Possum

This is the name that I see very befitting of my last blog for my travels around Australia.

As we left Cairns and started to fly over the Northern Territory it was clear why no one lived here, because it was so barren and isolated. As we landed, to our shock it was not as hot as we first expected. It was unlike Cairns where the humidity was suffocating, it was more of a dry heat which was much better. Anyway, the next day we left for our four wheel drive safari to Uluru (The large rock in Australia), in our beat down 4x4 called Possum hence the name for the blog. So let me give you the low down on this truck. It was officially the oldest truck ever. One door on the front does not open, it does not go into fifth gear, the air con does not work properly and the floor heated up to a temperature so hot that you could not keep your feet on it. It melted Kim’s thongs and shrank it by two sizes.

 

So after setting off at 6.30am that day we arrived at our first pit stop were we rode camels which was quiet cool. We then set off for our long ride to Uluru. We walked around the base which amazingly took 2 hours but still managed to get some amazing pictures. The next day we returned to the rock and managed to catch the sunrise at 6am which meant we were up at 5am (crazy I know!). The last day we went to Kings Canyon which was wicked. The views in the garden of Eden which was situated right in the middle of the canyon was very cool.

That about it for my travel to Alice springs, the only other think that is worth mention is the fact that most people didn’t speak English on the trip and there was this was this family form France that stood out in particular. They id not speak a word of English (will the mother understood a bit), and at the start of the trip it was clear that they had no idea what they had let them self in for. As when we got to the camp site we had to explain that we would not be sleeping in a hotel but in the outback lol. But over time we manage to win them over, after our frist dinner conversation were we talked (or at least make signs) about were we was from and how long it took us to get here from France. As the trip continued the family seemed to give more and more, but still talking in French. But for some reason I always seem to have an idea about what they was talking about and was able to explain to the rest of the group (most of the time) even the German ask if I could understand French (lol I wish), but despite there lack of English they worked hard and gave there all, most admirable I must say.

So that was it from my 5 weeks of traveling round oz. lots of packing tones of flying and a whole leap of diving lol. It has been amazing and I would not have had it any other way, the people the places and not forgetting my favorite girl in the whole of Australia MS KIMBERLY ANN BRUCE!!!! Who has made this trip unforgettable (very proud of her). Despite all her foolishness, crazy moments, only being able to say I don’t know every time I asked a question, tripping up at least three time a day and last but not least trying to steal my through as she continue to say “I was just thinking that” thank you all you will be truly missed…

London.

XXX                     

Sand, sand, everywhere Fraser Island

I am very happy once again after arriving at rainbow beach into this small town which a first impression did not seem anything to shout about, but it manage to win me in the little time I was there.

Anyway we meet the groups on the second day and these would be the groups that we would spend the next couple of days with, as we completed our own self tour around the world biggest Sand Island in the world WOO!! The group consisted of a total of 11, and there was some character but each adding their own little aspect to the group.

Two in particular that seemed to win over the group specify with their stories and wicked character. Phil Hewitt the English guy that had been play fighting whit his mate got hot which then lead to him losing all feeling in the left side of his body which he later found out was rare illness which if not treated could leave him paralyse by the time he was 21. Not only that but with the surgy there was a 20%chance he would not make and 40%chance he would be completely disabled, and all when he was 17. But now he is travelling around the world as he write his book and become an establish photographer.

Then there was Andy the Irish guy with all the bad luck in the world, as in his travel he managed to be chase buy dingos, lost and basically almost kidnap in Thailand and last but not least work in the mine in the middle of nowhere in Australia with no glove our protection gear.

The next day our group of 11 stated our self tour safari round the sand island, the sights and sound were amazing remember that this was the world’s largest sand island and it was also coved in rainforest amount many other amazing thinks such as the lagoons that each seem to have it own set of vibrant colours that were miraculous.

So at the start of the briefing we were told about the dingos that were on the island and we was not too fed or temp them as they were wild animals and known for hunting in packs. So anyway the first night came and as it got later packs of these dogs could be heard howling and it was why they had said not to go to the bathroom by yourself (as you could get killed!!!). any way as the last night came one of the girls told me that she was going to the loo and not to be scared if I saw something moving in the dark and I joking say to her you should be the one scared because of the dingos, so a couple of second later I hear this screaming and what had happen the dingos were standing there looking at here just as she was about to go the bathroom…. Too funny.

So that was it really Fraser island the biggest sand island in the world amazing and a must do if coming to Australia.

O and we got stuck a number of times, having to dig our self’s out and getting in trouble for blocking the tours buses because of getting stuck and getting breathalyse at 8 in the morning all part of the oz experience (“,)   

London   

There still hope for the black swimmer, Cains

Today Kim and I set off for the Great Barrier Reef on a boat called Freedom Ocean, of which the question was not how good was the day going to be but would I dive????

We arrived in cains the night before and checker in into our hostel and had managed to get a room full of Londoners which Kim was not so happy about, but still was very excited about the days ahead. The next day we set off for the boat and a word was not said about whether I was going to do the dive, but the tension was there as this was the big question.

After getting on he boat and meeting the team they were some really cool guys, which put me at ease, I realize that this was one think that I was actually scared of doing this. (as I didn’t want to die yet anyway)

So I filled out the paper work went through the briefing, knowing that I wanted to do it, not being sure whether it feasible but could I rustle up the courage to do it if given the chance.

After filling out the paper work I later found out that I had paid $105 for this dive which then made the decision of whether I was going to go into the water a whole lot easer (you must be crazy if you think I’m not getting into the water after paying $105). So suited up and jumped in despite my first bit of panic it was not that bad… (Sign of relief)

We got to the bottom of the reef and the views were amazing, and after going for a while I realize that I was making a big deal out of nothing, beside there were people that were far worst than I was…after that first dive we decided to go for another in a different location which once again was wicked. So there it was Daniel London Charles swimming the Great Barrier Reef, all that per-lava last time for nothing, but let not get confused I am still not a fan of the sea…

In the jungle the mighty jungle

So the next day we set off to cape tribulation one of the 9 wonders of the world consisting of more rainforest than the whole of south American and being the only place in the would were two wonders of the world meet. Anyway after getting there it was clear that it was going to be a chilled couple of days as there was not much to do, in fact it was so quite that every person had there own room which most of the time meet a room built to hold 5 had only two in it. Later that day we went jungle surfing, which was the highlight o the trip as we soared through the canapés of the rainforest.

That was really it for cape tribulation, the next day we came back to cains and watched 2012. one other thing happen that as we look back now we laugh but at the time not so much. So to keep a long story short Kim was having what I believe you girls call an ugly day and was going on how she felt under dress anyway but she hopes she has a better day tomorrow, anyway I go ahead with my big mouth say “it not that easy miracles don’t happen over night” don’t ask me what I was thinking (and didn’t realize how bad it was till after dam) so there it goes again me with my big mouth getting my self into trouble :-)

london

Tracy and Jessica

These are the names of the mopeds that we rented on magnetic island. After taking the ferry over we reached the 3000 strong island which again had picture perfect views, but after being there for a while Kim and I realize that the 15k island didn’t have much to offer and is the reason for renting the bikes, Much to my dismay Kim (I don’t know) put in a good show while drag racing along the pier. This was the main highlight of the small island, and the only other thing that happen that was remotely interesting was that I managed to drop my camera not while racing but after completing racing (just my luck), but I later dropped it again which seem to have fixed…. Wooo

I also tried to learn to swim after only my five minutes in the great barrier reef the previous day, which not only proved to be to be a massive disappointment but a reality check as I realize that I could no longer swim and as for floating (or treading water that they like to call it) was well out the question. This being a large problem as I had a dive the next day.

That evening Kim and I dinned at little Mexican restaurant were I had the best Mexican ever (although I have never eaten Mexican in the UK)this mean was superb easily the best meal I have ever had in Australia. On departing the restaurant I decided to cut across the filed instead of taking the road, and to my dismay I was attacked by a tall long footed bird which all of a sudden got very big as it spread its wings, and proceeded t chase me down like a dog, for what seem like for ever.

London

Whitsunday and the 74 islands

After over 14 hours on the coach we finally got to Whitsundays which turned out to be a delightful little town.

So after packing up our stuff and dilly dallying about for a bit we finally set sail. The boat was called the boomerang and could hold 28 other people which was not that bad. We could sleep on top deck or below and all the meals were included which was wicked, as you know how much I love me food. Smile

The next day we went to white haven beach which was wicked, my camera almost got lost when the tide came in and we was out in sea it was literally a dash to save mine and Kim stuff as all we heard was who’s bag is that floating in the water..

Later that day we went off should I say attempted too (remembering that I have not gone in water that I can’t stand in ever unless in a swimming pool) snorkel. Anyway everyone was going and this was one of the main reason I wanted to come there was to see the Great Barrier Reef, so they dropped us out into the all of us into the water and the hell began all I can say is that I must have panic as I bobbed and kick for my life to stay above the water.
So fly half way round the world the world, go as fast as possible from the UK and all I wanted to see was the Great Barrier Reef, and I don’t last more than five minutes (he laterally drop me off and went off to get more people and I just panic for that little bit to time which seemed like forever) the thing that make worst is that I have done it before. But there was a second snorkel later that day which I wanted to try again which we was told was in a much better location. However the chance two came along and Kimberly was very persistent that she wanted me to go in as she knew we had dive coming up in our next location in cairn and had noted how quick that I had came out last time, despite this I still chicken out on the second snorkel, and just my luck as he took us out to pick up the guys it was clear that it was not as deep and near the shore and looked much better.

Anyway as I sit here writing this blog on the sailing boat with the sunset in the back ground I realize that I have not told you anything about the lady that I am traveling with called Kim (aka Kimberly Ann Bruce) so here the low down.
I met here on the orientation trip in the first week she was the blond hair blue eye petite little girl that didn’t sit over 5ft 2 she was from the states and went to a different campus which was situated a couple of hour away from mind (in fact in a different city). When we first met I remember her saying that she had no plans but wanted to travel round OZ, which at the time I took no notice of because believe it or not even through that I ad decided to come and study here for a year I had no plans to travel around in the country (just to get eaten or killed by some crazy animal). So she told me how she was traveling by herself and but was traveling to go round oz and after hanging out a couple of times in I mention that I would not mind going travelling with her as I had not plans anyway and could Asia after. I know what you lot are thinking but know it was not like that I was told at home by everyone not to go traveling but myself so here I was listening to what I had be told beside anyone that small should not be traveling by herself (just being the gentleman that I am. So here we are today. I some time refer to her as Kim I don’t know because she often, no that would be an understatement all the time I ask her a question and anything she says that she even says it at the end of sentences

So anyway that evening we chilled as the boat sailed into the sunset (cheesy I know). O and there was one thing that I forgot to mention was that every time we went sailing we had to raise the sales about 110 ft into the air. Now people who know me will know how i am and i was like yea bring it on i am ready for this it can’t be that had, but how wrong i was the eight of us struggle to raise the sail it was so hard you would not believe I want to give up after not even reaching half way.

So last day on the boat we went for a hike which was wicked but was not the main event of the day. So on the way back from the hike everyone started jumping off the boat into the sea (not for me of course after what happen the day before) anyway Kim (I don’t know) decided that she wanted to a back flip for the first time ever, so she it and from the start it looks really good as seen in my pictures but that about the only part because she ends up doing a belly flop (and remember the whole boat is watching) ...so as she coming out she does not check her top and ends up flashing the whole boat. (Kim say And then actually did a good one to make up for her epic fail) it was ok nothing special lol. We docked that morning and chilled for the rest of the day , a wicked place but make sure you can swim before you go in the water

Love ya
London

Don’t be silly

All i am going to say is dont go to the city of the dead Brisbane. Not impress. Off the Fraser Island WOO!!!

‘Back to the sugar shack’

After waiting an hour and 45 minutes with Kim ‘I don’t no’ WE MANAGE TO MAKE IT BACK TO THE SUGAR SHACK IN SYDNEY (“,) and checked in for a week (was not going to have our bed sold again)

So we did the normal stuff, as you do when you go too Sydney apart from two thing that made this trip special. The first was Sydney markets which is a must when coming to Sydney Saturday the best day and you should try to get too as many as possible.

The second factor that made this trip was the room that we got in sugar shack not only did I get another good room but the people in it was wicked, after meeting them all I found out that I was living with 3 other English people which was not only cool because we could talk about how cheesy oz was, but we was also able to gang up on Kim about why England was better than the USA and how she couldn’t say certain words.

Apart from that I would highly recommend that you go to Sydney

London

City boy meets outback

So I officially started my travel Kim AKA Oregon as we headed off to tazzy (spelt like this on purpose).

We managed to hitch a ride to the location that was the start of our hiking trip right across tazzy, as we got closer to the location i continue to find out things that I didn’t no about the hike such as instead of being 65k it would be 85k and there would be no guide which I was informed otherwise before (Kim) and THIS WOULD BE DONE IN THE MIDDLE OF NO WERE!!!!! And I mean now were.

The trek would take us across tazzy mainly through the mountains and we would stop at camp sites to camp, camp rest and refill 4 water.

Anyway as we stated off doing a quick shop for the weeks food supply literally the morning we left for the hike, we then packed up our bags carrying not only the stuff that we would need for the trip but for the 5 other weeks.. BIG MISTAKE.

The hike started and all was good the bags were heavy but we was happy the weather was amazing and the views were unbelievable. So after a hiking for couple of hours the realization and what this trip involved set in as back and feet started to hurt... BADLY!!!

I then realise what i had let my self in for as the severity of the trip set in this trip was going to be immense.

Anyway we got to the camp site about 6 hours after setting off and the relief is unexplainable, but we were still so proud of what we had achieve. (remember that this was still the first day)
Day two begin with me being woke up from a loud noise which when I looked around I could see that a KANGAROO had managed to pull my bag half way out the tent and had eaten HALF THE BREAD THAT I HAD CARRIED FOR THE WHOLE OF THE previous day so that it would not damage. (just my luck). And to my dismay the damn thing had got to quite a bit of it.
We had decided to do two legs on this day instead of one that was recommended as we could miss our flight if we attempted to do it in six days. As we continue through out the day we saw more people who told us we only had couple hours to go which really gave us hope, but as we later found out was not really the case as we were still not there after hiking for 5 hours. DEATH!!!!!!

Although the views and tranquillity still mange to amaze and make it well worth it.

The next couple of days were hard but we still manage to make it, then on the third day we decided to take on a side trail and attempt to climb and MASSIVE mountain. At the start it seem like a good idea but as we trekked on for about an hour and got nearer to the top we encounter snow (lots of it, feet deep) this was mountain top snow and because we were so high the fog was making it impossible to see more than a couple of feet in front of you.

After a couple of minutes of this I realise that this trip was CRAZY in these conditions, and we could no see the markers that tell us which way to go and almost every step I took I would sink up to my knees, and also the fact that there was a drop into the abyss beside me, and wise old German man had warned us that it was to deep and would be dangerous.
Anyway I convinced Kim that I valued my life more than seeing the top of a mountain, and she finally gave in (or she would have keep on going).

So i am not going to bore you with all the other details of what happen but i will tell you about two other bit that we found interesting.

The first was a old German couple and one German, the man seem to be able to move at unbelievable rate that we was unable to keep up and he had a daughter that was 50 so no idea how old he was, he mange to stay in front of us every day unbelievable!!!

The other German couple took double the time every day because they was so old but they continue to prevail never complaining and always with a smile on their face and the unforgettable Coles bag in tow.
Anyway we made it to the end and were so happy it was over, it was an amazing and unforgettable trip.

O and before I forget we made no plans for what we do when we finished so ended up trying to hitch a ride to the city, but only managing to make 5k down the road and then having to hitch a ride back lol (and of course I was not in sight when trying to get this ride lol big black trying to stop your car in the middle of no were).

We made it to the airport to the next day and manage to change flights so off to Sydney wooo!!!


Cya London

The Real Deal a City after my Own Heart

G Day everyone

I woke up this morning and found myself doing what I usually find myself doing which is picking up my camera and looking at the pictures from the night before, and find myself smiling as i reflected on my trip to Sydney.

As me and my boy Pierre AKA London and Reno had found our self in Sydney, we had taken the challenge of flying with yours truly Tiger airways (tiger cheap). We landing in the perfect picture location of what you would expect of a good city; hot weather, sexy people and lot of shops (“,) not forgetting the not for getting the most importantly the LONDON UNDERGROUND jjjjeeeezzz!!!

But seriously words cannot explain my excitement as what can only be describe as relief to see trains and real underground system (sad I know but you try living in Melbourne)

Not to mention the fact that the trains were phenomenal, these Double Deckers super trains with it revolving seats and colored maps (what can say I am easily pleased lol) such as clever and simple idea but yet still AMAZING!!

As we sat we heard what can only be describe as metal doors shutting, and we turn round to our to our amazement we see that everyone is changing the back of their chair to face the way that they wanted, it was like an advert lol.

Reno and I had decided to go to a place that the some girls that we knew had recommended, after taking the train we emerge into what Australia call it red light district (I know I known I was in shock too and didn’t know it was called that before we got there).

After reaching out hostel call the ‘sugar shack’ (got to love it) we booked one night and contemplated whether to move on.

Morning came and I was woken by someone moving bags and as I looked up to see who was make this much noise so early in the morning to my shock everyone was still in asleep, and as I turn around to my amazement there was another guy moving into our room. The owner had warned us that he could sell beds quickly and had sold our beds before we had even woke up lol... unbelievable...

We manage to get another room which happen to be much better as it was one the top floor and had wicked view of the street and was the only ones in there wicked!!

The rest of Sydney was quite relaxed and we did what you normal do when you go to Sydney apart from one freak or should I say bizarre meeting..

After being in Sydney for two day and a bit, I was sitting in a internet cafe as you do. (Remembering that we had gone to this location on the spare of the moment remember that no one knew we were here), and the American and Mexican that had been studying with just happen to walk pass it was so random.

The chance that they would get off the same train stop and be walking down the same street when I was there was so bizarre.
Anyway the rest of Sydney was cool can’t wait to go back
laters
London

276day of study, 26 assignment and 7 exams Free, free, free at last, thank god almighty free at last

SO first bit of big news is that the Australia dollar hit an 25 year HIGH against the pound causing me to lose over a dollar when exchanging from the pound, and it’s just my luck that it happens when I’m here, so because of this when I complete my trip round oz, the plan is to leave this country and not come back until start uni again (if only life was that easy lol). But yes the plan is that me and Ms Hazlewood will start our trip around Asia round December or January.
In the mean time an extra couple of days have been planed, so that me and my Reno boy Pierre-Louis Cirac can head off to Sydney in a couple of days which should be epic, Then when back off me and Kim going to TASSEY and the journey begin

Later people
London

All stations GO!!

That basically what happen until now. Although this week final plan out my first travelling trip round oz starting on the 26th of October it should be wicked and only cost me like $2000 for 5 week. CAN NOT WAIT WOO…

Anyway below is what and were I’m going, I am going to come back so BLICK hahaha

Tasmania 26-2nd

• 65 kilometres hike Cradle Mountain to Lake St Clair

CAMPING

 Sydney 2-8th

• Blue Mountains 
• Jenolan Caves
• Bridge climb

DR: Central Blue Mountains Backpackers

Brisbane 8th

• Free day

DR: Bunk Brisbane

Fraser island 9-13th

• Self drive safari

Whitsundays 15-17th

• Southern cross sailing

DR: Koala beach resort 17th

Magnetic Island 18-19th

•  Steal deal 1

DR: Base backpackers magnetic island

Cairns 20-23rd

• Premier reef + island tour cruise 21st
• Jungle surfing 22nd
• Cape trib safari

DR: Bohemia central cairns

Alice Springs 24-27th

• Wayoutback desert safaris 25-27th

DR: Haven backpackers

The story so Far

So here’s the low down just to get you up to date.

I have been here for 14 weeks now and have 3 weeks left of uni before I set out on my first travelling adventure round oz. Not going to board you with everything that has happen in that time but here’s a fraction of what happen so far:

16.07.2009

Started uni and the lectures are very long, but apart from that there ok. The dorm on the other hand are missive in comparison with mine in oxford and it is in fact a semi detached house I share with 9 other people one international student and 7 Aussies. The house is self cater all the rooms are massive and there are lot of bathrooms and a free washing machine and dryer… yea

10.08.2009

Everything is going good here I just got my laptop charger on Friday so now I have internet after not having it for 6 WEEKS. The weather is not the best but it is warmer than England and I am looking forward to summer. I have met lots of new people, in particular American's, because there are so many on exchange. You would not believe how hard it is to find seasoning for food and if I manage to find it is in the smallest jar.

Still getting used to how far everything is. When they say "it’s just down the road" it’s not just down the road!! I will never complain about London transport again as there is no 24hour transport.... buses and trams run like every 2 an hour.... but apart from that everything is good. I have started using the aussie lingo.. such as calling a quilt a doona.. Calling flip flops thongs which gave me the biggest shock when the lecturer said no thongs allowed on hike! Everyone is complaining that I mumble allot and also that I whinge.. But I think it’s the real English man coming out in me.

14.09.2009

I hope everything is good back in England, thinks are finally starting to look up here in OZ the whether is getting better and finally did a bit of travelling even if it was only for a weekend.

The term is also most over and it has gone so fast I been here for 11weeks already. Still don’t know were I am going when they kick me out the day after my last exam on the 15th of October, until I start travelling. There are no confirmed plans but will be travelling round OZ for the most of October and the whole of November, and then the world is my oyster.

Still finding my self laughing at how different everything is here… the other day I went into a shop to get some gluten free food and had to say it 10 time to the lady at the supermarket as my assuie mates just stood there and laugh, apparently its because I talk to fast….(me talk fast lol). The transport has not got any better as I continue to find as that certain services stop running at 9.30, madness I know.

Still trying to keep up with the lingo with sweets being called lollies just being on of the different examples. There is a drive through for everything such as coffee shops… there is even a alcohol drive through talk about ironic then you can drive out to see a sign saying “only a little bit you bloody idiot”
I also found out that I don’t say TH and cant believe that no one in England has ever told me this.

The recent road trip was wicked and I love the driving everyone in the car could not understand why I was so happy to be driving a brand new car….lol.. got some wicked picture… I’m telling you that I am better than the paparazzi… check out some of the attached one…