps I will stay in the famous Stadion Hostel, located strangely enough in a stadium. What Shall I do with three days in Helsinki? I don't really know. Stuff probably. be cold. the usual. hehe
I have my passport back. In fact I got it back three days ago, it took 8 days. Pretty amazing, all the way to Japan, processed and sent off by courier back to me and all in 8 days. And to think getting the Russian visa took 3 weeks and never left australia. CRIKEY!
well
now packing lists need to be and so forth. I bought an electric battery-powered shaver yesterday so one can tell my life is full of excitment right now. Well, I can't for the life of me think why I stuck with the blade on previous trips. Cold water, carrying shaving cream around... what a silly hassle.
yeah yeah
til next time!
Wednesday, September 05, 2007
Crazy things with Passports
Hiya folks
Just under a month to go. Today I bought some thick socks for the Baltics and Russia.
YES RUSSIA
After Estonia I will be taking a bus along to St Petersburg, where I will be meeting a very special someone. But enough of that.
I ventured to St Petersburg in my first big adventure in 1999. I feel in love with this city. It is truly beautiful. I walked home (to my hostel) from the Metro Nightclub at 3am as snow lightly fell to the ground and it was pretty magical. Perhaps that was just the vodka...
But I never saw one of the world's most impressive buildings, the Winter Palace, aka the Hermitage. This time I will.
The metro there is great too, so many trains and the stations are housed in old bomb shelters with chandeliers. I think Melbourne's loop is a huge disappointment in comparison.
The Mali visa is a curious thing. Earlier in the year the consulate in Western Australia was told it could no longer issue visas. The same went for all consulates worldwide I was told, so only Malian EMBASSIES had the power to do this. That meant that Tokyo was the closest place I can get a visa. Luckily they cater for Australians and with an added fee will post my passport back to me, and process in a day too which is exceptional.
The basic fact is that i posted my passport to Japan on Monday morning, express post, wondering if I would ever see it again. I'll call the embassy on Friday and see if it has been received. I've posted my passport off to a few embassies IN Australia but this is a first.
Hopefully I wont be needing an emergency replacement passport at quick speeds before I go.....
Just under a month to go. Today I bought some thick socks for the Baltics and Russia.
YES RUSSIA
After Estonia I will be taking a bus along to St Petersburg, where I will be meeting a very special someone. But enough of that.
I ventured to St Petersburg in my first big adventure in 1999. I feel in love with this city. It is truly beautiful. I walked home (to my hostel) from the Metro Nightclub at 3am as snow lightly fell to the ground and it was pretty magical. Perhaps that was just the vodka...
But I never saw one of the world's most impressive buildings, the Winter Palace, aka the Hermitage. This time I will.
The metro there is great too, so many trains and the stations are housed in old bomb shelters with chandeliers. I think Melbourne's loop is a huge disappointment in comparison.
The Mali visa is a curious thing. Earlier in the year the consulate in Western Australia was told it could no longer issue visas. The same went for all consulates worldwide I was told, so only Malian EMBASSIES had the power to do this. That meant that Tokyo was the closest place I can get a visa. Luckily they cater for Australians and with an added fee will post my passport back to me, and process in a day too which is exceptional.
The basic fact is that i posted my passport to Japan on Monday morning, express post, wondering if I would ever see it again. I'll call the embassy on Friday and see if it has been received. I've posted my passport off to a few embassies IN Australia but this is a first.
Hopefully I wont be needing an emergency replacement passport at quick speeds before I go.....
Tuesday, August 28, 2007
A Shot in the Arm
Today i got a shot at the doctor for Typhoid. It was painless at the time.... now my arm is sore though.
Estonia is the next place I plan on going to after Lativa, making my tour of the Baltic countries complete. The capital Tallin is yet another medieval capital said to be beautiful and full of character, but I also will be making a side trip for a couple of days to the island of Saareema, which is supposed to also be beautiful and also have a meteorite crater making it pretty special.
here's a couple of useful links. I'm tired today and not up to writing much, sorry...
http://www.saaremaa.ee/
http://www.lonelyplanet.com/worldguide/destinations/europe/estonia
Sorry if the second one doesnt work the page is down right now you see.....
Estonia is the next place I plan on going to after Lativa, making my tour of the Baltic countries complete. The capital Tallin is yet another medieval capital said to be beautiful and full of character, but I also will be making a side trip for a couple of days to the island of Saareema, which is supposed to also be beautiful and also have a meteorite crater making it pretty special.
here's a couple of useful links. I'm tired today and not up to writing much, sorry...
http://www.saaremaa.ee/
http://www.lonelyplanet.com/worldguide/destinations/europe/estonia
Sorry if the second one doesnt work the page is down right now you see.....
Sunday, August 19, 2007
Exciting Eurovision
From the Baltic lands of Lithuania I will head onwards to the completely different Baltic lands of Latvia.
I first watched the Eurovision Song Contest in 2002, the year that Marie N. won the contest with 'I wanna' for Latvia. Clearly not the best song in the contest (Malta were, as they regualarly are, robbed), this did feature the singer dressed in a suit, taking it off as the song progressed to reveal a stunning red dress underneath. Gimicks and Eurovision really do go hand in hand. Nevertheless, the nest year (2003 if you can't do maths, toughest year of my life) Riga, Latvia's capital, hosted the contest in what was my favourite contest of all. Featuring an out of tune T.a.t.u, Belly dancers and one of the competition's oddest ever performances by Austria'a Alf Poier, it will always hold a special place in my heart. Sadly it's unavailable on DVD.
Have I digressed?
Always.
Nevertheless, this is where I will be headed after Lithuania, just for 3-4 days in Riga which by all accounts is a beautiful city indeed. Maybe a day trip....
http://www.lonelyplanet.com/worldguide/destinations/europe/latvia
there it is, knock yourselves out!
Well, I find myself needing to write up a 'to-do' list because I'm down to six and a half weeks and I feel that I still have a million and one things to do (it's that last 'one' that's a real bugger). I need warm socks, a jacket perhaps and I need to go see a travel doctor about medications and vaccinations.
So much fun fun fun.
Before I sign off today, I'm very happy to hear my friend Graham whom I'm meeting up with for a beer or three in London is safe and well, as he is presently in Peru which was rocked by an earthquake a week ago. Stay safe all travellers out there!
I first watched the Eurovision Song Contest in 2002, the year that Marie N. won the contest with 'I wanna' for Latvia. Clearly not the best song in the contest (Malta were, as they regualarly are, robbed), this did feature the singer dressed in a suit, taking it off as the song progressed to reveal a stunning red dress underneath. Gimicks and Eurovision really do go hand in hand. Nevertheless, the nest year (2003 if you can't do maths, toughest year of my life) Riga, Latvia's capital, hosted the contest in what was my favourite contest of all. Featuring an out of tune T.a.t.u, Belly dancers and one of the competition's oddest ever performances by Austria'a Alf Poier, it will always hold a special place in my heart. Sadly it's unavailable on DVD.
Have I digressed?
Always.
Nevertheless, this is where I will be headed after Lithuania, just for 3-4 days in Riga which by all accounts is a beautiful city indeed. Maybe a day trip....
http://www.lonelyplanet.com/worldguide/destinations/europe/latvia
there it is, knock yourselves out!
Well, I find myself needing to write up a 'to-do' list because I'm down to six and a half weeks and I feel that I still have a million and one things to do (it's that last 'one' that's a real bugger). I need warm socks, a jacket perhaps and I need to go see a travel doctor about medications and vaccinations.
So much fun fun fun.
Before I sign off today, I'm very happy to hear my friend Graham whom I'm meeting up with for a beer or three in London is safe and well, as he is presently in Peru which was rocked by an earthquake a week ago. Stay safe all travellers out there!
Friday, August 10, 2007
An Ethiopian Distraction
Well
It's August. Suddenly days are flying by and I realise I have to get myself into gear for preparations. So tomorrow I am sending off to the Russian Consulate for my visa for the country of the similar name. Somehow I have found myself thinking of my next trip rather than this one. Have I planned things too much and now I need to think of something else? Perhaps... But I am thinking of Ethiopia and the possibilities that lie therein. I was on my way there as part of my crazy 2004 trip before I changed me mind, not because I decided the place wasn't for me but because I'd been so sick through India and Pakistan I had decided to take it easy (the same reason I didn't go to other parts of Africa).
Anyways, despite all that I suddenly remembered why I wanted to go. Contrary to most people's preconceptions Ethiopia is a green country, not particularly hot with mountains and some of the oldest and most amazing Christian historic sites in the world. Travelling by plane is the most sensible way to do the country it seems as a 200-300km journey on the roads can take two days. Considering I know the quality of African buses already I don't fancy that at all.
And yet this post was supposed to be about Lithuania. I will be flying into Lithuania four days after my Stockholm arrival where I will spend some time in its capital Vilinius and perhaps a place called Klaipeda, out near the coast. There's an amazing area (apparently) called the Curonian Split which Klaipeda lives on and if the weather ain't too bad I might head out there. An old friend I met whilst travelling in Iran in 2004 is going to meet me in Vilnius (his name is Siggi) and we'll tramp around together from Vilinius to probably Riga. Should be a fun week, although I am really starting to think that trips should be started in hot climates on beaches. Well, that's just what i've generally done before. South East Asia is a wonderful stepping stone to Europe from Australia, and this is the first time I've taken a flight straight to Europe without a stop over. (Well, it's stops in Kuala Lumpur for an hour or two, but no proper stop over as it were.)
So it's late and I delayed my bedtime to bring any readers I may have (please is anyone out there?) this little update. Here's a link for Lithuania via my good friends at Lonely Planet. Not that they actually know me at all...
http://www.lonelyplanet.com/worldguide/destinations/europe/lithuania
It's August. Suddenly days are flying by and I realise I have to get myself into gear for preparations. So tomorrow I am sending off to the Russian Consulate for my visa for the country of the similar name. Somehow I have found myself thinking of my next trip rather than this one. Have I planned things too much and now I need to think of something else? Perhaps... But I am thinking of Ethiopia and the possibilities that lie therein. I was on my way there as part of my crazy 2004 trip before I changed me mind, not because I decided the place wasn't for me but because I'd been so sick through India and Pakistan I had decided to take it easy (the same reason I didn't go to other parts of Africa).
Anyways, despite all that I suddenly remembered why I wanted to go. Contrary to most people's preconceptions Ethiopia is a green country, not particularly hot with mountains and some of the oldest and most amazing Christian historic sites in the world. Travelling by plane is the most sensible way to do the country it seems as a 200-300km journey on the roads can take two days. Considering I know the quality of African buses already I don't fancy that at all.
And yet this post was supposed to be about Lithuania. I will be flying into Lithuania four days after my Stockholm arrival where I will spend some time in its capital Vilinius and perhaps a place called Klaipeda, out near the coast. There's an amazing area (apparently) called the Curonian Split which Klaipeda lives on and if the weather ain't too bad I might head out there. An old friend I met whilst travelling in Iran in 2004 is going to meet me in Vilnius (his name is Siggi) and we'll tramp around together from Vilinius to probably Riga. Should be a fun week, although I am really starting to think that trips should be started in hot climates on beaches. Well, that's just what i've generally done before. South East Asia is a wonderful stepping stone to Europe from Australia, and this is the first time I've taken a flight straight to Europe without a stop over. (Well, it's stops in Kuala Lumpur for an hour or two, but no proper stop over as it were.)
So it's late and I delayed my bedtime to bring any readers I may have (please is anyone out there?) this little update. Here's a link for Lithuania via my good friends at Lonely Planet. Not that they actually know me at all...
http://www.lonelyplanet.com/worldguide/destinations/europe/lithuania
Sunday, July 29, 2007
Soon I need to do some ironing.
Yes... In half an hour or so I need to get into some ironing as there are a lot of unironed shirts in a box at the end of my bed that have been waiting just far too long. And some people wonder why I continue to travel as often as I can.
So the date to fly out of here is the 4th of October. That is just over two months away now. I have been foolishly counting down the days until i depart (67 for those who care) and boy does it make the days go slower. That and at the moment I am afflicted with a fluey-cold thing that refuses to go away. So is it any wonder I just wish to be out of here? Plus working six days a week is really starting to get to me as well. That's to be expected I suppose.
Well, so a little preview. My first stop will be Stockholm, that illustrious capital of Sweden. Ok, perhaps that's not the perfect word. I mean, I was there in 1999 and remember things like the make-shift hostel (in a school) and getting my jacket dry cleaned for a wedding I was going to in Germany. And a wonderful place that served a buffet lunch for a reasonable price.
I was there in Summer and it was 35 degrees most days as they were in the middle of a rare heat wave, I even went swimming one day. The weather will not be so agreeable in October. I am well aware of this but I can't say, living through a Melbourne winter right now, I am as happy about that as I was when I booked my flights at the end of one of the hottest summers Melbourne has ever had. Still, four nights there and the main purpose of that is to counter any jetlag I am sure to experience after 22 hours in flight. Crikey!
I have picked out a hostel:
http://www.fridhemsplan.se/main.asp?lang=eng
It seems to be the best one in Stockholm. The plan is to pay extra money for a single room and really get some quality shut-eye. Also I want to see a couple of things around town, including the Skansen Amusement Park and the Royal Palace, both of which I somehow missed the first time around. Hopefully I can find that eatery too, although I fear that I will again be consigned to cooking for myself. Sweden ain't the cheapest place on Earth folks, in fact your standard dorm bed is at least $35 Australian. Double that for a single. Worth it I suspect for a few good night's sleep.
I'm planning on a little preview for each country I visit like this one. Can't promise anything of course.... but that's another little plan, so watch this space!!!!
So the date to fly out of here is the 4th of October. That is just over two months away now. I have been foolishly counting down the days until i depart (67 for those who care) and boy does it make the days go slower. That and at the moment I am afflicted with a fluey-cold thing that refuses to go away. So is it any wonder I just wish to be out of here? Plus working six days a week is really starting to get to me as well. That's to be expected I suppose.
Well, so a little preview. My first stop will be Stockholm, that illustrious capital of Sweden. Ok, perhaps that's not the perfect word. I mean, I was there in 1999 and remember things like the make-shift hostel (in a school) and getting my jacket dry cleaned for a wedding I was going to in Germany. And a wonderful place that served a buffet lunch for a reasonable price.
I was there in Summer and it was 35 degrees most days as they were in the middle of a rare heat wave, I even went swimming one day. The weather will not be so agreeable in October. I am well aware of this but I can't say, living through a Melbourne winter right now, I am as happy about that as I was when I booked my flights at the end of one of the hottest summers Melbourne has ever had. Still, four nights there and the main purpose of that is to counter any jetlag I am sure to experience after 22 hours in flight. Crikey!
I have picked out a hostel:
http://www.fridhemsplan.se/main.asp?lang=eng
It seems to be the best one in Stockholm. The plan is to pay extra money for a single room and really get some quality shut-eye. Also I want to see a couple of things around town, including the Skansen Amusement Park and the Royal Palace, both of which I somehow missed the first time around. Hopefully I can find that eatery too, although I fear that I will again be consigned to cooking for myself. Sweden ain't the cheapest place on Earth folks, in fact your standard dorm bed is at least $35 Australian. Double that for a single. Worth it I suspect for a few good night's sleep.
I'm planning on a little preview for each country I visit like this one. Can't promise anything of course.... but that's another little plan, so watch this space!!!!
Sunday, July 01, 2007
MISSION: Dakar or Bust!!!
Time ticks away and things are in motion!!! A new passport is required as I have used too many pages in my old one... so a few days ago i sent that away.
This trip will see me take in many places indeed, and some extremes in weather. From the cold of Scandinavia and the Baltics to the heat of Africa... it's going to be one hell of an adventure. Visas will be an issue, and i will be sending off for a Russian visa when i get my passport comes back. The visa for Mali will be more of a challenge.
It seems that Mali consulates no longer have the power to issue visas, it must be done through an Embassy. Problem: No embassy here in Australia, only a consulate in Perth. I called the 'Consul' to Mali in Melbourne, and confirmed that the place to go to for visas is Tokyo. JAPAN.
Strike me pink Ailsa!
Well, I was sent an application form and it seems actually to be reasonably straight forward. For a fee they will even post it back. I will need to do this around the start of September. It can't be sent too early either - the visa needs to be used within three months.
So now plans begin in earnest. I want to save more so i can afford myself a few luxuries i didn't have last time in Africa (ie nicer hotels etc). I have 96 days until I fly out. so... woo-hoo. The other news is that my friend Paul from the UK is joining me for the Mali section of the trip. I also have Siggi from Germany coming along for Lithuania... and meeting up with someone special in St Petersburg. This won't be the 'solo' sort of trip i've known in the past it seems. Also will have heaps of friends to catch up with in London.
But the ultimate destination is DAKAR, Senegal. This will be the third trip with it on my itinerary, and I desperately hope it is third time lucky for me. Two failed attempts to make it to this city have made it my determined destination. It's my Timbuctu (incredibly ironic as Timbuctu is in Mali where I'm going... not to Timbuctu to though, just Mali). The 2004 trip was entitled 'Dhaka to Dakar'. I failed to give last year a title more than 'The 2006 Trip' but in 2007 it's definately
DAKAR OR BUST!!!!!!
This trip will see me take in many places indeed, and some extremes in weather. From the cold of Scandinavia and the Baltics to the heat of Africa... it's going to be one hell of an adventure. Visas will be an issue, and i will be sending off for a Russian visa when i get my passport comes back. The visa for Mali will be more of a challenge.
It seems that Mali consulates no longer have the power to issue visas, it must be done through an Embassy. Problem: No embassy here in Australia, only a consulate in Perth. I called the 'Consul' to Mali in Melbourne, and confirmed that the place to go to for visas is Tokyo. JAPAN.
Strike me pink Ailsa!
Well, I was sent an application form and it seems actually to be reasonably straight forward. For a fee they will even post it back. I will need to do this around the start of September. It can't be sent too early either - the visa needs to be used within three months.
So now plans begin in earnest. I want to save more so i can afford myself a few luxuries i didn't have last time in Africa (ie nicer hotels etc). I have 96 days until I fly out. so... woo-hoo. The other news is that my friend Paul from the UK is joining me for the Mali section of the trip. I also have Siggi from Germany coming along for Lithuania... and meeting up with someone special in St Petersburg. This won't be the 'solo' sort of trip i've known in the past it seems. Also will have heaps of friends to catch up with in London.
But the ultimate destination is DAKAR, Senegal. This will be the third trip with it on my itinerary, and I desperately hope it is third time lucky for me. Two failed attempts to make it to this city have made it my determined destination. It's my Timbuctu (incredibly ironic as Timbuctu is in Mali where I'm going... not to Timbuctu to though, just Mali). The 2004 trip was entitled 'Dhaka to Dakar'. I failed to give last year a title more than 'The 2006 Trip' but in 2007 it's definately
DAKAR OR BUST!!!!!!
Tuesday, May 08, 2007
May may may may maybe?
So like
tickets coming along and so is the year. but crikey, its still five months until i leave and it seems like a life time to me. And the world? How is it?
This new apartment I am in is nice. I have space and a comfy room and all the comforts I need. Even wonderful dial-up internet.
Lithuania looks like a very interesting place to visit indeed. I have flights there and out of Helsinki to London. Soon I will get the Africa flights. yipeeeeeeeeeee.
but does anyone care about my travel plans??? maybe...
Here in Melbourne we pray for decent rain and that teams from other states would stop beating Victorian teams at Aussie Rules. Neither are happening.
take care
next time!
tickets coming along and so is the year. but crikey, its still five months until i leave and it seems like a life time to me. And the world? How is it?
This new apartment I am in is nice. I have space and a comfy room and all the comforts I need. Even wonderful dial-up internet.
Lithuania looks like a very interesting place to visit indeed. I have flights there and out of Helsinki to London. Soon I will get the Africa flights. yipeeeeeeeeeee.
but does anyone care about my travel plans??? maybe...
Here in Melbourne we pray for decent rain and that teams from other states would stop beating Victorian teams at Aussie Rules. Neither are happening.
take care
next time!
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