Perth is behind us. Heydi (Hey-Dee and not Hi-Dee) and I met up and decided to travel together for a while. We're flying to Melbourne on the 3rd and we'll see how long until we split, she's staying longer in Oz than I am and has thus another agenda. We took off from Peth on monday, Christmas eve, to hitch-hike our way down south of Western Australia.
Our first stop was Bunbury. Nothing's really worth mentioning about this place except for Jen, the CSer that took us in for 3 days. Yes, we spent christmas with her and her family by the pool. We really did not have a choice, people here either have a pool, a spa (jacuzzi) or both.
In the beginning, telling people we'd be hitch-hiking put an expression of surprise and fear on their face, we were then warned that WA is not the best place. As always, that is quite a subjective piece of information and we ended up having no trouble at all. The first guy (big jeep), who showed up after we barely waited for 10mins, told us we were not on the best road for h-hiking. He dropped us further down the highway and it took us 5 mins to get those 2 cool guys (and a big jeep) who took us right to where we needed. Again, we can't really complain. Fact is, H a girl, which accelerates the process of finding a ride. Me and my 5-day beard, must be able to give assholes a second thought about giving us a ride. A match made in heaven:)
In one of these cars, Heydi and I were deciding about what to do next, Jen was cleaning the garden and we heard the beaches here were fab. We chose to be good people and show up sooner to help her with the cleaning. I think we deserved our little place for those 3 days, the place just outside their house where we were having the BBQ looked fab after our work.
So, after the h-hiking, the BBQ at christmas and nights by the pool, we're in Margaret River, which is a world renowned place for its wine. We're going on a winery tour tomorrow. After some tips, we know which companies to avoid. It looks like 80 aussie dollars will get us a tour through 3-4 wineries and a brewery with lunch included. I can't wait:)
The CSer we're staying at right now is 5* (he has a big jeep). He took us to the beach where he met up with some of his folks (and their kids) and we had a great time, all were really cool and relaxed. I got a special treat during our time there. While snorkling, I spotted a stingray! Just 2 meters away, I saw what I thought was "just" a big fish, it was in fact one of these beautiful flying creatures (one of the kind that killed Crocodile Hunter this year).
I might get my tan before flying over to the east coast after all. Not only did we have a sunny christmas, it was a BOILING one, something not seen in a looong time. I was twice at the beach today. On the first time, I could feel the roast effect of the 1PM sun, 40degrees, ouch!
Being the good boy that I (can be) am, I already contributed with some computer troubleshooting at our CSer's place. So tomorrow, after a day spent at the wineries, I'll enjoy a time in the spa... yes, he's got one!
One of the oddities I will bring back home (as dumb as it sounds) is a Stubby Holder. It's a neoprene cup for botttles and cans. Come on, how can they not have this in Portugal? It looks really... stupid... but it DOES keep the beer fresh longer:) and even avoids the can/bottle from sliding down your hand.
Our time here is getting short, H has got a bad cough and fever (she's recovering in the guest room while I compose this post) and we still want to hit down south to Walpole, Denmark and Pemberton for the karri tree forests (Valley of giants) and its Tree Top Walk. After all that, we're going back to Perth and get ready for a new year party.
cheers
n.-
P.S.: No pics, I am sorry... later on, ok?
Dec 26, 2007
Dec 20, 2007
the first photos are in...
I made some movies which I did not upload, so I only picked some pictures of my camera. Narcissism and Photography do not mix unless the pictures are taken in front of a mirror. I don't expect to see myself very often.
Here's the album:
I was warned and I have to now report that it's true, women here in Perth are just fabulous. Amazingly good-looking and surely veeery self-couscious about it too.
I slowly understand what a german couple told me while we were in Brunei. For their 1-year trip around the world, they chose to skip Aus because this is NOT a cheap place. And it's VERY TRUE!
Nevertheless, Perth is a good looking place. There is an economic Boom which seems to be accelerated by the mining industry, so many young folks show up with some serious cash in their hands. Housing is more expensive than London I heard (I'd doubt that though). The christmas shopping fever is FULL ON which is noticeable by the people swarming the streets. There are no christmas presents for anyone, I am a believer that the real (and almost only) good thing about this festive time is the family gathering. Back then, when I still was a child, I had the chance to experience and enjoy them. This is no more the case. This is now a time of 2 opposites, the really lonely people and the ones surrounded by a big part of their family. Here, I will be an adopted child for one night.
It's not hot around here, not at all. I will just call it "warm", but do not get me wrong, I'd prefer if the temperature would not rise above the felt 27oC during the day. The nights could be warmer though, it's impossible to not freeze without a jacket out there. I still have the same number in my mind, 38oC for Christmas day, let's see how reliable these weather forecasts are.
I'll meet the traveller tomorrow, I missed her today as my cell phone's battery died:( That was a bad thing to happen. On the other hand, I now have an aussie number, which means I am reachable. Just ask for it but avoid calling me between midnight and 9AM (GMT+8+DTS).
Cheers,
n.-
Here's the album:
I was warned and I have to now report that it's true, women here in Perth are just fabulous. Amazingly good-looking and surely veeery self-couscious about it too.
I slowly understand what a german couple told me while we were in Brunei. For their 1-year trip around the world, they chose to skip Aus because this is NOT a cheap place. And it's VERY TRUE!
Nevertheless, Perth is a good looking place. There is an economic Boom which seems to be accelerated by the mining industry, so many young folks show up with some serious cash in their hands. Housing is more expensive than London I heard (I'd doubt that though). The christmas shopping fever is FULL ON which is noticeable by the people swarming the streets. There are no christmas presents for anyone, I am a believer that the real (and almost only) good thing about this festive time is the family gathering. Back then, when I still was a child, I had the chance to experience and enjoy them. This is no more the case. This is now a time of 2 opposites, the really lonely people and the ones surrounded by a big part of their family. Here, I will be an adopted child for one night.
It's not hot around here, not at all. I will just call it "warm", but do not get me wrong, I'd prefer if the temperature would not rise above the felt 27oC during the day. The nights could be warmer though, it's impossible to not freeze without a jacket out there. I still have the same number in my mind, 38oC for Christmas day, let's see how reliable these weather forecasts are.
I'll meet the traveller tomorrow, I missed her today as my cell phone's battery died:( That was a bad thing to happen. On the other hand, I now have an aussie number, which means I am reachable. Just ask for it but avoid calling me between midnight and 9AM (GMT+8+DTS).
Cheers,
n.-
Dec 19, 2007
G'day mate
And so starts the aussie adventure.
We landed 5 hours ago in Perth, after a 6-hour long flight from Brunei.
I confirm, Brunei is a very boring place and Malaysia is certainly worth the trip. People are always very friendly although they tend to say "OK" or "yes" to everything we ask about. We later do notice that they did not understand the question at all. No worries though.
Our last night in Brunei was particular. We stayed in the same (and only) Youth Hostel in Brunei, where I met Kaku, a japanese backpacker, Arnaud and Severine, a french couple, a german bloke and some bruneian kids. The night was spent with some heavy Poi and Juggling practice at the hostel entrance. All 4 of us, Kaku (learning Poi), Beck, Bron and I taking the whole area for ourselves. Portishead was the right music for the moment, a slow and moody beat influencing with some drama the improvised choreographies (my Behind-The-Back 3 beat weave is half through).
Aus is much drier and for the present being, cooler (as in cold) than Malaysia. They are optimistic and expect 38˚C for christmas day:D
Going through aussie customs was... fun. I was submitted to a small interview in order to make them understand what I am doing here. Illegal immigration is a problem, my actual visa is only valid for 3 months and I am not authorized to work. If I'd want to move in here (which may well happen), the sponsorship of a company might be required to obtain a bigger or permanent visa.
Other than that, they did not like our juggling balls. After opening a stitch of one of them and seeing that they are filled with seeds, these got confiscated. Now the funny side is, my swiss army knife was in my hand luggage and they just ignored it. They are seriously more worried about pests brought in by travellers than about people trying to hijack a plane with a McGyver knife.
Tomorrow's a big day, I want to meet up with another traveller and see if we can establish a travel plan to ride together. I hate traveling alone (even if backpacking involves meeting heaps of people along the way).
Still, pics are for later...
Cheers mate,
n.-
We landed 5 hours ago in Perth, after a 6-hour long flight from Brunei.
I confirm, Brunei is a very boring place and Malaysia is certainly worth the trip. People are always very friendly although they tend to say "OK" or "yes" to everything we ask about. We later do notice that they did not understand the question at all. No worries though.
Our last night in Brunei was particular. We stayed in the same (and only) Youth Hostel in Brunei, where I met Kaku, a japanese backpacker, Arnaud and Severine, a french couple, a german bloke and some bruneian kids. The night was spent with some heavy Poi and Juggling practice at the hostel entrance. All 4 of us, Kaku (learning Poi), Beck, Bron and I taking the whole area for ourselves. Portishead was the right music for the moment, a slow and moody beat influencing with some drama the improvised choreographies (my Behind-The-Back 3 beat weave is half through).
Aus is much drier and for the present being, cooler (as in cold) than Malaysia. They are optimistic and expect 38˚C for christmas day:D
Going through aussie customs was... fun. I was submitted to a small interview in order to make them understand what I am doing here. Illegal immigration is a problem, my actual visa is only valid for 3 months and I am not authorized to work. If I'd want to move in here (which may well happen), the sponsorship of a company might be required to obtain a bigger or permanent visa.
Other than that, they did not like our juggling balls. After opening a stitch of one of them and seeing that they are filled with seeds, these got confiscated. Now the funny side is, my swiss army knife was in my hand luggage and they just ignored it. They are seriously more worried about pests brought in by travellers than about people trying to hijack a plane with a McGyver knife.
Tomorrow's a big day, I want to meet up with another traveller and see if we can establish a travel plan to ride together. I hate traveling alone (even if backpacking involves meeting heaps of people along the way).
Still, pics are for later...
Cheers mate,
n.-
Dec 15, 2007
Seramat Pagi
The first name of our SE Asia passage was Brunei, which is a waste of time if staying more than 1 day. It's a very wealthy Sultanate and besides the town on water, the monkeys and the mosque, there is not much to see.
So Malaysia, namely KK (Kota Kinabalu) was an easy choice. It's the capital of Sabah (the northern malaysian part).
It's hot and humid here (duuuh, we're just above the equator line). It rains everyday around the same time in the evening but there is no real rush to run into cover.
Terima Kasih is our word of choice to make the locals giggle. It means "thank you" and us being some of the few westerners around, it's easy to understand why.
This place is not overly touristy (yet) and prices are (very) decent. We can eat for 5-10 Ringet, which converts 1:5 with EUR.
A normal routine goes around, taking a boat to a nearby island and enjoy its beach, snorkle and/or dive, come back, have dinner while seating outside next to the ocean followed by have an hour-long massage, stroll through the markets, have some local snacks...
I'll go more in depth the next time, I can't spend too much time online right now and post pictures.
n.-
So Malaysia, namely KK (Kota Kinabalu) was an easy choice. It's the capital of Sabah (the northern malaysian part).
It's hot and humid here (duuuh, we're just above the equator line). It rains everyday around the same time in the evening but there is no real rush to run into cover.
Terima Kasih is our word of choice to make the locals giggle. It means "thank you" and us being some of the few westerners around, it's easy to understand why.
This place is not overly touristy (yet) and prices are (very) decent. We can eat for 5-10 Ringet, which converts 1:5 with EUR.
A normal routine goes around, taking a boat to a nearby island and enjoy its beach, snorkle and/or dive, come back, have dinner while seating outside next to the ocean followed by have an hour-long massage, stroll through the markets, have some local snacks...
I'll go more in depth the next time, I can't spend too much time online right now and post pictures.
n.-
Dec 3, 2007
Dedicatória
O que precisava era mesmo alguém assim como tu
Eras o estilo certo para mim, quero ficar contigo até ao fim
Nunca tive ninguem como tu mas sempre the procurei
Agora que te encontrei, que te vi, quero ficar contigo até ao fim
Good old times of 1997 when good rhymes and low budget walked hand in hand.
n.-
Eras o estilo certo para mim, quero ficar contigo até ao fim
Nunca tive ninguem como tu mas sempre the procurei
Agora que te encontrei, que te vi, quero ficar contigo até ao fim
Good old times of 1997 when good rhymes and low budget walked hand in hand.
n.-
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