One of the Most important posts in a travel blog is the one that tells people you made it home safely. Well, blogger managed to delete that post before it was posted so I apologise.
I have been home a week now. Since Casablanca I flew to London where I had just over 24 hours and managed to shop and see the Globe theatre, a reconstruction of the theatre (a very accurate one too, a maginificent job) which stood 200metres away where Shakespeare and his ilk put on plays in London a few hundred years back now.
Then at 22.00 hours on November 27th I left London to return home and complete my trip. Just after 8am on the 29th that journey was completed and here I am now. Obviously I need to post more photos, but that's how the journey came to its conclusion. I slept a bit on the flights home but not a lot. So a week later I am stioll feeling the effects of jetlag.
take care y'all.......
Thursday, December 06, 2007
Monday, November 26, 2007
Images of Mali and Senegal
Bit of time on my hands today, so here are some more photos. We start with the Senegal River at St Louis, Senegal; then Bamako, Mali outside the main post office; getting on a bus in Mopti, Mali; an interesting building in Dakar, Senegal; the Mosque at Djenne, Mali and finally a street on the Ile De Goree, Senegal.
Bogartting the Blog
Hi all
Well, the trip is winding down. Casablanca is a fine city, one without hassle like Senegal which I think had more hassle than the other West African Nations I have visited.
It's also much cooler, about 18 degrees yesterday. I have a bit of a cold with isn't much fun. Still, I have had enough energy to walk around the city a bit and take in the amazing Hassan II Mosque, the third largest in the world (pictured) and then stroll the Medina (one of the gates also pictured). Not much else to see here I believe, so it's been a nice little day. Also far cheaper than West Africa here too.
No time to really take in what Morrocco is like, I am sure Marrakech is a far different city - more tourists more hassle. Still it hasn't been a bad little stop over all told. Hard to believe I will be home in a few days. I had a shave in a barber shop today, and saw news of the Australian Election. Smiley face.
So tomorrow I get on a plane tomorrow. If it leaves without me I will regret it. Maybe not today, maybe not tomorrow, but someday, soon and for the rest of my life....Sunday, November 25, 2007
Pictures from The Dogon Trek
Finally I have had a chance to get some photos from the amazing Dogon Trek up. I am in Casablanca today and tomorrow, and then to London and home by the end of the week. Enjoy the pics!
First is a village called Injeli (I think), then some rocks on the escarpment, thirldy in the village of Ende the girls (who do all the hard work in Africa it seems!) pound millet, Fourth are houses (no longer inhabited) on the cliff face, Fifth the trek begins, and finally a couple of Dogon children.
First is a village called Injeli (I think), then some rocks on the escarpment, thirldy in the village of Ende the girls (who do all the hard work in Africa it seems!) pound millet, Fourth are houses (no longer inhabited) on the cliff face, Fifth the trek begins, and finally a couple of Dogon children.
Friday, November 23, 2007
St Louis, Senegal
Folks,
The trip is winding down.
Two days ago I journied from Dakar to St Louis, tomorrow I return to Dakar to take my flight the next day to Casablanca, then London on Monday and home Tuesday night (arriving two days later).
Ive found the last few days a bit tough - just exhaustion really. Where as Mali was light on the hassle, Senegal certainly isnt. Not in St Louis and certainly not in Dakar.
I headed two days ago to the Dakar Gare Routiere. It was the biggest and most confusing that I have seen. Still; I soon found myself on a minibus to St Louis at about noon. Only three people on the thing, oh god i thought, It will be a good two hours before we leave. No... I was wrong, try six and a half.
Crikey indeed.
Still, I showed great patience as we began our ride that should take between three and four hours. Wrong again. Peak hour in Dakar, and you`ve never seen traffic like it. It was stuffy and hot whan the minibus was stationary, and it was for a long time getting out of Dakar. To get to Thies, 70km away it took three hours. I kid ye not. Then we were held up as there was a bad looking accident on the road involving four vehicles. Very bad indeed... Two ambulances needed - but thank goodness they were available. I shudder to think the response time in say Niger.
Another accident slowed us down a little further on. In summary - arrived at St Louis just before 1am. Phew. Makes that journey from Parkou to Niamey seem quite successful.
Now St Louis.... was steaming hot yesteday. A sleepy sort of town, not luch to do. Fine, I don`t want to do much. Had some good mmeals thankfully as the I journied here four bananas made up my lunch and dinner. Still trhe hassle exists in the centre of town. Cooler today but a hot sun. Such is life... I can`t believe I am so close to returning home, but I have to say I am tired and ready!! Africa sure takes it out of one!
The trip is winding down.
Two days ago I journied from Dakar to St Louis, tomorrow I return to Dakar to take my flight the next day to Casablanca, then London on Monday and home Tuesday night (arriving two days later).
Ive found the last few days a bit tough - just exhaustion really. Where as Mali was light on the hassle, Senegal certainly isnt. Not in St Louis and certainly not in Dakar.
I headed two days ago to the Dakar Gare Routiere. It was the biggest and most confusing that I have seen. Still; I soon found myself on a minibus to St Louis at about noon. Only three people on the thing, oh god i thought, It will be a good two hours before we leave. No... I was wrong, try six and a half.
Crikey indeed.
Still, I showed great patience as we began our ride that should take between three and four hours. Wrong again. Peak hour in Dakar, and you`ve never seen traffic like it. It was stuffy and hot whan the minibus was stationary, and it was for a long time getting out of Dakar. To get to Thies, 70km away it took three hours. I kid ye not. Then we were held up as there was a bad looking accident on the road involving four vehicles. Very bad indeed... Two ambulances needed - but thank goodness they were available. I shudder to think the response time in say Niger.
Another accident slowed us down a little further on. In summary - arrived at St Louis just before 1am. Phew. Makes that journey from Parkou to Niamey seem quite successful.
Now St Louis.... was steaming hot yesteday. A sleepy sort of town, not luch to do. Fine, I don`t want to do much. Had some good mmeals thankfully as the I journied here four bananas made up my lunch and dinner. Still trhe hassle exists in the centre of town. Cooler today but a hot sun. Such is life... I can`t believe I am so close to returning home, but I have to say I am tired and ready!! Africa sure takes it out of one!
Tuesday, November 20, 2007
Mission: Dakar
So
I am here in Dakar. I flew in two nights ago, and was quite assaulted by many taxi drivers at the airport, but I made it safe and sound. To be honest, part of me thought I would never make it to this place.
Still here I am at last, with just over a week of the holiday left. Mali was brilliant in retrospect, even if tough going at times. Bamako was not the most impressive of capital cities, but could hold interest for a day or two. Lots of markets and things to buy, if only I had some money left. Much more in Bamako than the rest of Mali - from restaurants to toilets being sold on the side of the road, but still poor; dusty and as polluted as any city I have been to before, excpet for perhaps Dhaka in Bangladesh.
And now, Dhaka to Dakar is complete. Dakar, Senegal is a pretty happening place. Easily the best of the African capitals that I have visited in terms or money - new buildings, obvious investment, new roads being built, even an over pass of sorts. Still there is a lot of hassle though. I visited the interesting and colonial Ile de Goree yesterday, which also has a slave trade history. Today its a nice place, people swim; there was a music festival too. Still; the past lingers in the Maison des Esclaves. Very popular (the island) on a Sunday, absolutely packed.
A little look around the city today, then to St Louis tomorrow....
I am here in Dakar. I flew in two nights ago, and was quite assaulted by many taxi drivers at the airport, but I made it safe and sound. To be honest, part of me thought I would never make it to this place.
Still here I am at last, with just over a week of the holiday left. Mali was brilliant in retrospect, even if tough going at times. Bamako was not the most impressive of capital cities, but could hold interest for a day or two. Lots of markets and things to buy, if only I had some money left. Much more in Bamako than the rest of Mali - from restaurants to toilets being sold on the side of the road, but still poor; dusty and as polluted as any city I have been to before, excpet for perhaps Dhaka in Bangladesh.
And now, Dhaka to Dakar is complete. Dakar, Senegal is a pretty happening place. Easily the best of the African capitals that I have visited in terms or money - new buildings, obvious investment, new roads being built, even an over pass of sorts. Still there is a lot of hassle though. I visited the interesting and colonial Ile de Goree yesterday, which also has a slave trade history. Today its a nice place, people swim; there was a music festival too. Still; the past lingers in the Maison des Esclaves. Very popular (the island) on a Sunday, absolutely packed.
A little look around the city today, then to St Louis tomorrow....
Saturday, November 17, 2007
Nothing easy, but safely in Bamako; Looking to Dakar
Well, here I am in the Malian capital of Bamako, and getting here was a bit of a challenge.
We took the bus from Segou which left at about 10am. Almost immediately the bus had to stop and they needed to tinker with the engine. This had me only mildly worried. On we went and the trip had taken nearly four hours and we were perhaps thirty kilometres out of Bamako. Then the bus just died. The engine stopped, and they couldnt get it going again. We were all left to our own devices to solve the problem, the bus company had nothing to say on the matter. So, Paul and myself hitched our way in on a green van carrying bags of coal. A unique experience to say the least. I accidently disconnected the drivers speaker and hqd to reconnect it.
Once inside Bamako We were put on local transport, supposedly to our hotel. No sir, we got to the centre; and then a nice policeman found us a taxi who knew where to go, so at about 3.30pm we found our hotel. Quite a day, but that`s African travel for you.
Tonight I fly out, inshallah, to Dakar. Yes that final goal is well within sight; although anything can happen yet... The airport is definately open though, so that`s a good start.
We took the bus from Segou which left at about 10am. Almost immediately the bus had to stop and they needed to tinker with the engine. This had me only mildly worried. On we went and the trip had taken nearly four hours and we were perhaps thirty kilometres out of Bamako. Then the bus just died. The engine stopped, and they couldnt get it going again. We were all left to our own devices to solve the problem, the bus company had nothing to say on the matter. So, Paul and myself hitched our way in on a green van carrying bags of coal. A unique experience to say the least. I accidently disconnected the drivers speaker and hqd to reconnect it.
Once inside Bamako We were put on local transport, supposedly to our hotel. No sir, we got to the centre; and then a nice policeman found us a taxi who knew where to go, so at about 3.30pm we found our hotel. Quite a day, but that`s African travel for you.
Tonight I fly out, inshallah, to Dakar. Yes that final goal is well within sight; although anything can happen yet... The airport is definately open though, so that`s a good start.
Friday, November 16, 2007
Segou
hello all
im in the town of Segou today. Sleepy town along the Niger River... its hot. Im a bit tired. Had a lovely steak sandwich for lunch....thats about all
im in the town of Segou today. Sleepy town along the Niger River... its hot. Im a bit tired. Had a lovely steak sandwich for lunch....thats about all
Thursday, November 15, 2007
Dogon trekking, Across the universe
Here I am in Mopti, Mali. I am sorry for the lack of recent postings but it just hasn`t been possible.
A week ago I left Ouagadougou in Burkina Faso and took a bus to Ouigouyah in the north. My friend Paul and I met a couple of Irish girls and we teamed up to visit the Dogon country, along with Timbuctu this countrys premier tourist attraction.
The Dogon Escarpment stretches for some 150 kms, basically a large long cliff. Tribes live both below and above this escarpment. We found a guide, and from Bankass in Mali we set about trekking some of this area.
Starting at a village called Kani-Kombelai were walked along the bottom of the escarpment to villages Ende and Teli. We slept on the rooves under the stars and enjoyed the hospitality offerred; even though there was no electricity and the food was basic.
The next day we climbed the escarpment to Begnimato. Its all very rural but the scenery is just breathtaking. Ok; so they have coke for sale. The heat is bad so a coolish drink never goes astray. Much of the village life hasnt changed much for ages.
Another rooftop night, and then we were driven to Bandiagara the next day. Then yesterday to Mopti.
Paul and myself took a trip on the Bani river yesterday which was great; then today we did a day trip to the town of Djenne where the worlds biggest mud-brick structure, an amazing mosque, stands. We were guided around there for a while, another amazing place. tomorrow its onto a town called Segou....
A week ago I left Ouagadougou in Burkina Faso and took a bus to Ouigouyah in the north. My friend Paul and I met a couple of Irish girls and we teamed up to visit the Dogon country, along with Timbuctu this countrys premier tourist attraction.
The Dogon Escarpment stretches for some 150 kms, basically a large long cliff. Tribes live both below and above this escarpment. We found a guide, and from Bankass in Mali we set about trekking some of this area.
Starting at a village called Kani-Kombelai were walked along the bottom of the escarpment to villages Ende and Teli. We slept on the rooves under the stars and enjoyed the hospitality offerred; even though there was no electricity and the food was basic.
The next day we climbed the escarpment to Begnimato. Its all very rural but the scenery is just breathtaking. Ok; so they have coke for sale. The heat is bad so a coolish drink never goes astray. Much of the village life hasnt changed much for ages.
Another rooftop night, and then we were driven to Bandiagara the next day. Then yesterday to Mopti.
Paul and myself took a trip on the Bani river yesterday which was great; then today we did a day trip to the town of Djenne where the worlds biggest mud-brick structure, an amazing mosque, stands. We were guided around there for a while, another amazing place. tomorrow its onto a town called Segou....
Thursday, November 08, 2007
Silly Keyboards in Burkina Faso
So I am here in Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso Again. It was quite the plane journey - or series of, as my mate Paul and myself flew London to Casablanca to Niamey to Ouaga. And here we are, after arriving at 2.40AM.
It is around 37 degrees celcius here, sop that`s a dramatic shock to the system. The place is still familiar, and I have a throat infection too so again i am here and not feeling the best. It is a weird feeling to be here... as nice as the place is for Africa if they could just knock five degrees off the temperature I would be very grateful. A bit eerie after the way I left last time.... still; Im up for the challenge.
Off towards Mali tomorrow by bus, hoping for some decent sleep tonight. And the keyboard... Id forgotten just how bad it was, keys moved all over the place. I am planning my revenge on the man who invented this keyboard.
It is around 37 degrees celcius here, sop that`s a dramatic shock to the system. The place is still familiar, and I have a throat infection too so again i am here and not feeling the best. It is a weird feeling to be here... as nice as the place is for Africa if they could just knock five degrees off the temperature I would be very grateful. A bit eerie after the way I left last time.... still; Im up for the challenge.
Off towards Mali tomorrow by bus, hoping for some decent sleep tonight. And the keyboard... Id forgotten just how bad it was, keys moved all over the place. I am planning my revenge on the man who invented this keyboard.
Tuesday, November 06, 2007
Throaty Times
Well it's been a strange few days here in London. The weather has been mild, but I've been sick since Saturday. I've a throat infection which is very painful, so I didn't get to do much here as I have been trying to recover before flying to Africa.
I did walk along the Thames and see Big Ben and the Millenium wheel before coming down sick... I saw 'Spamalot' too, the Monty Python Musical based on Monty Python's Holy Grail. I was so high up that I nearly needed oxygen. Actually that's when I started to feel sick.
Yesterday I made my way to Ockley in Surrey where Paul and myself got our Burkina Faso visas. The honoury consul operates out of his small office in a shed, it was quite the 'different' experience. I returned to London and visited a doctor who gave me some medications and told me I was fine to travel today to Ouagadougou. Who would have ever thought I would return there! I leave for the airport in less than half an hour, although we don't arrive in Ouaga until 2.40am. Now that should be an experience!
I did walk along the Thames and see Big Ben and the Millenium wheel before coming down sick... I saw 'Spamalot' too, the Monty Python Musical based on Monty Python's Holy Grail. I was so high up that I nearly needed oxygen. Actually that's when I started to feel sick.
Yesterday I made my way to Ockley in Surrey where Paul and myself got our Burkina Faso visas. The honoury consul operates out of his small office in a shed, it was quite the 'different' experience. I returned to London and visited a doctor who gave me some medications and told me I was fine to travel today to Ouagadougou. Who would have ever thought I would return there! I leave for the airport in less than half an hour, although we don't arrive in Ouaga until 2.40am. Now that should be an experience!
Saturday, November 03, 2007
Airport Hijinks
So I am at Helsinki airport, it is 6am and I discover that my flight from Casablanca to Bamako has been cancelled, from an email from my travel agent. Wowser... what could have happened? just like that?
I went to Air France at Heathrow to find the airport at Bamako is closed for a week for repairs! No, I had never heard of such a thing before. SO I am now booked to return to Ouagadougou on the 6th... It's more flying and travelling overland to Mali, but not real option. On top of that I need to get a visa for Burkina Faso now before I go, and I had to book for my friend Paul without his ok as I couldnt contact him, but the seats were disappearing as I waited.
So I have to go to Surrey, where the Bukina Faso Honoury Consul lives and works out of his own home and can process visas on the spot on Monday. Bizarre.
Here I am bleeding money, but have my own comfortable apatment with a wide screen tv, so shouldn't complain too much. Been checking out locations where doctor who was shot... yes i am a dork and proud!
I went to Air France at Heathrow to find the airport at Bamako is closed for a week for repairs! No, I had never heard of such a thing before. SO I am now booked to return to Ouagadougou on the 6th... It's more flying and travelling overland to Mali, but not real option. On top of that I need to get a visa for Burkina Faso now before I go, and I had to book for my friend Paul without his ok as I couldnt contact him, but the seats were disappearing as I waited.
So I have to go to Surrey, where the Bukina Faso Honoury Consul lives and works out of his own home and can process visas on the spot on Monday. Bizarre.
Here I am bleeding money, but have my own comfortable apatment with a wide screen tv, so shouldn't complain too much. Been checking out locations where doctor who was shot... yes i am a dork and proud!
Helsinki
Helsinki - I had one day. I caught the ferry from Tallinn, it took an hour and a half (twas the fast ferry).
After checking in to my hostel I visited several sights (and had a subway!). I went to the 'Cave Church', which has a far longer finnish name which I can't possibly remember. Inside a huge hill of rock an amazing church has been carved, with a man-made dome.
From there another Church, and Orthodox one close to the port. Allowed inside of this one, it shows the influence of Russian Orthodoxy even beyond its own borders. There is also an impressive cathedralin the centre of town.
I visited the cable factory - no longer working as one, it's a home to Helsinki's artists. An exhibition was there influenced by Africa. I will soon be there!
Then I visited the impressive National Museum.I spent an hour and a half there, and enjoyed much of what I saw and learned things about Finland I didn't know. I tried hard not to walk around humming or singing Monty Python's 'Finland' or 'Hard Rock Hallalujah' (Lordi). A very warm and friendly city was Helsinki, where the toilet cost an unreasonable one euro.... but I had to get up at 4.15am to catch my plane to London....
After checking in to my hostel I visited several sights (and had a subway!). I went to the 'Cave Church', which has a far longer finnish name which I can't possibly remember. Inside a huge hill of rock an amazing church has been carved, with a man-made dome.
From there another Church, and Orthodox one close to the port. Allowed inside of this one, it shows the influence of Russian Orthodoxy even beyond its own borders. There is also an impressive cathedralin the centre of town.
I visited the cable factory - no longer working as one, it's a home to Helsinki's artists. An exhibition was there influenced by Africa. I will soon be there!
Then I visited the impressive National Museum.I spent an hour and a half there, and enjoyed much of what I saw and learned things about Finland I didn't know. I tried hard not to walk around humming or singing Monty Python's 'Finland' or 'Hard Rock Hallalujah' (Lordi). A very warm and friendly city was Helsinki, where the toilet cost an unreasonable one euro.... but I had to get up at 4.15am to catch my plane to London....
St Petersburg Pictures
Hi folks
well, here are some photos of St Petersburg. First Is me in front of a defaced picture of Dima Bilan, who sang at Eurovision 2006. Outside the biggest train station in St Petersburg is number two. Inside the Hermitage number three, number four is the Church of the Spilled Blood, and finally the Alexander Monastry.
Wednesday, October 31, 2007
Back in Tallinn
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!
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!
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!
Tuesday, April 17, 2007
... it's a plan
Here we are again. Posting. Sigh.
I have just done the moving thing, into an apartment about 20 minutes drive from where i was. It's nice here. good modern place. Work is having me tired and busy most of the time, and thoughts longingly turn to travel.
So the news is at the moment i have a return airfare to Europe, into Stockholm and out of london over october - november. I will be buying some more tickets soon that will get me to the baltic states. Then probably train to St Petersburg, to Helsinki. Fly to London, off to Africa (Mali and Senegal) and back home in time for tea!
yes well
its a plan
I have just done the moving thing, into an apartment about 20 minutes drive from where i was. It's nice here. good modern place. Work is having me tired and busy most of the time, and thoughts longingly turn to travel.
So the news is at the moment i have a return airfare to Europe, into Stockholm and out of london over october - november. I will be buying some more tickets soon that will get me to the baltic states. Then probably train to St Petersburg, to Helsinki. Fly to London, off to Africa (Mali and Senegal) and back home in time for tea!
yes well
its a plan
Monday, March 05, 2007
... and every so often comes a post
Hi all
yes
I missed February with no post there. News here is somewhat good though, I have completed the main bulk of my book, that is fourteen chapters. There needs to be an intoduction and probably a conclusion i suspect, but they wont be long and i will then have to go through the lot and edit to complete a first draft. From there I have no idea, i suspect i require a publisher of some sort.
Life here is ok, same old as they say. In February I went to the Flight Centre Travel Expo in Melbourne, where I nutted out different deals and finally decided I would take Malaysian Airlines over to Europe in October. These sort of flights are locked in early because they are so cheap, but I have to be happy because, well, Malaysian Airlines are possibly my favourite airline in the world. Emirates are great too, Thai up there as well. Into Stockholm and out of London, i still have a few flights to organise into the Baltics, over to London and of course the flights to Mali and out of Senegal to London. Whew, it should be quite a trip. Saving is going well, which is important obviously. Not much else to report! take care.
yes
I missed February with no post there. News here is somewhat good though, I have completed the main bulk of my book, that is fourteen chapters. There needs to be an intoduction and probably a conclusion i suspect, but they wont be long and i will then have to go through the lot and edit to complete a first draft. From there I have no idea, i suspect i require a publisher of some sort.
Life here is ok, same old as they say. In February I went to the Flight Centre Travel Expo in Melbourne, where I nutted out different deals and finally decided I would take Malaysian Airlines over to Europe in October. These sort of flights are locked in early because they are so cheap, but I have to be happy because, well, Malaysian Airlines are possibly my favourite airline in the world. Emirates are great too, Thai up there as well. Into Stockholm and out of London, i still have a few flights to organise into the Baltics, over to London and of course the flights to Mali and out of Senegal to London. Whew, it should be quite a trip. Saving is going well, which is important obviously. Not much else to report! take care.
Wednesday, January 31, 2007
On the road again... briefly
Oh well yes...
I have been travelling. From the 13th to the 17th of January i really did some miles (I would say kilometres but it doesn't have the same ring to it).
Firstly i went to West Gippsland, based around Neerim South. I was with another four people and we were out making a little short film in the area. We stopped off in Noojee for an ordinary lunch in a very nice pub indeed. (although i can't say they liked us all that well) We were a pretty loud city group i guess, but nevertheless it was nice. We filmed under this amazing trestle bridge that one hundred years ago had steam trains rocketing across.
The whole area was not suffering from the drought that had stricken not just most of Victoria, but a lot of Australia too. It has been so dry here it's quite unbelievable. Then again, I have been to Niger.
ANyways
The next day i was off to visit relatives who live on a farm near Wangaratta. As the picture shows you it's far drier up there! Plus there was a lot of smoke from bushfires. Actually with the dry summer here bushfires have been raging a lot, and even in Melbourne we have had days when that smoke has drifted a few hundred kilometres down into our city making for some very eerie days.
Next to Kyabram, where i visited my grandparents and then to more relatives in Bendigo. DOing some filming everywhere i went. Not that much to report, Kyabram is not a major town really, and boy was it hot after the first two days. We are talking 40ish, that's real African weather.
All in all i must have travelled over 900 km in those five days. wowsers. That's a lot of concentrating on the road, believe you me!
Friday, January 19, 2007
Remembering someone met and gone
Hi there.
I have just been searching the Lonely Planet Thorn Tree (the best place on the net for travel advice) and after following a few links was shocked and saddened to find that someone I met whilst travelling had passed away from cerebral malaria back in June last year. Shocking more so because I only realised today in January even though i knew her blog address. How could I have missed this? I am really struggling with that. I must have logged onto her blog and just misread, or gone straight to other posts... It defies belief really. Not very happy with myself right now.
I met Kinga, from Poland, when I was in Ouagadougou, only a couple of days before contracting malaria myself. Kinga was on a long hitchhiking trip through Africa, and did it in such a free way that i felt rather unadventurous. She didn't like to stay in hotels, but stayed with locals whenever possible. She was the true example of the traveller who had thrown away all the restrictions of life and just did what she wanted, how she wanted. The day after i met her i headed to Banfora, she was going to Niger.
Please visit these two sites to learn a little about her, an amazing person indeed:
http://www.kingafreespirit.pl/kingaen/index.php
(her blog)
http://www.digihitch.com/tribute/kinga
(a tribute)
When travelling I have met loads of others doing it there way. Some are more restricted than myself, others far less (like Kinga). Whatever their path, it seems we are all ships in the night, and i rarely no much about those i pass once we part company. So something like this comes as a shock.
'Travelling really does broaden the mind' (TB, circa 1977)
I have just been searching the Lonely Planet Thorn Tree (the best place on the net for travel advice) and after following a few links was shocked and saddened to find that someone I met whilst travelling had passed away from cerebral malaria back in June last year. Shocking more so because I only realised today in January even though i knew her blog address. How could I have missed this? I am really struggling with that. I must have logged onto her blog and just misread, or gone straight to other posts... It defies belief really. Not very happy with myself right now.
I met Kinga, from Poland, when I was in Ouagadougou, only a couple of days before contracting malaria myself. Kinga was on a long hitchhiking trip through Africa, and did it in such a free way that i felt rather unadventurous. She didn't like to stay in hotels, but stayed with locals whenever possible. She was the true example of the traveller who had thrown away all the restrictions of life and just did what she wanted, how she wanted. The day after i met her i headed to Banfora, she was going to Niger.
Please visit these two sites to learn a little about her, an amazing person indeed:
http://www.kingafreespirit.pl/kingaen/index.php
(her blog)
http://www.digihitch.com/tribute/kinga
(a tribute)
When travelling I have met loads of others doing it there way. Some are more restricted than myself, others far less (like Kinga). Whatever their path, it seems we are all ships in the night, and i rarely no much about those i pass once we part company. So something like this comes as a shock.
'Travelling really does broaden the mind' (TB, circa 1977)
Thursday, January 18, 2007
Tikrit? techcrete?
Hey folks....
interesting business sign down the road has it's business name as 'Tech Crete'
i am trying to work out whether it's meant to be a play on words cos i guess if said in a certain way it sounds like 'Tikrit' (pronounced Tikreet) where Saddam Hussein, now no longer with us, was born.
I was just wondering
Happy New Year
interesting business sign down the road has it's business name as 'Tech Crete'
i am trying to work out whether it's meant to be a play on words cos i guess if said in a certain way it sounds like 'Tikrit' (pronounced Tikreet) where Saddam Hussein, now no longer with us, was born.
I was just wondering
Happy New Year
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