BlondeBackpacker

Blue Mountains

2006-11-05T16:38:00.000-08:00

How did I forget? I totally didn't write about going to the Blue Mountains the other day. My last day with a car, I drove out to Katoomba, the main city in the Blue Mountains (which are an hour outside of Sydney). There is a great lookout there where you can see the "Three Sisters" (some rock formation). As I was driving out there I was skeptical about the mountains being blue, they looked pretty green to me. But as I stood looking out over them, they were pretty blue. The blue haze comes from the Eucalyptus trees. Also while I was there, I got my picture taken with an Aboriginee guy. I can't wait to get the picture back on that one!
Yesterday I walked to church (in the rain) and ran into Jimmy, a friend of Gentry and her roommates, who was in town to visit the city church. So, after church was over I went with him back to Gentry's because today is Hillsong performance day. All the singers and other music people have a concert/show thing as a final test. And tomorrow is my last day in Sydney!!!
I'm kind of bummed that my last week here has had the worst weather ever, though. Seriously it has been nonstop chilly, rainy, and just all around gross! I had hoped it would be a last week of "summer " before going home.
Tomorrow is also the event that stops the nation: The Melbourne Cup. It is like the Kentucky Derby, but such a big deal here. And the fashions on the field are all the news. I had totally wanted to go and get dressed up for this event before I realized how not-so-fun it would be to try to go by myself and then I moved my flight to the 8th, so I'll just watch it on TV and that will have to be just as good. And I'll save my getting dressed up to when I come home!
This may be my last blog, so I just want to say "thanks" to everyone who reads this. It is very flattering to think anyone other than my immediate family reads it! This has been an incredible journey to "see the world". I'm so blessed to have the resources in my life to be able to do something like this and now I'm looking forward to being home and seeing y'all!

November 1-3

2006-11-03T14:48:00.000-08:00

So, I'm back in Sydney for my last week. Not much exciting to report. The weather has been surprisingly bad- I was expecting summery days, instead it has been overcast and rainy (but they really need the rain). I guess it will prepare me for going home to winter. With Christmas and summer "just around the corner" here, the city is full of activity. Everywhere I go there is some comotion- a stage being set up, people gathered, noise, something making me want to ask- "what is going on here?" At the David Jones (Australian Neiman Marcus) downtown they've set up their Christmas carol window displays that are so cute. And in Hyde Park, they've set up a stage for some Christmas concert series. So, my last day with the car was Halloween (and my last chance to listen to the radio- which Australia does not have a lot of radio station options, but they do have some country, but anyways) and I heard this spot on the radio about Halloween NOT being an Australian holiday and warning about people trying to "cram it down your throat"- it was funny.
Now I'm hoping to find a few valuable souveniers to bring home to people, but I'm not sure what to get... any requests?

October 28-31

2006-10-30T13:50:00.000-08:00

My night in Byron Bay was pretty uneventful and the next morning I went to this yoga class I found that was in a room that overlooked the beach. But the class ended up being all meditation/breathing stuff that I would have gotten more exercise from if I had stayed in bed, so I left early. I went for a stroll on the beach and then up to a lighthouse/lookout that had neat views, before getting in my car to carry on down the coast. I drove from Byron Bay to Coffs Harbour, another sleepy beach town. I liked it, and the hostel I stayed in was refreshingly friendly. I met this nice German girl who is here fruit picking. I am so glad that Sydnee's plan for us to work our way around Australia by fruit picking didn't work out. I don't think I'm cut out for migrant labor. The day I woke up in Coffs Harbour was Sunday and I went to Coffs Harbour Baptist Church. It was tiny and the median age as in the 50s or 60s, but it was a nice church. The drive has been very scenic, but, other than driving on the other side of the road, I'm feeling more and more like there is very little difference in here and America. Other than how un-populated everywhere is. There is so much land without people living on it. From Coff's I went to Newcastle. Jennifer Hawkins, Miss Universe, is from there. It is the biggest city I've come to since Brisbane with over 300,000 people. It was once a very industrial city, but I thought it was pretty nice. It seems like some areas have become a bit run-down. I stayed at the coolest hostel there, it is in a huge historic building and was very nice and very big. It was right by the beach and there is this neat walk way that someone built like a mile out into the water for viewing and fishing purposes (I guess). When I left Newcastle I drove to Gentry's to surprise her and her roommates that I had a car. They live about a mile from the church and the store (and none have a car) so if they want to go anywhere they have to walk there and back. And if they want to go to the nearest town they have to rely on public transportation; having stayed with them I know how that can get old, so I was excited to be able to offer a shuttle service where ever they wanted to go for the next 24 hours. We all piled in and went to the mall when I arrived. Then I dropped some of them off at church and Gentry and I went to the grocery store to buy stuff to cook dinner with for everyone. We had a fun girls night and this morning I just got back from dropping them all off at school. I need to go for a run, shower, pack up and drive to Sydney to return the car, so I'm off for now. I CAN'T BELIEVE IT IS MY LAST WEEK ON THIS TRIP!!!

October 26, 27

2006-10-27T02:34:00.000-07:00

After yoga and checking out of the Asian place, I went and picked up my rental car!!! I am renting a car for a 5-day drive from Brisbane to Sydney (I'm doing it in 5 days, but if I did it all at once it would be an 11-hour drive). Okay, if having not driven in over four months wasn't bad enough, I am now driving on the other side of the road!!! Now, I know that it isn't rocket science, but it isn't easy! I'd say I am a very confident driver, I like driving and I'm very comfortable with driving under most conditions, but this was a stretch for me! It helps a lot that you sit on the "passenger side" to remind you to stay on the left, but reflexes are hard to break- for example- when I am trying to be a very good/careful driver I always use my turn signal (contrary to popular belief), and on this car the signal thing is done with your right hand and the windshield wipers are with your left. So I had my windshield wipers going crazy everytime I would try to turn. And when I put the car into drive or reverse or whatever, my right hand "twitches" before I realize I need to use my left hand (which is most people's less coordinated hand, so American's are smart to make cars the way they do). Also, speed threw me off a little because it is in kilometers here, so I would see I was going 60 and think that was fast, meanwhile I'm being passed by everyone on the highway until I realize I can go 110kph! Also, add into the complication of needing directions to know where to go! I ended up scrapping the map and just using street signs to direct me, which worked really well. My first stop was Surfer's Paradise. And on my way I found the "Brisvegas" I'd read about! The whole hour drive from Brissie to Surfer's the highway was lined with one amusement park or water park or putt putt place after another. Surfer's sort of reminded me of Panama City Beach with the "class" of Destin. I loved it! I totally wish I had just moved there and been a beach bum for two months (well, kind of). My skin is still a little burned and I needed to stay out of the sun, but I couldn't resist a late afternoon stroll down the beach (after applying my new brand name spf 45 sun screen liberally over exposed skin). I stayed at a great "hostel/resort" (what a contridiction in terms!) but guess who my three roommates were? Three non-english speaking KOREAN girls! The irony! So I didn't do anything fun like go out or learn to surf or bungee jump (the three things to do in Surfer's), but maybe next time?!:)
Today I got up, went for a little walk/jog on the beach, showered and headed down to Byron Bay, another beach town an hour south. On my drive down all civilization ceased and on either side of the road were the rolling hills of Tweed Valley. It was very green (despite a water shortage) and beautiful. I am travelling down the Pacific Coast Highway. Funny, about a year and a half ago I drove up the other Pacific Coast Highway (in California), so neat! Byron is supposed to be a hippy-ish town, so I wasn't expecting to like it, but it's not so bad. The town has a lot of "therapeutic" spas and massage places and yoga classes. "Luckily" it was overcast and rainy today so I didn't mind not being able to "make use of the beach." Oh, and I feel so cool asking where should I park my car when I go into the hostel!!! Haha.

October 24, 25

2006-10-24T22:06:00.000-07:00

Brisvegas? That's Brisbane's nickname, but not my experience of it. The city center part seemed just like any other Australian city. There are some casinos but I didn't go in any, so maybe all the glitz and glam is indoors. When I got back to the hostel from walking all over the city, the Scottish guy, Stuart, reminded me that it was discount movie night, so we decided to go see a movie. Scottish accents can be difficult to understand, but generally make me laugh. Syd, if you are still reading this (and I'd be impressed if you are since you're getting married so soon!), imagine the Scottish couple from Hvar, it was just as great as that! The phrase from this couple that we repeated numerous times was "absolutely brilliant" (must be done with the correct accent to produce the maximum giggling), with Stuart it was "I can't be bothered". Sorry, none of this is very interesting to read I'm sure, but talking to people with British accents is guaranteed to make me laugh. After the movie we met up with some of his friends at a pub/bar that was pretty dead. He had to have a beer before he could go to sleep (more like a pitcher, but those British people drink all the time, I think). Oh, and let me tell you what my new best friend, the South Korean girl said to me: She asked if I had a boyfriend, and I said "no... single as can be", and she said "why?" (girl, I don't know, must not be God's timing, but I ask myself the same thing) , " but you are so beautiful." (that's when she became my best friend). That was so nice of her, made my day!
I keep meaning to talk about the aborigines. They make up about 8% of the population (I think I read that) in Queensland (the state that Cairns and Brisbane are in), which I believe is the most of anywhere else in Australia. I never saw any in Sydney or Melbourne, but now I see them all the time. It can be a bit shocking because the ones I've seen are all bedraggled looking with crazy hair and crazy eyes. And black people are such a rarity here, so I hadn't been used to seeing any. There are many sad stories about the destruction of the aborigine people, sort of like our Native Americans. They really haven't fared well from British settlement. I had wanted to go to this aborigines reserve place my second day in Cairns, but then that sunburn happened and I couldn't get myself to make it happen.
Today, I got up early for yoga again (even though Stuart and I didn't get back until 1 am-ish), but I would have been up that early anyways thanks to the construction outside our window. After yoga and a shower I talked to mom on skype but underestimated the time it would take to walk to the wharf (I was going to take a "nature cruise" to a Koala Reserve), so I missed the boat, and decided to take a bus instead. Then I proceeded to wait an hour for a bus that wasn't coming, so I gave up and took a taxi. At the Lone Pine Koala Reserve I got to have my picture taken (for a small $15 fee) cuddling a koala (here's the link: http://www.koala.net/photo/2510006237.htm) and see baby crocodiles, kangaroos, and other Australian animals. What do I think of having held a koala? They aren't as cuddly as they seem, but that could be because I was afraid I would freak out and drop it and because it's little claws were digging into my sunburn. They are cute, no doubt, but I'd take a human child any day (as long as it isn't crying...). I was able to take the boat back to the city and I was very glad that I hadn't taken it both ways because the park was much too small for all the time it gives you to be there. It's mid afternoon now, so I'm not sure what's in store for later.
Oh, and if you are one of the people keeping up with this for a while, you may notice in the koala photo a new shirt. It was an impulse buy yesterday at some cheapy store, not sure what got into me, but could it be that I've only worn solid color tops for over four months straight?

October 22, 23

2006-10-23T17:12:00.000-07:00

Sunday was uneventful, I basically crept around Cairns trying to avoid sun or having anything touch my body. I drank so much water (several litres I'm sure) to stay hydrated and I kept stopping to spray aloe on my body. I'm sure I was a sight to see with my roasted, red skin and pained look on my face. At one point after I had reapplied some aloe to my body some Australian guys took pity on my (they were sitting at a nearby cafe/pub) and offered to buy me a beer, I settled for a cappaccino instead (alcohol is dehydrating) and sat with these random "blokes" for about an hour.
Monday I flew to Brisbane on Virgin Blue, which Richard Branson owns. There are pictures of him on the plane and in the in-flight magazine and a "note" from him saying he hopes we enjoy our flight. Which I did (although if he had been there to personally invite me to his private island, Necker Island, that would have been even better). In Brisbane I went to the airport shuttle desk to get a shuttle to my hostel, the first sign that I wasn't staying at a good place was when the guy at the desk asked why I was staying there. When I booked it, I thought I was booking a nicer place because it was a little more expensive (by about $4) and the picture looked quaint and it seemed to be more like a "guest house". When the shuttle dropped me off I was standing in front of a small car park with several Asians outside cleaning some cars. I tried to ask one if this was Valley Verandas and she motioned to a door. Inside the small reception room/desk an Asain man checked me in (I'd already paid! no turning back now) and handed me some sheets, sold me a towel ($2), and showed me to my room, which I was sharing with a girl from Japan, a girl from Korea ("South Korea?" I ask, "no, north, ha, ha, ha, you don't like North Korea, ha, ha, ha" she ended up being from South Korea), and another Asian girl (I haven't met her yet). WHAT DID I GET MYSELF INTO!?!?! I just had to laugh as the reception guy showed me around the place (after I asked him where everything was). There is one shower and two toilets on each of the two floors. They are not very nice. Several Asains were milling around as I did some laundry. None are really scary, just Asian. Around 4pm I decided to walk around to see the area I was staying in. Surprise, surprise, I'm a block away from Chinatown! I got some wonderful green curry vegetables for lunch/dinner and then walked back the hostel. I popped my head into the TV room to see if I could watch "Home and Away" at 7 pm (it was 6:30 ish) and one of my roommates was watching Simpsons and she said "but I watch Simpsons" and I said, no, at 7, and she says "Oh, okay" (this story is better when you give all the Asians the Asian accent when reading what they say). "Simpsons my favorite". When I went back in to watch TV there was a Scottish guy in there. I could have hugged his neck! We both laughed about this place being over-run with Asians and he said that he's been there a while and there used to not be so many, that there were Canadians there as well. So, we hung out, while a few of the Asians would silently pop in and out of the room.
This morning (Tuesday), I woke up early to go to a yoga class down the street. It was great (despite the few moves that stretched sunburned areas)! Now, I'm just using the internet before I go out for the day.

October 19-21

2006-10-22T00:28:00.000-07:00

Wind.
For my last day in Wellington, I decided to go on a “easy” 3 hour Red Rock Volcano walk. It is about 2Ks from the city centre, so I thought I’d add that on instead of taking a bus. I set out on the walk along the coastal highway to see these volcano rocks and a seal colony. Oh my goodness, the wind. Melbourne was nothing compared to this. I think I know what it’s like to be in a hurricane or tornado. I later found out that I walked along the windiest part of the area and that it was warning level winds. The whole way out I kept thinking, oh it will have to get better for my walk back. What? No! What I didn’t think about was the fact that walking out I had the wind to my back, so on the way into town it was blowing at me. If wind could knock over Al Roker, it certainly could take me out. I was seriously worried I would be blown away. Until you experience it, you may think I am exaggerating. I was seriously clinging to street signs until I felt I could make it to the next one. Most of the walk I didn’t see anyone else out walking which would worry me, but towards the end, I saw several runners out. I don’t know how they were running. I really wanted to stop one of them and ask them if this was normal and if it was safe to be outside in such wind.

Annoyance.
I woke up at 4:30 am New Zealand time to get to the airport for my 7 am flight. I was so out of it I went to the New Zealand Air line and it wasn’t until I got to check-in I realized I was flying Quantas. When I got all checked through Quantas on my flight to Cairns (via Sydney), I went and waited to board the flight. As I was boarding, they called me over the loud speaker and told me I would actually be flying to Cairns via Melbourne but that my Melbourne-Cairns flight would be business class. I was totally excited about a chance to experience business class, but I was also feeling very inflexible about them changing my flight since I know the Sydney airport and your have to get your bag and go through customs before you can get on a domestic flight and I was worried about having time to do that on the Melbourne flight which ended up being delayed (because they were transferring my bag over). Well, getting into Melbourne was a little stressful, because I thought I had about 30 minutes to go through customs and all that business before the flight to Cairns left. I made it because that flight ended up being delayed, but business class was fun, even though the stewardess guy was a little snooty, I thought. Then when I got to Cairns, my hostel was supposed to pick me up (they advertised free airport pick up), but they weren’t there and I took a shuttle instead (which wasn’t free). Then when I got to the hostel the check-in office wasn’t open and wouldn’t be open until 4:30 pm (it was 1:30 pm at this point). This was frustrating because I just wanted to put my bag down, change into hot weather clothes, etc. This hostel is definitely not my favourite, the set-up is awful, you have to walk through the main area (kitchen, TV area, laundry) to get to the bathrooms and showers. I managed to freshen up a little (mom- thanks to my Crabtree and Evelyn citrus wipes and B-freshJ) and change and decided to make the most of my time and walk into the city. Cairns is small and very easy to get around. It is just a grid of streets, with the coast on one side. I walked down to the esplanade, which is the street closest to the beach and booked a snorkel trip for the next day to go see the Great Barrier Reef. I didn’t shop around at all, I just went with the first one I found, which isn’t really like me, but I’m sure they are all pretty similar. I walked around town and then came back and checked into my hostel. I went to bed super early, because I was so tired.

Sunburn.
I woke up early to walk to the wharf to find the boat I would be joining for the day. It was a huge catamaran and there were about 40 people on board. I met a nice Irish couple and two surprisingly enjoyable German guys and alternated hanging out with them through out the day. The three hours out to the reef I went out on the front deck to lay out and got some fresh air (I was even feeling slightly sea-sick with all the rocking). Even though it was deceptively cloudy I put my 20 SPF on my face nearly every 15 minutes and on the rest of my body when I started feeling burned. I also got to live out my dream of wearing a white tunic on a sailboat like SJP on "Failure to Launch" although I don't have any pictures of it because I didn't feel like asking some one to take my picture while I posed in the breeze with the tunic on, but I totally should have.
We went to two locations on the reef. Most people on the boat chose to dive, but I was not interested at all in diving. I have this irrational fear (and have had since I was on some river in Florida tubing over dark grass and possibly alligators) of the water above anything other than sand (or rocks I guess). So even when I was snorkelling I was squealing the whole time about being so close to all the coral and marine life (the squealing did nothing to help keep water out of my mask or snorkel). But I must say, the Great Barrier Reef is AMAZING! There is more marine life than I’ve ever seen. It’s like Finding Nemo or Little Mermaid (minus the mermaid) but real. You know those huge clams? Huge, like the size of a small refrigerator. They actually exist, and I saw several of them. I also saw so many different amazing looking fish. Also, the coral is all amazing and different looking. After seeing a sting ray, I kicked as fast as I could back to the boat, though. At our second location there was a tiny sand island we could swim to. There we saw a huge sea turtle and bright blue star fish. It was really cool. It was when I got back to the boat after the second location (around 3pm) that I realized I was looking burned (with my trademark raccoon face, of course). The sun is so strong here, I usually deserve to get burned because I am not good about putting sunscreen on, but this time I did and I still got roasted (possibly because I bought the sunscreen in Croatia and it is their generic brand). It is probably one of the worst burns I’ve ever had. I hope that when I have skin cancer one day I will be able to look back on my few hours of snorkelling on the Great Barrier Reef with fond memories. I went to see the chemist today (Sunday) and I got some Panadol (Tylenol), some cooling/anaesthetic spray, and aloe. It is seriously painful, so I am avoiding the sun today like the plague, which is sad, because what else is there to do in Cairns other than be in the sun? Oh well, I got to see the Great Barrier Reef and it was wonderful!

October 17, 18

2006-10-17T23:08:00.000-07:00

My flight into Wellington was uneventful, as was my night I arrived at the hostel. I got in around midnight, New Zealand time, which was only 9 pm Australia time (because New Zealand switches to day light savings two weeks before Australia).
On my first day in the city I "slept in" until about 10 am (but that was like 7 am to me). Then I went to this great cafe next door and had porridge with apples and saltanas (raisins) and a cappaccino. It was great! Wellington is known for it's cafe's, so I had to give one a try (I'm starting to think that everywhere claims to be known for their food in one way or another). Wellington is the capital of NZ and located on the southestern tip of the North Island, facing a cluster of islands in Marlborough Sounds across Cook Strait. It definitely deserves its nickname "Windy Welly. "
I went on a little walking tour of the city: I did the "must-do" attraction, the red cable car. It chugs up a steep hill into the Botanic Gardens and has a great view. I strolled down through the paths back to the bottom. I went to the Te Papa (meaning "our place") museum, which was a really good museum, in my limited experience of museums. It is inspirational and interactive, looking at the country's history (and future) and culture. It would have been an especially cool museum to go to as a kid, with loads of "kids corners", and as I found out, after joining a group of about 5 kids, in a "ride"/interactive activity on a "trip" to New Zealand's future and past. I went to the Embassy Theatre, the largest theatre in the southern hemisphere, where the 2003 Return of the King world premier was held. It really is huge for a movie theatre and the seats have all the character's names on them ("Frodo" Elijah Wood, or whatever). There is a large pedestrain mall, called Cuba Street, that I checked out. And I saw some building my guidebook said to see that is shaped like a beehive. It didn't take too long to see all the major sites and walk down important streets, Wellington isn't a very big city. So, let me get to the real excitement and tell you about today (Wednesday)!
At 8:40 am, I, along with two British sisters, were picked up from our hostel to go on the "Rover Ring" tour, a day-long Wellington/Lord of the Rings tour. Let me preface by saying that I have only seen each LOTR film once, each one with my family, so they can explain them to me. Also, the highlight of the films for me are the 1 minute total of any romance, and maybe 5 minutes of Orlando Bloom (and sometimes Vego Mortenson). So, I would hardly call myself a LOTR fan, but since the film does tend to have quite a following, I knew I would probably be joining a group of die-hard fans, but I wanted an experience. Joining us on our tour, was a girl from Seoul, S.Korea, and a Dutch family (1 boy-10, 2 girls-13ish and 19, and their parents). Our tour guide was a guy in his early 40's (I'm guessing), that actually was Dutch, but had lived in New Zealand most his life. Let me just go ahead and describe all the people on the tour because that's the fun part to me and then I'll talk about the tour itself. Okay, first the guide, he was a nice, friendly guy who has seen LOTR one too many times, he often blurred reality with the movie (I don't know how to really describe that better). His mannerisms totally reminded me of this guy I'm friends with from SMU (ask me names later), but with a perspiration problem. He had a lot of pride in New Zealand and I enjoyed getting him off his rambling tales about some obscure part of LOTR to hear about his country. He tried to speak broken Dutch to the Dutch family the whole day, but the family spoke Dutch and he ended up just speaking English back to them. He had loads of information about the filming, the actors, Peter Jackson (a country hero), and the land, so it really was interesting for the most part (especially when he got to the point or didn't try to act out what he was talking about, well actually when he did that it was pretty funny). Now, the Dutch family. Okay, I hate to say this because I REALLY don't want to sound conceited, but I don't know how else to say it- I think they were fascinated by me. To begin with, as soon as they joined our group they shook everyone's hand and introduced themselves (nice move, nothing at all wrong with that). Then the 19-year-old girl starts asking me if I am alone, as in by myself. Now, usually when people ask me that I'm quick to explain that technically I am alone, but that wasn't the original plan and I didn't really choose to be travelling alone, that's just how things turned out and I explain the whole Sydnee situation. But this was difficult with the girl's broken English, and besides the point with her, because yes I am alone! Then she asked if I whitened my teeth and how they are so white. To which I explained about Crest Whitestrips (to the group at this point). And she said that she doesn't believe in plastic surgery, that you should be comfortable with yourself, and that her teeth are natural, but whitening teeth is all she would ever do. Then she continues to stare at my mouth and starts to comment that they aren't actually completely white, that there is a "stripe" (or something) on them- I don't know what she was talking about at this point, but it would have been embarrassing if I didn't think it was so funny. She also asked some "normal" questions about what it was like to live in Alabama (such a hard question to answer!). I actually like this girl, she was very honest and would ask or say whatever came to her mind in a very innocent way. When I told her that I had actually lived in Texas for the past four years for university she said, "oh, is everyone chic there? they are all rich in Texas, yes?" (where did she get that idea?). Which I was quick to tell her about cowboys and Mexicans (not that those are two poor sub-groups or something, that's just something I thought she might have heard of before) and that not everyone is rich (that idea made me uncomfortable that she thought that). Then her dad asks me if I still live with my parents, and I tried to explain that when in Texas I didn't, so that means you rent?, well, sort of, (so that means you are rich because you don't live with your parents but you can still pay for your own place), well, no. Those questions are just the highlights. Oh, but it was really cute when the girl started singing "these boots are made for walking" when I was explaining cowboy's wearing boots. The other people on the tour aren't that interesting, so I'll move on to the tour itself. We went to "middle earth", "rivendale", "mordor", and some other places whose names I didn't know and don't remember. I rarely knew which scene the guide was talking about unless he showed a picture or used the actor's real names. We saw the set and Peter Jackson's house (no pictures, please, we need to protect his children, besides the house was just a brick house you could see anywhere). We went to the "Chocolate Fish Cafe" where all the cast hung out. I really did enjoy the tour, because I was able to see a lot of surrounding Wellington area. New Zealand really is a gorgeous country. Green, steep hills, rugged coastline, we could even see the south island from one place. I also learned a lot about the enormous production LOTR was. Oh, and check back soon for a picture of me with elf ears on!

October 15, 16

2006-10-15T17:47:00.000-07:00

Sunday was pretty uneventful. I went to church in the morning, packed up all my belongings from Gentry's, and went to Sydney. I stayed the night at some random hotel/hostel. I watched CSI before I went to bed and it made the place totally give me the creeps. It was nice to be back in Sydney, though. Then I woke up this morning and I had a few errands to take care of. I took a bag of stuff to the Travellers Contact Point to store for the next three weeks so I don't have to lug it around and so it won't be in Gentry's way (and in case I don't make it back to her house). Then I went to the Camera Service Repair store because I BROKE MY CAMERA!!! I'm so mad at myself. I was using the self-timer feature to take my picture and I perched the camera on a ledge and it fell on the zoom part and bent it out of shape and now it won't take pictures. They said it would cost $330 to fix it and it won't be ready for 7-10 days. I don't know what to do. I already bought a disposable camera as a back up, but it's not the same. After that I had to go to the post office because I accidently took Gentry's key, so I had to overnight that back to her. And now I'm at the internet place where I found out about Auburn and SMU's victories! YEah!!! And I'm about to go get a real haircut (as opposed to the "fake"-$5 one I got in Thailand). Then tonight I am going to New Zealand!!! So that's about all thats going on with me.
Oh, but I'll mention this because I just remembered. It is so hard to find a public bathroom here. Restaurants don't have to have them, I guess. When I'm at this internet place, I have to walk THREE blocks to the nearest bathroom I can use, Hungary Jacks (Burger King), and this internet place is huge and connected to Gloria Jeans (coffee place) and still no bathroom!

October 14

2006-10-14T00:22:00.000-07:00

Today we met up at church and we were bussed over to the Plumpton High School, where we would be doing the clean-up and renovation project. None of the girls in Gentry's house went so when I went I didn't really know anyone (they all had choir later and didn't want to go). When I got on the bus though, I met some Australian guy and talked to him a while, but when we got to the school, we has in the other "team" (there were two teams- one for the school and one did a "suburban blitz" to clean up the area). Everyone on the red "team" (all 1500 of us) packed into the gym. It was total chaos. The age range was 12-35, with the median age probably 15 or 16. I managed to find an area with at least a few over-20-year-olds and set to painting some walls. The whole thing was pretty unorganized (at least for random people like me that didn't have any group to belong to). The first half of the day was especially crazy and I had a hard time finding someone to give me a job to do. When undertaking a big project like that it is important to have leaders who can "cast a vision" for what needs to be done. Then around lunch time all the "silly kids" (most of the youth group) got bored or tired and went outside to chase each other and have paint fights (so not productive, but whatever). So that was when I was able to really do something and I really enjoyed the last half of the day. I was able to meet a lot of great people then and we were able to actually get a lot of stuff done. We repainted all the walls, cleaned off graffiti, and other restoration type things. I did make the HUGE mistake while we were cleaning up at the end of the day of asking why didn't we just throw all the paint brushes, paint buckets, etc away (because cleaning up hundreds of paint supplies was going to take hours and make a disasterous mess in the bathrooms- which would then have to be cleaned) and one of the Aussie guys in charge said "that's just like you American's, just throw away perfectly good resources, because you're big enough just to make more" (or something like that). He really didn't mean it mean, it was just a comment back to my suggestion, but that is true. Australia is so big on the environment and I have not been fully "converted" yet, so my American "wasteful" (yet, easier- I think) way of thinking got the better of me. I don't know, I still think if I was in charge it would just have been easier to throw all that away.
I was really lucky to be on the "inside team" because it was the hottest day on record in October today in Sydney (39 degrees Celsius). So, maybe all this global warming stuff has some merit. I think my way of going "green" when I go home is to use reusable shopping bags (if I can remember to bring them with me to the store).

October 10-13

2006-10-13T00:21:00.000-07:00

I didn't do too much my last day in Melbourne. I walked around Melbourne University pretending like I went there. I went into the library to use the free internet (when I found out Katie Bibb is engaged, CONGRATS!!!) I was able to use it for quite a while, no problems. Then, all the power randomly went out and it was pitch black dark in there. Since I had only stepped foot on the campus hours before, I was a little worried I wouldn't be able to find my way out. But everyone seemed pretty calm and someone announced that the lights would be on soon. I followed some people out and it was just fine. That night I took a train this time to get to Sydney, just to mix things up, since I rode a bus last time. I would say they were equally (un)comfortable because I didn't spring for the sleeper car. Because there are more seats in a train there is a better chance of being able to find a few unoccupied (I found four facing eachother mid-night which was nice) but also because there are more seats there is a better chance of there being people who think they need to stay up talking all night or crying babies (both of which I sat near). All in all, I made it to Gentry's Thursday morning without any problems. I just napped, grocery shopped, and did laundry until it was time to go up to church for "Encounterfest".
Then all day today we've been up at the church listening to speakers. I went to hear this Zambian guy from South Africa speak who wrote a book called "Leading like Madiba" about Nelson Mandela and he works with Oxfam's AIDS charity, so that was all really interesting to me. Thats about it. Tomorrow we go to a high school to help restore it (or something like that), they are calling it a "social justice project", I think it should be really great.

October 6-9

2006-10-09T20:01:00.000-07:00

My weekend.
First of all, sorry it's been a few days, my parents actually called to check on me (this is only about the 3rd call I've gotten since I left June 12th). Although I could say I've been so busy, that isn't my real excuse. The only true excuse would be that the internet at the place I'm staying has to be bought in one hour increments from the hard-to-find front desk worker and then it counts down and it stresses me out to have the time tick down (instead of count up, like it is at the internet cafe I found, where I am now).
So, Friday night some friends of my grandparent's neice picked me up. She and her husband have two boys, 13 and 17, and live about 30 minutes outside of Melbourne. I thought I would just be having dinner with them, but it was decided that I would stay at their house for the night. We went to an Indian restaurant for "tea" (that's what the lady kept calling meals). We had a nice meal and a conversation about the Australian education system. On the way home from the restaurant I got a "scenic" tour that wasn't very scenic because it was dark outside. We did stop a few times to spot a certain bird (that actually isn't an owl, although it resembles an owl) and a furry-tailed possom (much cuter than their American cousins). Once back at their house we "played with" their two cockateels. The birds chirped alot and got little feathers all over the living room. I was brave enough to let one bird pirch on my shoulder and sqwak in my ear, but about 10 seconds was all I could stand. After that excitement, we kicked Andrew (the 13 year old) out of his room and made up his bed for me to stay there. Although it was freezing when I went to sleep, the duvet warmed me quickly and I slept very well.
When I woke up the boys were getting ready to leave for their various activities (gymnastics and tennis). The mom, Eleanor, and I had breakfast and then stood outside and did some more bird watching. I've never learned so much about birds in my life, nor have I ever used a book to help me identify various species of birds- the bronze-winged pigeon, for example. When the birds finished eating our bread crumbs we went to St. Andrew's market (the activity I was hoping for among the other options). It was a nice local market, very hippy-ish (I think you can buy weed there, not legally of course). We wandered around there and Eleanor bought some produce and other grocery items. We kept running into some of here long lost friends, she doesn't go to the market usually, so it was a nice reunion for her. Then we went over to some of family friends of theirs' house and had lunch. This other family had just finished building a new house. They live in this community called Kangaroo Grounds, which is very rural (but you can see the city from the tops of the hills). Both families had over 5 acres of land because the government doesn't want that area to become over developed. And about everyone has a horse. Anyways, before lunch we walked around their land some, so I could see some wild kangaroos. They were very plentiful and they just hopped all over the place! Our lunch was so random- scones, hot dogs, cole slaw, donuts, tomatoes, and cheese. We had to leave their house by 1 pm, because one of their sons had homework to do, so we took Andrew home and we all unloaded the groceries. Then Andrew taught me how to ride his razor scooter. That lesson didn't take too long, I guess I'm a quick learner, so we went inside and looked through every photo album in the house. Oh, and Andrew walked me down to see the Yarra River (the same river that runs through central Melbourne) at the bottom of their property. Then Chris and Eleanor came and picked us up and we went on a drive through the winelands of the area, called the Yarra Valley, on our way back into the city. Then we attempted to window shop, but it's pretty much impossible to do that with such a diverse group, so we settled for a light dinner before I was allowed to be taken back to my hostel. I must say, they were very nice and very willing to have visitors. I was invited to stay with them until I left Melbourne and even that I could use their car if I wanted it to get around. I am very glad I got to see some of the "bush" (the non-urban) part of Australia. It is a really pretty area.
There was a Melbourne Marathon on Sunday (which was the excuse I used to be taken home early Saturday night) which I thought I was going to try to join in, but the start was pretty far away from where I am staying, so I decided not to. I did go to St. Kilda (beach area) which the marathon ran through and I saw some of the action as I was walking around there. I think it was the windiest place I've ever been in. It was so windy that when I walked across this foot bridge I was actually nervous the wind would blow me over the edge. And it was so windy that it would blow my earings and knock me pretty hard in the ear. Needless to say, no one was sunbathing at this beach. It was a cute little area, though. It has a tiny amusement park and a pier (which I didn't go on because I was scared I would blow into the water). Also, I went on Sunday on purpose because there is a market there on Sundays, but it was only a few stalls (maybe the wind blew the rest away?). That afternoon I met up with my "roommate" (this girl from Fiji who is working here in Melbourne for two months) and we went to a church in the city called Power Shakers. It was a lot like Hillsong. I was worried she'd be a little over whelmed by all the jumping around, light show, and loud music, but afterwards she said it was like her church at home and that "everyone goes to church in Fiji". As we were leaving church to walk home we ran into this Malaysian girl who was so funny. She was the epitome of the Asian way of laughing and talking. She had been at church too and we all walked back together (until she had to turn to go to her flat). Walking along with a Fijian and Malaysian in Australia made me feel SO international.
Yesterday, I walked down Chapel Street in Toorak, which is the fabulous, up-scale area of the city. Nice, big, expensive houses; high-end fashion boutiques; chic cafe's. It was fun just to see it all, but I felt a little "scrubby" in my jeans and hoodie (that I have been wearing for about four months now). I was sure to make it back by 7 pm to see my new show of choice, Home and Away, an Australian sort-of soap opera. I was joined for the show and some Thai take-away (red curry, yum) by a British guy that is staying at the place I am. He had some comment about everyone on the show and it was funny.
That's about it, but I should mention a few things about Melbourne. There are trams everywhere and a wonderful way to get around. It is a very international city, more so than Sydney, that seems to just have an Asian influence. Melbourne has areas of various European origin, Middle Eastern, and then of course, Asian. Also, there is always something going on here. It is the live-music and sporting capital of Australia. Just yesterday, while I was looking at a photo exhibit in Federation square, there was also some bagpipe concert going on. And, when I was on a run this morning, I ran past the Melbourne Cricket Ground, and their was a long que to get tickets to an upcoming season opener. So, trams, fashion, sports, music, international, yeah, I think that sums up Melbourne.
And there is one other thing about Australia, I want to mention because I keep forgetting. I think there might be a higher percentage here of what I have termed "crazies" (crazy people). I regularly run into someone that is talking to themselves or has terrets or something that is not normal. It could be because I use a lot of public transportation and walk city streets alot more than at home (a whole lot more than at home), but I still don't think that accounts for all the crazy people I've seen. Maybe it's the convict background?

October 3-5

2006-10-05T19:25:00.000-07:00

My first day in Melbourne I was pretty tired because of no real sleep on the bus the night before, but I did manage to walk around the city center some. I went to the Queen Victoria Market- it was chaotic, but friendly. Apparently before it was designated as a market in 1878 it was a cemetery- and 9000 bodies are underneath the car park! There was everything from fruits and cheeses to Uggs (yeah, I'm going to need to get some). I basically just wandered around so I could get a feel for the area, I really don't like being the tourist, pulling out a map, so it helps to find some major landmarks to help get my bearings. I did also walk around the Crown Entertainment Complex, which is definitely not subtle. It includes a luxury hotel, a giant cinema, night clubs, restaurants, high-end boutiques, Planet Hollywood, and of course, a casino.
I had heard there was great shopping in Melbourne, so I did one of my favorite things on Wednesday and shopped. There was good shopping, but not any more than Sydney, I think. I did get a cute pair of leopard or cheetah (some animal) ballet flats (are those still in? I hope so.). While popping in a loads of stores, I inevitably got into some conversation with the store workers because they would want to know where my accent was coming from. While shopping in Australia I have noticed a difference in their style and I really like it. Australian women seem to do the typical conservative suit thing for work, but outside of work they are more funky and I'd say they take more "risks". Maybe I should work in fashion. Anyways. While walking through the city center, I made sure to see the important things like Federation Square, the city's oldest pub, Young & Jackson, St. Paul's Cathedral, a museum with a Picasso display, and Chinatown. Although the shopping was the highlight. I also got to see the Royal Botanical Gardens, Kings Domain, Alfred Park (home of the Formula One race track, Aussie Footbal League field and cricket grounds- they love their sports here) on my morning jogs.
Yesterday I actually went to the Melbourne Zoo, Australia's oldest zoo. I got to see Penguins, Kangaroos, Koalas, Platypus, Elephants, Lions (don't know why they get capital first letter), and many other creatures. It was good, for a zoo, I guess. I'm glad I got to see some native Aussie animals. The low point was using my camera's self timer feature to take a picture of myself in front of one of the exhibits, but no one was around! haha.
Today I called some random contacts my grandmother put me in touch with. I have no idea what to expect, but they are picking me up later for tea. Not sure what I am getting myself into there!

September 26- October 1

2006-10-02T18:18:00.000-07:00

So what's new with me? hmmm... I walked around Chinatown some and forgot I was in Australia. And Friday I went to Gentry's house out in Baulkham Hills. I stayed with her through Monday and Monday night I caught an overnight bus to Melbourne, where I currently am.
I changed my flight, so that I am now coming home Nov. 9th, right before the Georgia game, so I get ot see one home game.
I was also hoping to see Sydnee, because she was back in town with Blake (they flew out on Sunday), but unfortunately it never worked out.
Friday, I went to "Powerhouse" with Gentry and her friends and I signed up for this Encounterfest thing at Hillsong which is October 12-14th and they restore a nearby high school. Sort of a Habitat for Humanity thing, I guess, I'm excited about it though. Saturday, we went to a nearby mall for a few hours. Have I mentioned that stores (pretty much all stores, including malls, and many restaurants) close at 5pm? Yeah, they don't stay open late like at home. When we got home, I went on a run and it was the best run I've done in a long time! I was able to run for an hour at a good pace (about 6 miles) and I was like "oh yeah, I've got it back", but now I have no excuse for walking now when I go for a run. Sunday, I went to morning and evening church. Monday, Gentry and I went to Bondi beach before I had to catch my bus. It was a public holiday and the beach was PACKED! Way too much for my liking and the wind was quite chilly, so we didn't stay that long. My overnight bus experience wasn't so bad, but I think I am just geting used to it because it was no better than the overnight bus I took in Croatia (well, and they showed a movie and I moved into a two seats to myself). Now I am in Melbourne, I just checked into this guest house where I am staying. I really like it so far! The free cappaccino machine will save me loads on my morning latte! And they have satelite TV in the TV room, so I got to watch some Fox News during brekkie (breakfast). It is also near the Botanical Gardens here and walking distance to the city center (where I am sitting now). And thats about it!

Pictures!

2006-09-26T00:16:00.000-07:00

Yes, while I have been bad about putting pictures on this blog since I was in Europe (not always my fault, some computers are just finicky), I have downloaded almost all to a photo album on Walgreens.com. I think you can view them if you click on this link: http://photo.walgreens.com/shareereg/p=97261159254209379/l=10347695/g=8725405/cobrandOid=1009/otsc=SYE/otsi=SALB/pns/share/p=97261159254209379/l=10347695/g=8725405/cobrandOid=1009/otsc=SYE/otsi=SALB
Sorry, you'll also have to become a Walgreens member to view them, I know thats annoying, but I guess you'll have to decide how bad you want to see my pics! I hope this works!
And! It is still under construction- pictures out of order, captions not finished, etc, but I'm working on it!
Okay, so it isn't working yet, but check back! I'm working out all the kinks! If it doesn't work when you become a Walgreens member, try signing on as me- username: jpisakick, password: soccerball (yes, I just gave out my password! so don't mess anything up:))

September 24, 25

2006-09-25T17:49:00.000-07:00

After not sleeping much on the couch at Gentry's I was pretty tired, but Saturday afterI got back to the city I walked around Kings Cross- a sleazy area that also has most of Sydney's hostels (I'm so glad I didn't end up staying in one of the hostels there!) Saturday night two really inconsiderate German girls stayed in "my" room. They kept turning on the bright overhead light and talking and then when they finally went to bed they snored! So, Sunday, when I got up early to go on a jog I was very tempted to turn on the lights and rustle plastic and zip and unzip all my zippers- however, I did the "right" thing, and quietly slipped out. When I got back they were packed up and I was so glad to find out they would only be staying one night. I got ready and walked around some little areas of Sydney- Surry Hills, Chipendale, etc that I hadn't been to yet. Around 3pm I went to church to meet Kristine (the Dutch girl from last week). I was going to help set up for the "Backpackers Barbeque" the church was hosting, but it was already all done, so we just chatted for an hour waiting for the bus of backpackers to come. Hillsong took a bus to the Kings Cross area and got backpackers to come (the free meal attracts a lot of backpackers). Most of the people were of various European origin. I met some Swedish girls and some Estonian girls. The barbeque consisted of those big nasty sausages, but most people seemed glad to get the free meal. We sat around and listened to this guy from Florida sing and play his guitar. Then we all went into the church service. From the girls I talked to they had no idea what they were "getting themselves into" coming to the church- they knew nothing about it, but afterwards, they seemed to have enjoyed it. The guy who preached is Australian, but he has been living in Virginia Beach for years and has a thriving church there. He even said that the governor of Virginia came there and became a Christian, so thats pretty great! His sermon was about poverty being a curse because God wants us to prosper and I thought that was an interesting message and it made me wonder what the two random homeless people that came on the backpacker bus thought about it. After the service, I had coffee with this random girl from New Zealand before making my way back to the ho(s)tel.
When I got back, I was minding my own business watching TV in the common area, when this Canadian guy comes and sits down by me and tells me his life story. He's from this tiny country town, hunts (moose, rarely deer), (ice) fishes, and he totally reminded me of guys from home (except that he is Canadian). He is in Australia on vacation (and I later found out to visit his girlfriend), but he was with four other Canadian guys and one Cali guy and two Canadian girls. The other Canadians are in some teaching grad school program on the Gold Coast. The guys were all going on a 6 day surf trip the next day and the girls are just in Sydney until Wednesday. So, we ended up all going to eat dinner at this Thai restaurant and we had a great time. They were a really fun group. So, yesterday, the boys left for their surf trip, but the girls, Kaiti and Sarah were here, so we went to Manly beach. It is up the coast and you take a ferry to get there. It was a pretty chilly day, but the beach was still pretty packed with people laying out and of course some surfers. There is a really scenic walk that I enjoyed until the flies wouldn't stop attacking me and then I went back to the city. After freshing up and watching Australian Idol, Kaiti, Sarah, and I went to "Below 5", this bar that is made entirely of ice. It is way over-priced, you pay $30 to get in for 30 minutes. They give you parkas, Uggs, and gloves before entering. Then you have half an hour to "explore" the ice sculptures, sit on the benches made of ice, and have a drink from a glass made of ice. Thirty minutes was definitely enough time, though. We met two other Canadian girls and a guy from Minnesota in there. We laughed about how all of them could have similiar experiences any day of the week in their backyards in the winter. It really is freezing in there! We left and went to the Opera House cafe and hung out there for a while before calling it a night.

September 18-23

2006-09-20T23:47:00.000-07:00

Monday I met up with Gentry and we had a bus adventure getting to Bondi Beach, where we stayed about an hour and then she headed to night class and I went home. We made plans for Friday.
I don't think I've explained who Gentry is, so let me take a second to do that. It's a cool story! So, five days before I leave to go on this trip, I find out from Sydnee that she is going to go home two months early, so I'll be "alone" in Australia. I was shocked of course, but then something amazing happened that night. I went to the movies with a friend, Davey, and we were the only ones in the theatre and I was telling him about my trip, including going to Sydney and wanting to visit this church, Hillsong (which was random that I mentioned that because I don't always bring it up in reference to the trip). Right at that time, two girls were walking in the theatre (Gentry and her sister) and they hear me say "Hillsong" and tell me that Gentry is going there in August and also doesn't know anyone on the continent of Australia. So we swap email addresses and have just kept in touch since then. Isn't that so neat? God is definitely watching out for me!
So meanwhile, I have jogged every morning, walked down Oxford street (great shopping), shopped in Westville mall, and "explored" some of Sydney, which is still a city I think is wonderful! For my 23rd birthday I went to the premier of "Talladega Nights"- which was pretty cool because Will Ferrell and John C. Riley were there. Other than that my birthday was pretty uneventful, except getting tons of facebook messages and a phone call from my parents. It was those little things that really made my day- so thanks! This was the first birthday in my life that I didn't remember it was my birthday for a whole hour! Usually I have that giddy feeling of "it's my birthday today!" but this time it took me an hour to remember- sad!
Friday I went through the ordeal of Sydney's public transportation to get to Gentry's house (which involved a train, a walk to the bus stop, a bus ride, and then about a mile walk through this random neighborhood to her house). She shares the house with four other girls who are also attending Hillsong's college. I met her roommates and one happened to ask me when my birthday was and when I told her it was yesterday they were like "why didn't you tell us?!" (which why would I tell them if they hadn't asked?). But they were so nice and after they Friday night worship service they threw me a birthday party. We had jello instead of cake and sparklers instead of candles, but I did have people singing "Happy Birthday" and they even wrapped up this random picture so I could open a present. It was soooooo nice!!!! Wasn't that sweet of them?! So I spent the night at their house, which is a really nice house in a normal Australian neighborhood. Then, today, Saturday, I got up and made the trek back to the city. It's such a pain to travel back and forth, it takes about 2 hours, costs about $15, and can be frustrating. So, next time I go back to visit them, I am definitely going to make it a longer stay, just so I don't have to deal with that two days in a row. They offered to let me crash on their couch, which is really nice of them, but I don't want to over stay my welcome, and more than that, there isn't a whole lot to do in their area. There is a Coles (grocery store) and a Gloria Jeans (a coffee shop better than Starbucks) and thats about it! I do think I'll go back for a few days next week, though.
So, that's pretty much all I can think of that has happened to me in the past few days.

September 14-17

2006-09-17T01:33:00.000-07:00

G'day from Sydney!
I am combining the past few days because they aren't super exciting (not that all my days are or anything). The day I got in (6 am), I checked into my awesome hostel/hotel that is owned by the YWCA. It is in a perfect location, right by Hyde Park, the Botanical Gardens, in the city centre, and about 2 Ks from the Opera House. I talked/cried to my parents about being alone, but most of the emotion was due to lack of sleep. After their pep talk I walked around my area which is very corporate, but also loads of shopping (and parks)- just very central. Then I actually went to bed at 4pm and slept for about 15 hours. Since then I have just been jogging in the park across the street and walking around the city. The weather is perfect and the scenery is amazing. If there is anywhere that I could be sent alone, this would be it! In fact, I am really enjoying myself and I'm in no hurry to see other parts of Australia.
I have a room to myself, although I'm meant to be sharing it with three other girls (hotel isn't full, I guess). I had a funny experience my first full day, when I had just got back from my jog and this big American guy walks in my room and says he is to be staying there too. Although he was very nice (and we ended up walking around one day together), I talked to the front desk and found out I was in a male dorm room accidently, so I got moved (yeah, I know some people may think: Why did you move??? but, really, I'd prefer a girls room).
Today I woke up really early and joined several thousand people in the Sydney Marathon. It started on the north end of the Harbour Bridge (the city center is on the south side) and I ran about two miles with them across the bridge, and then checked out because I am so out of shape (I was just worried I would have to start walking in the first mile of a marathon-on the bridge-and that wouldn't look good would it?) I walked the 2 or 3 Ks back to my room, showered, and went to Hillsong Church, where I am hoping to get involved. Straight-away when I got there I met the "backpacker ministry" which was composed of two nice foreign girls (Danish and Indonesian, not foreign, as in Australian). Hillsong has two locations, and apparently, city, which is where I went, is the smaller of the two, at least smaller venue-wise. It does have 7 services, but the room it meets in isn't that large. I am hoping to go out to the "hills" sight soon and maybe I can meet some people there. The service was VERY high energy, I had forgotten just how charismatic it was! It was a great day, though (including finding out about the Auburn's victory!!!)

September 13

2006-09-13T16:23:00.000-07:00

We were supposed to meet up with one of my friend's girlfriends that lives in Seoul as an english teacher, but we missed eachother and weren't able to communicate because our cell phones don't even get service in South Korea. So Syd and I set out on our own to a market we had seen from the city tour bus the day before. The market was very crowded with pushy Koreans and the seamingly pedestrian streets were occasioned by honking motorcycles. The market seemed to sell a lot of junk (sorry, can't think of a nicer word) and we couldn't get back on the metro fast enough. We resorted to walking back up and down the street near our hostel, that is less crowded and has much better local shops. Syd bought a really cool stamp with "Cleveland" in Korean and I bought (I actually bought something, yes) a wallet with a Korean drawing on it (may sound lame, but I really liked it). We also tried a few Korean street food items that were largely disappointing and overpriced (compared to a sit down restaurant where Syd ordered a wonderful noodle soup for a similar price). We headed back to the hostel in time to get our bags and catch the hour-long bus back to the airport. I'm afriad I wasn't introduced to the best Seoul has to offer. The airport, although new looking and spacious, wasn't great either (if judged solely on pre-flight distractions such as neat food stalls- even familiar food stalls- or good little shop/bookstores). On the flight we each got two seats a piece by windows (always a plus!) Korean Airs does not mess around with putting on your seat belt during turbulence, many times throughout the flight lights flashed and announcements made to be in our seat with our seat belt on!
Well, I will let you know I did make it safely to Sydney, although this is where my trip becomes a solo journey, as Sydnee and Blake will travel together for a few weeks and then head home to get married.

September 12

2006-09-12T03:29:00.000-07:00

Seoul's got soul. Just wanted to try that title out. Our Korean Air flight was a little bumpy, including waking us up during our evening nap to tell us to buckle our seat belts (which I don't really understand, if there is ever turbulance enough to knock me out of my seat, I think there may be bigger problems, but anyways). Our "breakfast" was chicken and rice, at least their was coffee.
Sydnee and I were both exhausted after the flight because we got so little sleep on it and the night before we had been subject to inconsiderate roommates in our hostel. We got on a bus that took us to some street about 400 m from our "Seoul Backpackers"- thank goodness Sydnee had written down impecible directions from the web. We went to our room and Syd crashed and I took a shower, which invaribly woke me up, so I did some laundry, went to the post office, and used the computer. Right as I was about to run out of things to do around the hostel, Syd came down ready to go. We walked to the tour information office and from there found an authentic Korean tea house for a late lunch. I got barbeque beef and Syd got rice and vegetables, the waiter then began bringing out many small plates of many unknown items, leaves pulled from a tree and sardines were the only two I recognized. I tasted a very small lick of everything and stuck to the beef and rice.
We finished in time to catch a Seoul city tour bus, which was a fair deal at only 5,000 Won ($5). I mainly dozed, which is fairly predictable of me, since I've done that in a few other city tour buses. I roused myself enough to see a very neat looking Palace and the bustling shopping streets of Seoul. I am beginning to think all of Asia is obsessed with shopping. After our bus finished its two hour loop we walked down a street near our hostel that has many little shops and street food vendors. There were many locals out and I saw few other "western" faces. Since many of my entries are filled with complaints of the heat, I must mention the amazing weather we experienced here- absolutely perfect. Back at the hostel, we chatted with some English blocks and a guy from Jersey before I managed to climb up into top bunk and fall fast asleep.

September 11

2006-09-11T21:10:00.000-07:00

The five year anniversary of September 11 was marked in Singapore by a tribute in their newspaper, Straits Times, and an abundance of policemen, often groups of four or five, looking underworked but commanding attention (they were also on duty because of the World Bank meeting being held in the city at the moment). Sydnee and I started out our day full of plans: a cable car to the island, the Orchard Botanical Gardens, Teh Tahrik (the "pulled" tea), Satay (meat skewers, Malaysian style), back to Orchard road to pick up can't-do-withouts, and then a performance at the Esplande Theatre. We managed about half. Of course, the food and drink plans were non-negotiables, and we carried through with them at two different "hawker" food stalls. Both were very satisfying. Due to a torrential downpour (granted, it only lasted about 10 minutes) we scratched plans to do the cable car and gardens and got two much needed pedicures (Sydnee is about to see Blake, and my last pedicure's polish had faded severely due to the sand and surf and cheap nailpolish).
We got tickets for "Forbidden City: Portrait of an Empress" and went back to the hostel to pack our bags get ready to leave (our flight left "that night" at 1 am). Just in time, we checked our backpacks at the cloak room and went to our "limited view" seats, which we were luckily able ot upgrade mid performance and really enjoyed the musical. We then took the MRT for $2 to the airport (cheapest city to get to the airport I've experienced yet). Changi Airport in Singapore is amazing! It has rest areas for layovers, a pool, malls, 24-hour food areas. According to sleepinairports.com it is THE best airport to have an overnight layover in. We, however, did not, and did our best to enjoy our hour before boarding.

September 10

2006-09-10T06:27:00.000-07:00

Little India!
Syd and I went on a self-guided food walk today. But we do that unofficially everyday if we are honest. First we went to this Chinese coffeeshop with famous hot cross buns with kaya (egg) jelly (tastes like custard). We also watched and sampled these rice dumplings being made in bamboo leaves (at another place down the street). Then we walked to the MRT and went to Little India. We walked around that area and tried Lassi (a yogurt drink) and then went to an Indian restaurant. Everyone ate on banana leaves and with their hands. I tried to eat with my hands, but rice and various curries are hard to eat by hand! And you can only use your right hand because the left hand is considered unclean. Their is definitely some skill involved to eating with your hand. I like Chinese food better with chopsticks, but I will stick to some sort of utensil if possible, food all in your nails gets gross (I think). Also at that Indian restaurant we got to try this "pulled tea" that has sweetened condensed milk and is airated by hand (hard to describe). It was good, but we were so full, so we are going to get some tomorrow to enjoy. We rolled ourselves back to the MRT and walked off our food by shopping at some Asian department store that is in New York that I had never heard of before, but Syd had.

September 9

2006-09-09T06:19:00.000-07:00

Syd and I explored Orchard Road, a main shopping street. We went in some stores and some five star hotels. The most famous hotel here, Raffles, is known for their Singapore Sling, which we drank while throwing peanut shells on the floor at the bar (like at Logans Steakhouse). We also sampled about a million mooncakes, some Chinese celebration features them this time of year, whenever we passed any of the many mooncake sellers. I'm writing this while sitting at the computer in the hostel and the music is blarring and I'm having trouble remembering if we did anything else. However, I am really enjoying the music, all the shops here play Top 40s music that I love, so its okay.

September 8

2006-09-08T04:59:00.000-07:00

So we made it through the night, including boarder crossings and we were dropped off somewhere in Singapore early in the morning. We had no desire to wonder around looking for our hostel, so we took a taxi and got settled into "Bettle Box" our hostel. It is a very friendly place. After taking a much needed shower (after 26-hours straight of travelling and did I mention the rest stops only had stand up toilets?), Syd and I walked around our little neighborhood here and found some lunch. Then we joined about 10 people from our hostel for a tour of Chinatown. A girl who works here took us all over the area and then down to the river front. Although the sights were nice, talking to our very unique and distinct hostel-mates was more (shall I say) entertaining. Syd and I crashed pretty early, but I think I'm going to like Singapore!

September 7

2006-09-07T04:30:00.000-07:00

What a day!
We woke up in time to catch a "shuttle van" from our bungalow on the island to a big charter bus that took us on a ferry back to mainland Thailand. From the ferry we got back on our bus. The bus ride was totally sketchy and involved drop-offs and pick-ups of packages and money. This bus then dropped us at a "rest stop" and Sydnee, me, and a French guy got into another 12-passanger van. This van took us to a shady-looking tour office where we were jipped into over paying for tickets to Singapore (but we wanted to stick with this French guy so we wouldn't be "on our own.") We even made the French guy come with us to an ATM to get money out to pay for changing our ticket to Singapore (not just to Hat Yai). This van then proceeded to drive through southern Thailand and pick up "locals" on the way. Within an hour the van was full of locals, including a baby and two children. When we crossed into Malaysia we were taken to another shady tour "office" that ripped us off again and made us pay more to get on a bus to Singapore (it was about 7 or 8pm at this point and they said the bus that was about to leave wasn't with their company if we didn't pay extra we would have to wait to leave until midnight). It was a pretty frustrating ordeal, but it worked out fine. The bus we got on in Malaysia went straight to Singapore and had the nicest seats of any transportation we have taken yet (big, reclining, included a blanket, footrest). So Thailand was nice, but we were definitly ready to go. We had enough of all the people who try to talk to us "where you going? where you from? what are you looking for?" but not knowing their possible alterior motives. Singapore should be a nice change with English speakers!

September 6

2006-09-06T05:08:00.000-07:00

We just did the same thing again today, except Syd got a Thai massage and I got my hair cut (only an inch and only $4- it felt like it was getting too long and it had been about 5 months).
The only difference from the DR is that the Thai food is better. We've had some great curry and Pad Thai. Also all the fresh frozen juice drinks are so good.
I went on a little walk down the beach today. There are hardly any waves. The water is pretty clear, but more light blue than dark blue. We saw a model shoot going on down the beach from us. The island is pretty hilly and there are some really pretty waterfalls and Elephant "safaris" you can take around the mountains to see the waterfalls. We leave tomorrow for an epic bus/ferry/train journey to Singapore, so I'm not sure when I'll next blog.

September 5

2006-09-05T05:03:00.000-07:00

Today we just layed out at the beach and sipped on fruity drinks.
This place reminds me 100% of Dominican Republic. Pretty beaches, sauna temperatures, European holiday destination, people selling fruit and cheapy souvinears on the beach, motorcycles, jet skis to rent, probably a higher percentage of prostitution than other places (a little sleezy).

September 4

2006-09-04T20:17:00.000-07:00

We were dropped off from the bus about 6 am and waited in this "restaurant" for about an hour in a half until we caught another bus to take us to the ferry to get to the island. On the ferry we at least got to watch "Pirates of the Carribean" on their TVs, so that help pass the time. We then took a taxi to our bungalow we are staying in the next three nights. It was a bit of a hassle to get here, so we are hoping the beach will redeem it! We layed out at the pool for a while and then crashed from no sleep on the overnight bus.

September 3

2006-09-03T20:04:00.000-07:00

We slept in as long as we could with out missing breakfast and then packed up until check out. Then we left the hotel with our backpacks and took the shuttle to a nearby metro stop that the "Nice Massage" place is near. I kinda didn't feel like having anyone touch me, but Syd got a Thai massage and I just got a 30 minute foot massage so I could use the internet until Syd got done. After that we took the metro to MBK to use the internet for a while. Syd tried to go get a microderm facial but she couldn't find it (because MBK is so huge) and probably also because it is so annoying to walk around with a backpack in that chaos. After we were done there we went to the Grand Hyatt for Afternoon Tea. It had the yummiest icecream I've ever had. Syd finally got to try her mango and sticky rice dish and it was all she had been hoping for! Then we took a taxi to the tourist office where we would be catching an overnight bus to Ko Samui (an island on the southeast coast of Thailand, where The Beach was filmed). Waiting for the bus we met a nice Australian guy and his Danish wife. They live in Sydney and gave us all there contact information, and even drew a map of how to get to their house. They offered us both the spare bed in their house if we ever need it while in Australia. Isn't that nice?
The overnight bus was fairly miserable, but I blame my dress choice on part of the uncomfort.

September 2

2006-09-02T02:19:00.000-07:00

8 am wake up call! We hurried to get out of our hotel by 9 am, to meet our cooking instructor. We had signed up for a day at Silom Thai Cooking School. It was so fun! Syd and I were the only students. First, we went to a market to buy all the ingredients. Then we came back and washd all the produce we had bought. It was a very hands on experience. First, we made Hot and Sour Prawn Soup. Then we sat on the floor- Thai style- to make the rest of our 4 dishes- except for when we would stand at the stove and cook in the wok. After each dish, we got to taste our yummy creation. I'm so glad to know how to make Pad Thai and Green Curry and sticky rice now! After cooking school we started walking down the street and stumbled upon a 250 Baht ($7) facial, so we stopped in for one. From there we walked to the Four Seasons, where Syd found a store she loved called Jim Thompson, he introduced Thai silk with patterns to Thailand. We also stumbled upon the coolest couture-tailor that can make any design dress based on pictures in less than a week with your exact measurements (Can I come get my wedding dress made here, please?)
But back to Jim Thompson, so we needed to go to a bigger store that is in a mall- supposedly, the biggest mall in southeast Asia and probably the tenth mall in a 2 mile radius we've seen. We went in it and one across the street and spent some time wishing all the beautiful clothes, purses, shoes, and other wonderful accessories were ours. I can't put into words the over-the-top amount of shopping here. Today was the first time I really actually wanted to buy some of the stuff, though. Then we did the whole MBK internet routine and came back to the hotel.

September 1

2006-09-01T02:10:00.000-07:00

Wake up call- 9am- there's so much to do! After our buffet breakfast (which we have now perfected our choices), we took the metro and skytrain to Somdet Phrachao Tak Sin Bridge on the Chao Phraya River. We caught a river express boat up the river to the Grand Palace. The river is so dirty! It is really gross. Our trip to the Emerald Buddha Grand Palace was so annoying. It was super hot and stinky outside, for one thing. But most annoying were all the scammers along the way telling us the Palace was closed and to come see the "Happy Buddha"- we luckily aren't so easily tricked, although they are very official looking and convincing. We found the proper entrance. We saw the Palace, which certainly was grand, but all the buddha stuff started creeping me out and we were hot because we had to cover our shoulders with shirts we brought. We caught a taxi to this other HUGE mall- Siam Paragon. Its size is truly undescribable. Consumerism is alive and well in Bangkok. I don't know how a city like this sustains all the shopping and eating it offers. We first stopped at the food floor. I have never seen so much food or such options in my life. A lot of food is sold in individual pieces, so 1 chicken skewer, 1 spring roll, 1 gelato, and several free samples of fruit (dried and fresh) later, we went up to the "luxury goods" floor and looked in all the designer stores. From there we went to our "Nice Massage" place and I had a $9 hour long massage and Syd got a Thai massage. Feeling very relaxed, we went to MBK to use the internet before heading back to the hotel at closing time.

August 31

2006-08-31T01:47:00.000-07:00

Sydnee and I woke up to a phone call from Blake (we have to adjust to a new calling time, and by we I mean Sydnee, Blake, and me :)). It was okay, though, I was ready to get up. I got ready for the day and then Syd and I went down to breakfast. It was pretty diverse, serving many countries' breakfast. (picture a chinese buffet and Shoney's together). Then Syd and I set out for the town. Since I had already been out in the city and Syd was still recovering, I got to do some serious tour guiding, which can sometimes get on my nerves, but I usually end up doing it anyway because I guess I'm a control freak about our "itenarary." Anyways, Syd was such a trouper and was able to go all day and I'm so glad she is feeling better.
First we took the metro/skytrain to a tourist information desk to ask some Bangkok questions. Then we took a Rikshaw/Tuk-tuk from a really annoying driver who wouldn't take us where we wanted and kept trying to talk to us even though we couldn't understand him. So we got out and opted to walk. Even though we paid him plenty, he continued to try to get us to ride him. He did help point us to this Thailand Tour Company that Syd and I are 99% is legit. We booked a bus and bungalow from them for an island in southeast Thailand. Then we walked about 2Ks to another shopping road, Silom. On our way, we passed a temple that was so Asian and ornate. We also stopped for me to get a pedicure and manicure ($8). Down Silom road were tons of stalls selling fake designer everything. There were also loads of street food vendors, some food looks unedible, some looks mysterious, some suspicious, and some yummy. We stopped along the way to get a facial ($13). We both had some icee "bubble-tea" drink. After we finished seeing all Silom Street has to offer, we took the metro back to this Thai Massage place we'd seen earlier (it is one of hundres with similiar prices and offers, but we were lured by its free internet and tea). I got an hour long Thai massage ($4) and Syd got a Thai foot massage. The internet didn't work with Skype (a way for Sydnee and Blake to talk), so we went back to MBK to use the internet there. I had trouble finding the same internet place I had been to the night before because it is such a HUGE place. We both used the internet for an hour and then I went to find some dinner and Syd stayed to use the internet another hour. By the time we got done the mall was closing so we metro-ed as close to the hotel as we could and then took a taxi the 1K back (we were being safety concious).
To all you Bangkok Bashers- I like it here! (I like pretty much everywhere I've been, though, so I may have rose-coloured glasses on). I also may like it because so far its 3 major attractions I've taken part in are shopping, pampering, and eating. There is more shopping here than anything I've ever seen before- it is crazy how many stores and shopping complexes there are. There are also super-cheap "spa" places everywhere- why not get a $4 massage everyday??? And the street food is great! If you just want one sushi roll, you can buy that-25 cents. Or one chicken skewer- 25 cents. Or one glass of fresh juice- 25 cents. You can progressively eat as you walk through the city!

August 30

2006-08-30T00:30:00.000-07:00

Luckily, Syd survived the night, and I got about 2 hours of sleep. We departed the plane and caught a cab to the Radisson (pronounced "Lad-E-son") and checked into the hotel my parents so generously are paying for so we will be safe in this dangerous city! We got to the hotel around 1pm and Syd crashed and slept all day to try to recover from her food poisoning. I, on the other hand, took a much needed shower and headed out for the town! I took the hotel shuttle to MBK shopping center. I was blown away when I arrived by the size of the place. Words can't describe how huge it is and how much chaos it contains. There are so many stores and food stalls and a supermarket and kiosks selling "fake" goods. After being overwhelmed I tried to find a place to eat dinner, but their where too many options. I had to just pick one and go with it. I sat down at "Noodi", a place with many Asian dishes. I got glorified ramen noodles. A guy next to me from Australia was also dining alone and we started talking and ended up not having to eat "alone." My dinner was $1. I then took the very organized and clean public transportation (skytrain and metro) to a pick up point for the hotel shuttle van, caught the last one back, and crashed- I'd only had about 3 hours of sleep in the past 60 hours.

August 29

2006-08-29T03:22:00.000-07:00

Brussel to Bangkok.
Because Syd and I had successfully shifted our time to "Egyptian time" we met our taxi driver at 2 am with no problem (and no sleep). We went to the airport where we were screened (along with everyone else) about five times (no kidding, maybe that's what flying out of the Middle East has to be). We both stayed up most of the flight, but we arrived in Amsterdam ready to go! We had a 12-hour layover this time, and we decided to take a train down to Brussle, Belguim. It is a great town! Very chic, clean, friendly, and French without the snobbery.
While there, I had the best (Belgian) waffle of my life (sorry to say, mom). It was pretty cold and a little rainy, but Syd and I did our best to still enjoy the city. We didn't even feel the effect of our sleepless night. Syd finally found a signature scent in this great "Cosmeticary". I also found one I liked but I didn't buy it (...yet). We even went to see this fountain you may recognize. I'd rather not dexcribe it, so I'll let the picture do the talking (when I put it up). There were a million (Belgian) chocolate places, but we found "the best" one, Pierre Marcolini Chocolatier. We sampled a few very inventive chocolates (mango-caramel, balsamic vinagrette, violet, earl grey).
We both were really glad we went to Brussel and think it is a great town. When we got back to the airport to leave for Bangkok, Sydnee started feeling really sick. I won't go into details, but she had food poisoning, even though we ate the exact same thing all day, except she drank some tap water in Brussels that she was warned not to drink (we both thought that was rediculous that we couldn't drink tap water in Western Europe after having drank the water in Cairo)- the waiter told her it would make her sick and sure enough it actually did. We both thought he was just trying to make us buy bottled water, I just happened not to drink any because I had gotten a latte.
She had a miserable flight to Bangkok, but because the flight wasn't full they were able to give her a row to herself (and that meant they HAD to move me to another row all to myself- I'm not complaining!)

August 28

2006-08-28T03:37:00.000-07:00

Syd and I woke up "early" (8:30am) to eat breakfast downstairs, but their were no beans, so we had plain eggs. Then we went back to sleep until noon. Then we took advantage of having a free washing machine in our dorm building and the fact that our clothes dry faster hung in Cairo's dry heat than in our dryers at home.
After doing laundry, we went into town to have one last Cairene juice, use the internet, and an ATM. We then took a taxi back to the Khan market to try to see the Whirling Dervish dancers ("Sufi" dancing), but they weren't on tonight, so we fought through the crowd to take another taxi to the Cairo Sheraton. We had a nice Lebanese "mezze" including a little Lebanese band and a bellydancer. This didn't get started until about 10 pm, so around midnight we made it back to our room to pack up and meet the taxi at 2 am to head to the airport.

August 27

2006-08-27T08:22:00.000-07:00

We tried to sleep as long as possible, but by 10 am we were up. We had breakfast and got ready, taking as long as possible (we are trying so hard to shift our "day" to night). Then we went to a HUGE Four Seasons Hotel to look down on the city from the roof. Everywhere we went (the pool, restaurants, spas) they thought we were guests of the hotel, so they kept giving us a tour of the facilities and telling us about them. We owned them. (just kidding) We also looked around in their uber-chic boutique in the hotel. Then we went downtown to use the internet and have a shwarma lunch. yum. We walked to go get some fresh juice before getting a taxi back to where we are staying. Around 9:30pm, Ahmed and two of his friends picked us up and we drove to Zamalek, the "going out" part of Cairo. We drove past, and headed to the "Sonic" of Cairo called "the Queen" where we had "fatta", an Egyptian rice dish. After much driving around and debate between going to ride horses at the pyramids or go see belly dancing, we nixed both and went home "early" (1 am).

August 26

2006-08-26T03:11:00.000-07:00

I slept past breakfast which we had planned to have with the seminary students to experience a real Egyptian breakfast- eggs and fu'ul (fava beans), so when I woke up we went downstairs and Syd got the cafeteria workers to cut up a mango (they are everywhere here) she bought yesterday and I had yogurt and honey in our room. We eventually got ready to go (both of us with head scarves) and we took a taxi downtown to use the internet a while (the computer lab is closed for the weekend where we are staying). As we were leaving the hole-in-the-wall internet place I got a call from a facebook friend- Ahmed. He went to AU and found out we would be in Cairo and he lives here now. He came and picked us up. We drove around Cairo, past their presidents huge mansion. Then we went to a juice stand for a wonderful glass of fresh juice (mixed- strawberry, whole banana, mango, and sugarcane)- only L.E.1 (20 cents). Then we went to pick up his friend "B" (short for a name we couldn't pronounce). Then the four of us went to "lunch" (it was about 3:30pm at this point- Egyptians do everything later, coming out at night to avoid the heat). I had shwarma again, but this time at a real restaurant, not just a stand. We were able to ask the guys a million questions about Cairo, Egypt, and the Middle East. I'm so interested in Arab countries now- there is so little I know about them.
From lunch, we drove to Coptic Cairo, the old Christian part. We saw the supposed site of where Mary and baby (toddler) Jesus walked when they were in Egypt. We also saw this "hanging" church (when you are inside you can look beneath the floor and it seems like it is suspended). We then drove all over Cairo which made seeing everything much easier, faster, and cooler. At dusk, we took an hour long cruise on a felucca boat on the Nile. The skyline from there is really incredible. Being on the water after the sun has gone down and there is a nice breeze was wonderful. Leaving the Nile, we had to cross the street in crazy Cairo traffic and at night- I thought I might die, but I stuck close to the locals and made it alright.
We then drove to the famous Khan al-Khalili bazaar- a sprawling maze of vendors selling their goods in Islamic Cario. It is also beside several mosques- one the oldest in Egypt. We were able to go in and see the tomb of Hussien, Mohammad's grandson (Mohammad as in founder of Islam). Anyone can appreciate the historical significance of such a figure.
Then we walked through the chaos that is "the Khan." The merchants are some of the greatest smooth talkers ever- they have to be- almost anything can be bought in the Khan and if one merchant doesn't have what you are looking for, he'll happily find someone who does (for a little baksheesh-tip- of course). We ended the night at Fishawi's Coffeehouse. It was packed and it claims to have been open continuously (day and night) for 200 years. Our entertainment came from roaming salesmen/women/children hawking wallets, sheesha-style cigarette holders, and packet after packet after packet of tissues. Syd and I tried an Egyptian drink called "Sahlab." We never could get a translation on all its ingredients. It was hot, milky, sweet, with nuts, raisin, coconut, cinnamon, and sahlab (whatever that is- don't worry, it's not alcohol, Muslims "don't drink alcohol") After that, Ahmed and B took us home.

Quotes of the day:
"Only Cairo would put their shoes behind glass and their bread out on the street." -Ahmed in reference to the stores showcasing shoes in the windows and bread out for flies to get to.

"I don't know what you're looking for, but I have what you need." -Khan merchant

August 25

2006-08-25T02:07:00.000-07:00

After waking, Syd and I ventured downstairs to find our breakfast. After some confusion in Arabic-English translation, we figured out we would be having loads of honey and yogurt.
After getting ready to go we used the internet while it was open. We tried to ask the guard at the gate to the seminary to call a taxi for us, but eventually we realized we needed only to walk to the street and hail any taxi that passed by. The $2 taxi took us to a central location in downtown and we walked to Cafe Riche, a restaurant recommended by Lonely Planet. We droved in around 1 pm while the men in the city left their work place and headed for carpets outside to pray. Apparently that only happens on Friday, other times you can hear the prayers from speakers piped out, but no one really seems to pay attention.
From there we walked to the Egyptian Museum. Our 3 blocks walk was our first experience out alone on Cairene streets. I was wearing my head wrap, but Sydney wasn't and sure enough a persistent Egyptian guy kept trying to talk to her. I couldn't help giggling which didn't help the situation or Sydney's annoyance. The Egyptian Museum was huge and unorganized- just like Cairo- but it houses hundreds, maybe thousands, of incredible artifacts.
From there we walked next door to the Nile Hilton to cool down (the museum isn't airconditioned and it is sweltering hot here). The heat made it hard for us to walk around, so we took another $2 taxi to another street downtown where we were able to walk around and see thousands of cheap displayed goods. We stopped along the way and had tea at an outdoor cafe where all the men stared at us because typically only men sit there and smoke the sheesha (water pipe)- but it is okay for western women. We went to some fruit stands and juice bars, but when it turned to dusk Syd had had it with all the stares and "welcome to Cairo" from the men, so we took a taxi back to the campus. I honestly didn't mind the attention (but that probably doesn't speak highly of me), although I agree the crowds were thick and the heat only makes that worse. I really enjoyed walking down the street, soaking up the atmosphere- I've never been somewhere that I stand out so much (you can't really hide blue eyes and pale skin- well, I guess I could have, but I didn't go to that extreme). Although some of the Egyptian men and boys were too pushy, I thought many were just genuinely friendly, when they would tell us "welcome to Cairo"and move on (you just don't know if smiling and saying "thank you" will encourage them negatively). I didn't feel at all unsafe, just that we totally stand out.

August 24

2006-08-24T01:48:00.000-07:00

My watch alarm woke us up at 8 am. We ate breakfast in the room and hurried to get ready to meet our tour guide, Eman, on time at 9 am.
Eman and the van picked us up from where we are staying. She was a very friendly and knowledgable. She told us all about Egyptian history as we rode along through sprawling Cairo to “Memphis” – the ancient capital of Egypt.
At our first stop of the day we saw a huge statue of Ramses II and other old Egyptian artifacts. This was my first experience with the Egyptian custom of “baksheesh” or tipping. I had to use the restroom, which I was told was free, but on my way out a lady “working” there insisted that I give her some money. The smallest bill I had was 10 Egyptian Pounds (L.E.), so I think I was slightly ripped off, but now I know to try to keep smaller change on me.
Our next stop was to see the Step Pyramid at Saqqara. It is a smaller pyramid and I believe the oldest tomb built. We were able to walk down into the burial area, which was thankfully not too narrow, although we did have to bend at the waist to get there. Eman was great, she would give us some information and then tell us we had 10-15 minutes to see things for ourselves, “don’t talk to anyone,” and then meet her back when we were through.
Next we went to see an Egyptian Carpet factory. We were able to watch them hand weave these beautiful carpets and rugs. Children as young as 9 or 10 were working there and when I asked Eman about this, she said they are the lucky ones that are talented enough not to have to work out in the fields. At the carpet gallery a nice Egyptian man tried to see us his carpets, but he wasn’t too pushy- “no pressure”. We did learn how to distinguish between handmade and machine-made carpets, a skill I hope to test next time I’m at someone’s home (just kidding). Honestly though, the silk, hand made carpets were incredible!
From there we went to a Papyrus Factory/Store. We saw how papyrus is made (from lotus plants) and some paintings done on them. Eman told us there would be a special discount for us if we wanted one, but we politely declined. She then took us upstairs to a jewelry store where a man started to show us how he could engrave our names on a cartouche in hieroglyphics (no thanks again).
For lunch we went to an Egyptian fast food place and had some yummy falafel. We ate our “Egyptian hamburger” on the way to the pyramids in Giza (pronounce the “g” like a “j”). The Pyramids- our reason for visiting Cairo- they were incredible and huge, but not too different from what I expected. We rode a camel and got tons of pictures. We also went to see the Sphinx, which is just down the street from the pyramids. There were people around, but it wasn’t just overflowing with tourists. There was probably an equal ratio of Egyptian peddlers and foreigners.
On our way back to the seminary we stopped at an Egyptian cotton store. When we got home I read through the part of Exodus involving Egypt, Pharaoh, and Moses. Relating the plagues to places we have now seen with our own eyes was really neat and made it “come to life” for me.
Some side notes about Cairo so far:
*the driving is just as crazy and chaotic as we had heard
*the Nile is prettier than I expected
*this city is unlike anything I’ve ever seen in my life: palm trees, desert, dusty, hazy skies, tan and brick buildings, half with unfinished roofs, donkeys carrying carts, people, and crops, right along with the cars, mosques, all the Arabic

August 23

2006-08-23T01:55:00.000-07:00

We successfully made it through customs by 2:30 am, got our luggage and we were met by Brice, a guy my grandmother hooked us up with, who works at the Evangelical theological School in Cairo, where we are staying in an empty dorm room. We slept in and then met up with Brice to get a tour of the campus. He showed us the cafeteria, laundry, internet, etc. We also made plans for a tour guide to take us to the Pyramids tomorrow. Syd and I napped and did laundry pretty much all day to get caught up. We ate in the cafeteria for lunch and dinner with some friendly Egyptian guys. The lunch was great and the dinner wasn’t our favorite.

August 22

2006-08-22T01:54:00.000-07:00

List of complaints for my flight from Cape Town to Amsterdam:
The sound on my personal TV didn’t work, so I could only watch (but not hear) the movies.
There was an Asian man with no sense of personal space to one side of me.
Across the aisle from me was a lady who snored all night (and never used her TV).
I was cold all night.

But most importantly, I arrived safely.
Syd and I went in to Amsterdam for me to see the city, since we had an 8-hour layover. It was a chilly, cloudy day. We hit the major cites- Anne Frank’s house, the canals, the museums (just kidding), a huge department store, the “coffee” shops, and the red light district (sad). I’m glad I got to see Amsterdam, but it would rank very low on my favorite cities list.
We returned to the airport in time to wait 2 hours to get on our flight to Cairo. That flight wasn’t full, so we could stretch out more and this time my TV worked. The flight was only four hours and thankfully uneventful.

August 21

2006-08-21T08:26:00.000-07:00

Syd and I actually woke up around the same time this morning and packed up our stuff and checked out of our hostel. Then we wondered around the many African market stalls. I actually got a scarf to wrap around my head (1. what is getting into me, why am I buying souvenirs I don’t really need, 2. mom should be glad I will cover my blonde hair up in Egypt).
We window shopped to pass the time to what we were really looking forward to- the best tea in the world! We had high tea at the Mount Nelson Hotel. The hotel is huge, beautiful, and best of all- pink. The tea was buffet style and very delicious. We enjoyed the food as well as the live piano music and tastefully decorated room. After tea we went back to our hostel to make arrangements for getting to the airport- we fly to Amsterdam tonight!

August 20

2006-08-20T08:25:00.000-07:00

We woke up to a rare Cape Town winter day- beautiful blue skies, few clouds, and temperatures in the lower 70’s- perfect! We walked from our hostel on Long Street all the way up to the bottom of Table Mountain (about 3 miles up hill). We chose to take the cable car up to the top (rather than hike up a steep incline for about 3 hours). We were pleased with our decision and walked around the top for a while, taking in all the spectacular views. We started to climb down for our decent on food, but after seeing how steep the going would be and seeing a “danger- difficult trail” sign, we decided again to take the cable car down, but we still walked from the cable car to our hostel (stopping to have a fabulous lunch/dinner of chicken curry). I showered and then we got a cab to take us to the University of Cape Town where we met up with Tim and Jade. They showed us around the beautiful, huge campus and then we went to a very contemporary church service. When you walk in the room they give you a drink voucher to be used after church in a bar downstairs (the church meets at a country club/sports complex). After redeeming our vouchers (on hot chocolate) after church, Tim and Jade dropped us off back at our hostel.

August 19

2006-08-19T08:20:00.000-07:00

I woke up early and waited for Sydnee to get up. Eventually she did and we went down the street for a “red cappuccino” (made with rooibos) and a scone. After that we walked to the Bo-Kaap district, the colorful Indian or Muslim area. Then we got picked up from our hostel by Cathy, our tour guide for the afternoon. We drove first to SPIER, a wine farm, and I did my first wine tasting. Also on this farm there is a cheetah reserve, so we saw some cheetahs.
From there, we went to see the town of Stellenbosch. Cathy was a very nice tour guide, with good information and flexible to our preferences. We saw the University of Stellenbosch and all its Dutch architecture. Nearby was another wine farm we stopped in to have a cellar tour. Then Cathy drove us back by a different route, allowing us to see False Bay and Cape Point. It was a beautiful drive as the sun set. Then Syd and I had what we call a “progressive dinner.” We have theses when we are in different moods about what or when we want to eat. Syd went first, back to the vegetarian restaurant (he fifth time). We then used the internet and then I had schwarma from a street vendor called Mohammad.

August 18

2006-08-18T10:53:00.000-07:00

Sydnee and I got up and walked to the Waterfront (it is safe to do so in daylight). We had breakfast there and then I went and got my hair highlighted. I was nervous about the quality of getting my hair done here, but it was very well done and I really like it! Sydnee just decided to wait on me instead of check out the surroundings, so after I finished we walked around the Waterfront a while. We stopped at the tour information office there to make arrangements for a tour tomorrow. We walked back before it started getting dark and had hot chocolate at a hotel on the way and then a curry dinner at a vegetarian restaurant across from our hostel. I made Sydnee some rooibos tea when we got in for the night that I had brought with me for her to try- she liked! Then she talked to Blake and I watched some TV with a bunch of random hostel people.

August 17

2006-08-17T10:21:00.000-07:00

Back to Cape Town!
I woke up this morning, anticipating my departure. After breakfast, Avryl, the lady from church who drove me to Durban on Tuesday, drove me to the airport. I caught my flight with no problems. Instead of flying over the coast, as we did last time, we flew over the Transkei and the Drakensberg Mountains (which are snow covered). I am glad I got to see them from the sky. I got picked up at the airport and taken to the hostel- right in the center of Cape Town on Long Street. I met up with Sydnee and we have talked non-stop trying to catch up on the last three weeks- not an easy task and we still haven't shared all our stories with each other. We walked around a while and had dinner, but all we were really interested in was catching up!
It is going to take some adjusting back to "travel mode", I had gotten settled into my "life" the past three weeks, making new friends, being the only American, etc.
I also found out that Blake is actually meeting us in Sydney, so Syd and I will only be travelling for four weeks and then I will be really and truly on my own when I arrive in Australia (not with her for the whole two months like I thought originally, or even for a few weeks to help me get settled). I'm just trying not to worry or think about that now and enjoy the present. I know I am so thankful for the way it worked out for me to have gone by myself the past three weeks, so I know God is in control of the situation, I'm just not sure what I need to do about it (other than pray, obviously)!

August 16

2006-08-16T23:37:00.000-07:00

My last day!!!!
Today was hectic! I got to work and discovered they had needed me to get there at 7:30 am (not 8 am), there was a mistake in communicating that to me. I was supposed to go into a school with them at 10 am and then get a ride from their to a church to meet up with the Crusade group. So then my plans were messed up and I had to find someone to take me to this church down the street which, according to the Crusade people, is right next to where we were meeting, however, it was actually not. So then I walked about 30 minutes down the road (it was a main road and not too unsafe and it was the middle of the day) with a 7 kg box (containing all my surveys, voice recorder, etc that I needed to mail home). I ditched the plan to meet up with the Crusade people because of the time and went to the post office instead to get rid of the now very heavy box. It was actually a good thing I did that because if I had gone with the Crusade group to a school, by the time we would have gotten back, the post office would have been closed (at 3 pm) and I would have missed being able to ship that box back (which wasn't an option). So, after the post office I went into this shopping center and called this girl whom I had made plans with to go to some touristy shops before I left. She came and picked me up and we went to this crocodile farm and some Zulu shops. Then Neill met up with us and we went to a coffee shop where we ran into all the Crusade people and I was able to explain my absence. Finally, I got a ride home and had a nice last dinner with the Hotchkiss' and tried not to be too sad for my last night! But I am going to Cape Town in the morning!

August 15

2006-08-14T23:25:00.000-07:00

Today this very nice lady from Honduras I met at Alpha picked me up and took me to a hospice in Durban. This Indian-run hospice goes into the local township to help HIV/AIDS patients. I went with them on their visit. It was probably the most eye-opening experience since I've been here- worse than in the Valley. The houses were smaller and more crowded and garbage was all over the place. We visited a lady with HIV whose sister just died of AIDS so she has to take care of her sister's and her own kids (5 total, under age 10ish). The kids were so cute of course and I enjoyed playing with then, but it was pretty sad to see their life. It was helpful to my research to get a different perspective from people who regularly work with AIDS patients.
Then I treated my "driver" to lunch and she dropped me off at home. I ran the hill 10x again, showered, and tried to get organized for leaving. Around 5, Neill came and picked me up and then James and we went to the Pavillion (mall and movie theatre) and met Charlene and two other people I haven't mentioned before that they are friends with. We watched Pirates of the Carribean II (finally). Then we decided to go over to Neill and Charlene's house (for tea). We ended up staying up talking until past midnight (Charlene went to bed early). I have to go into the office before 8 am, so I will be so tired, but, as my last time to hand out with everyone, it's worth it.

August 14

2006-08-14T05:27:00.000-07:00

Today was spent at a conference center with a Campus Crusade team from Boston. They are being trained how to teach an abstinence education program called “Better Choices” to schools in the Valley. I was able to learn all about their curriculum, which is very different from the other one I have been looking at. All in all it was a productive and good day. From their, Janet picked me up and we went to see the school where Tim went for 8th-12th grade, called Kearsney College. It is amazing! It is like a mini-university with stately buildings, multiple athletic facilities, a coffee shop, clothing store, and dorms. Maybe boarding schools in the Northeast are like that, but it had more in common with SMU than Auburn High! Then we went to church to set up for Alpha. James also had to help set up early, so I didn’t have to hang out with all adults the whole time :). Once again, I really enjoyed Alpha and my small group, and I wish I could stay!!! I didn’t want to have to say goodbye to my friends yet, so I made sure we had plans to hang out tomorrow night.

August 13

2006-08-13T05:25:00.000-07:00

Sarah, David and I went to church (Janet went early, but we didn’t have to). At church they recognized it was my last Sunday and told me they’ll miss me, etc. After it was over, James and I cooked up a plan to go to the Durban beach. So Sarah and I ran home to get our swim suits and then we all drove down to the beach. Durban beach is awesome! It is one of the best beaches I’ve ever seen- it has a great “boardwalk” with restaurants, public pools, kiddie rides, cable cars, piers, and clean sandy beaches.
We parked up at the north end, so we could walk down to the end and see everything before actually going on the beach. On our way I noticed a “trampoline park” (just about 10 trampolines in the ground) and Sarah and I went a jumped on them while Neill patiently waited on us. It was so fun- we got this cute little African boy to take turns jumping with us (because you have to pay 3 R to jump). After our fun jumping, we went to the beach and all the girls (Charlene, Sarah, me, and two other girls with us) ran into the water. Apparently the waves were lower than normal, but it was very nice surf. Just around the bend is Durban’s port, the largest in Africa? South Africa? And you can see boats lined up forever to go to the port.
When everyone had enough beach we drove to James’ house (which is huge and beautiful- pool, hot tub, skate ramp, tennis courts, gardens, boat garage, HUGE) for tea and cake. After that David and Janet picked Sarah and me up and we took the dogs for a walk around the sugar cane field. During our walk a ferocious dog attacked one of the Hotchkiss’ dogs. It was kind of scary, but ended up okay. Stupid dogs (just kidding)
I took a wonderful hot shower (I had gotten pretty cold with my wet hair and swimsuit when the sun started setting) and had dinner. In a few minutes we are going to watch Heartlines and then I’ll go to bed!

August 12

2006-08-12T05:12:00.000-07:00

Tala Game Reserve!
I woke up at 6 am and Sarah, Janet and I left about half an hour later for this really neat farmer's market. It is on a big field and sells fruits, vegetables, baked goods, and other things. We had pancakes (crepes) for breakfast there. I also got to try a "cooked sister", an Afrikaans sweet fried thing. I actually bought my first souvenir, as well, a Zimbabwean painting. It was only 70 R and I thought it will be cool in my house one day.
Soon we were off and headed to Tala Game Reserve about half an hour from here. It was so neat and so fun! We drove their 4 x 4 Condor over the rough trails and saw all kinds of animals- up close! We saw hippos lazily sunning themselves in a pond, rhinos munching on grass, skiddish antelope (of many varieties, which I don't remember their names), ugly wildebeest, beautiful zebras, graceful giraffes, funny-looking ostriches, and many more (except no elephants). As you may know, I don't really care for animals, particularly pets, but I was definitely able to appreciate these wild creatures in their natural habitat.
After we had seen all the animals there were to see (luckily without our car getting stuck in mud or rocks) we had a picnic in the park they have on the reserve. In the park there lives a 3-legged warthog.
After our picnic lunch we headed back home. Since I have gotten out of shape due to my more sedentary lifestyle the past few weeks, I went for a jog up this hill right by their house. I just ran up and down it ten times since I can't really venture too far away.
I showered and Janet and I had dinner (Sarah and David went to Sarah's school in Maritzberg because she had something going on). Then I went and hung out with James and Neill (Charlene was at a 21st birthday party). We watched Notting Hill and eventually they took me home. They are such nice guys! I always have fun hanging out with them.

August 11

2006-08-11T04:57:00.000-07:00

Today I worked on some stuff for my last three days next week, because it is my last full day in the Focus office. One "exciting" thing was that I put together a simple 1 page survey that Focus is going to translate into Zulu to us in the rural areas to try to measure the effectiveness of their program. All afternoon I waited for Sydnee to call, but I think she got busy.
I don't remember what I did after I got home, but eventually we all had dinner, including a traditional Afrikaans dessert "melktert" and then Sarah and I watched some TV.

August 10

2006-08-10T00:32:00.000-07:00

Today was similar to Monday and Tuesday, I went to work early, went to the school, interviewed and surveyed 7th graders, observed the No Apologies program, etc. When we got back to the office around 3pm we found out that the water had been off all day and the toilets were all smelly and they had to go buy jugs of water. Apparently there was some construction in the area and apparently that sort of thing just happens. Bev took me home and I hung out with Sarah (she is still home but feeling better). We ate dinner (Janet and David had gone to an all-Africa missions conference for the night) and watched the news (I was a little concerned about all that UK-US flight terrorism). I'm not home sick, but all afternoon I was just thinking about how I wanted to call home, so I interrupted mom's ADPi rush work and we got to talk for while. That was a nice treat for me! She also assured me she getting togther a nice bunch of stuff for Sydnee to bring me when she comes to meet me in Cape Town. Hopefully our flights won't be affected by the terrorists!

August 9

2006-08-09T13:04:00.000-07:00

Public Holiday- National Women's Day.
So after only five hours of sleep, I got up at 5:30 am to use the Hotchkiss' computer before 7 am (they only use their internet off-peak time because it is dial-up). I also got up that early because we were supposed to go to their mountain home in "the berg" at the Drakensberg mountains a few hours away, just for the day, for me to see it. However, it ended up being too rainy and Sarah came home from school sick yesterday with tonselitis. Although it would have been great to get to go to "the berg" it would have been about 5 hours in the car since we were just going for the day, so I was okay with our change in plans. I happily went back to sleep until noon.
After lunch I hung out with Sarah and we watched a little TV although nothing was on. I also read my book- it starts in 1919 when Mandela was born, and I am already to page 450 in his first years on Robben Island. Before long Neill called to say they were going to watch a movie on the big screen at their church. He came and picked me up (isn't that nice? I usually love to drive, but it is actually nice to be driven around) and we met up with James at the church. Charlene soon joined us and we watched "Finding Neverland."
I was dropped off early, because I have work early again tomorrow!

August 8

2006-08-08T12:50:00.000-07:00

Things don't always go according to plans.
I was dropped off at the office early, just like yesterday. The girl driving us to the school decided to take a different way, a back way, that runs along a gorge and is very windy and contains a steep hill before meeting up with the main road. On this steep hill the car begins smoking so bad it was pouring out the hood and in the car. I immediately got out of the car- I knew my mom would be furious if I blew up in a car in South Africa. The girl parked the car on the side of the road and we popped the hood to see what the problem was (like we know anything about cars). A very nice pedestrian stopped and let us use his cell phone to call for another ride and the Toyota Dealership. The driver had burned the clutch (or something like that), people keep trying to tell me the advantages of manual cars here, but I'm not convinced. We ended up being an hour and a half late to the school, but they were very understanding and I was glad it wasn't my fault! It worked out fine for me, because I had planned to do my surveys at the end of the day anyways. We both adjusted to the situation and things worked out just fine.
When I got home, Janet told me there was a message for me that the Manley's (Charlene and Neill) were going to have a Braai (a barbeque in Afrikaan) instead of going to see Pirates of the Caribbean 2 like we had planned. Being the silly person I am, I was sort of pouting inside because I was really looking forward to the movie. When Neill picked me up, though, he assured me that we were going to do both and I chided myself for my bad attitude. It was the four of us again for the braai and we had a great time- I wouldn't call it a barbeque, just grilling out, really. Then we found out that the movie was sold out (it was half-priced Tuesday and South Africans are very frugal). By this point, I was totally okay with not seeing the movie and we opted to just hang out instead. Soon it was getting late and James was nice enough to take me home this time.

August 7

2006-08-07T12:39:00.000-07:00

Early morning, long day.
I had to meet up at the office at 7:15 am to go with a team to Westville Senior Primary School, where they are doing an HIV/AIDS Life Skills (aka Abstinence) Program. I surveyed about 60 students, talked to teachers, and observed the workshop. It was a busy and productive day. From the school we took 2 team members to the airport and then I went back to the office for an hour to get some copies made for tomorrow. After Bev dropped me off at home, I rode with Janet to church for Alpha. I helped with the set up, until finally my new friends got there and I hung out with them. We had a sit-down dinner and then went upstairs to watch the first session, "Who is Jesus?" on DVD. Then we broke into our assigned groups to discuss things. I wish I could go through the whole 15 weeks with my group. It is a diverse bunch of people- married couples, young adults, old and new Believers, and those just searching for answers.

August 6

2006-08-06T21:39:00.000-07:00

Charlene and I made french toast for breakfast and woke the boys up. Soon we got ready and went down to the beach again. It was less windy and a little warmer, but the water was more churned up. Only the boys went out to surf. After laying out a while I went for a walk down the beach. In one direction there is a sugar cane mill. When the wind blows it smells so good, like Molasses. I walked in the opposite direction towards all the beach cottages. The whole walk I kept thinking- "I can't believe I am in South Africa, with my feet in the Indian Ocean- this is amazing!" I feel so blessed to be having this experience and to see all of God's incredible creation.
Before long it was time to go and we went back to the house. I made the boys peanut butter and jelly- a true American food (they told me it was good, but they are used to having peanut butter and syrup sandwiches). We had to pack up and lock up the whole place the way we found it. Can you imagine that? If anything my time in South Africa has made me more patriotic, more thankful for my home in America. South Africa is a beautiful, wild country, but we have so much to be thankful for!
All weekend the boys teased me about being from America. They say Americans are always trying (or are) to do everything "bigger and better." Its great to be from America- whether people love or hate us- they know us and have to admire us. Most people know more about America than we know about their country (although I am changing that here as I read Nelson Mandela's autobiography, "Long Walk to Freedom" - it is a really interesting history if you are interested). As Syd and I say- it's good to be on top!

August 5

2006-08-05T21:29:00.000-07:00

We didn't sleep too late and after breakfast (and tea) we got our bathing costumes (swim suits) on and went down to the beach. It was really windy and Charlene had brought a kite she had made in art class. This wasn't the dinky diamond shaped kite I was thinking it would be. Oh no, this was a parachute type kite with two handles at the end. It takes some practice to fly it and the wind is so strong you can jump up and it will carry you a ways. It was so fun flying it. We played with that for a while and then got into the water. It was pretty cold, but not unbearable. The Indian Ocean is warm enough year round to be able to swim in it even in "winter." The water is pretty blue, but rough so it churns up the sand, so not completely clear. The beach has a good amount of sand but there are rocky patches. Also the area is very undeveloped so after the sand there is all this green growth- plants, trees, it is very natural looking. We were in a sort of cove, surrounded by rocks on two sides. We all took a turn on the long surf board, but with the wind it was pretty rough so we didn't last long. We layed out and dried off and then headed back to the house. Charlene's friend who has a beach house near by came over and we all sat around and had tea. After she left we started cooking dinner. James had brough a big fish he had caught from a spear fishing trip in Mozambique. I was a little skeptical of eating this big fish, but once we cut it up, battered, and fried it, the fish fillets were quite good!
After dinner we all went up on the roof (which is flat) and watched the stars. We were all starting to fall asleep eventually so Charlene, James, and I snuck down to leave Neal alone on the roof. We thought it would be so funny for him to wake up in the morning and be by himself on the roof. He has a great sense of humor, and apparently realized he was the only one up there half way through the night.

August 4

2006-08-04T21:21:00.000-07:00

After "work" I rushed home to pack my bags before Charlene fetched me. We drove to Neill and James' (James is their friend from church, he is 24, and working on his honors in building science by helping build their new church building) "rec" soccer game. They have neighborhood/community "club" teams, kind of like at home. Charlene and I sat on the bleachers and watched the game (unfortunately, their team took a beating, but the guys had a great attitude about it). When they finished playing we all piled in the car and drove to Charlene and Neill's family's beach house at Bazley Beach. It is about an hour south of Durban. When we got to the house (which was locked on the ouside with a gate and padlock) we went inside and everything in the house (mattresses, pillows, shelves, chairs, etc) was locked behind a garage style door (that is in the house) so that the people from a nearby township won't break in and steal. It is hard to describe all the measures they have to take to lock away everything in the house so their won't be a theft. We had to unload the furniture and kitchen stuff and set up the house. Finally it was all set up and we just hung out and talked (often the conversation veers towards comparing America and South Africa). I'm excited to spend the weekend with my new friends!

August 3

2006-08-03T00:29:00.000-07:00

Guess what I saw on my way to "work" this morning: Monkeys! Apparently, they are the deer or possums of this area. I saw about 6 gray, furry, 2 ft high, black-faced, real monkeys tramping about someone's front yard.
"Work" was slow to begin with, although I enjoyed talking at lunch with this young guy who works here and has traveled through the east coast of the US by train (I didn't know people used trains in America). He's even been to Birmingham. Then I talked via a poor international cell phone connection to my professor and he put me to work preparing some stuff for going into schools this next week. Oh and I had about 5 cups of hot Rooibos tea (yum!)
When I got home, I went on a super short walk with David, Janet, and the dogs- so I guess you can go walk outside, but you have to have dogs and other people with you.
We had dinner by the fire, which was very nice and then I read by the fire for a while.
There is this 38-year-old guy who is renting the Hotchkiss' back house, but I never really see him because he is usually out. Tonight however, he came in the house to get Janet to cut his hair. He is a VERY talkative fellow. He told me the Bible story of lowering the cripple through the roof from FOUR different perspectives (the house owner's wife, Jesus, the cripple, and one other- I think I may have zoned out). He also added details about roofs because he does roof thatching work.

August 2

2006-08-02T02:56:00.000-07:00

Going to "work" was pretty uneventful. I talked with my professor in Dallas (through email, we are going to talk on the phone tomorrow) and some people here about the limitations I have with my study, due to time, contacts, safety (I wonder the extent of this issue), etc. I was able to talk to a few teachers about the abstinence program.
Have I mentioned yet about the sweet tea? Janet is so great, because she knew sweet tea is big where I am from, she made some (even though not many people like it here) because she knew I would like it. She is a great example of a servant, always doing things for others.
On the way home, Bev took me by this big country club and housing development called Camelot. There is a chapel there for weddings in the shape of a castle. If I were to live in this town, that is where I would want to live! It is a huge gated community, but there aren't individual gates for each house (unlike houses here on normal streets). So it is more like an American neighbourhood, where you have plenty of room to walk out of your front door and go on a couple miles walk or run without worrying about being attacked or run over by a com-vee (taxi van).
When I got home I jumped rope for about 30 minutes because I was desperate for exercise.
After dinner, Janet and I watched the South African news. This is one of the coldest, wettest, snowiest winters South Africa has had in years. Luckily, that isn't affecting us because we are so close to the coast and we get warm winds off the Indian Ocean (or something like that), so it is always perfect weather here (good thing since my warmest clothes wouldn’t help me if it was snowing). After watching the news, Janet showed me some picture albums of her families' trip to Egypt and India (their oldest, Paul, married an Indian girl). It made me excited to go to Egypt and I'm not sure what I think about whether or not I would want to go to India. Also, Neal called and we made plans for the weekend- so it looks like I'll be going down the coast- which I'm pretty excited about.
I am staying in Johanna’s (their oldest daughter, 24) old room, and I found Nelson Mandela’s autobiography, Long Walk to Freedom, in her bookshelf. I started reading it a few days ago- it is really good, I recommend it!

August 1

2006-08-01T00:43:00.000-07:00

Is it really August?
Today was a very good day. I went to work with Bev again and on the way she had to go to the petrol station because gas prices go up at midnight. Every gas station is full service, no one fills up their car. Bev says it gives unemployed blacks a job. About an hour into work I was driven to Hillcrest High School and I interviewed and surveyed about 10 students age 16 and 17. I thought it went really well, but I need to do more and I am at the mercy of other people setting up times for me. I then got picked up and taken back to the Focus office. There, Janet fetched me and we took food down to the valley (I think it is called Valley of 1000 Hills, or something like that). It is where all the rural, poor blacks live. It was just the way you see on TV or picture it (maybe not too the worst extent, but very similar). Poor orphan children running around, people milling about, rondavals (round, thatch roof houses, possibly misspelled). One “house” where we took some food had 6 children under the age of 10 watching over each other. They were happy to get the food and loved posing for my picture. Then we went and had tea at another lady’s “house” where Janet has sewing classes at every Thursday. Once home I made fruit salad while Eunice, the housekeeper, cooked dinner. Then David, Janet, and I had dinner and my fruit salad for dessert (they call post dinner sweets “pudding”). Today was just great, I am becoming so “at home” here in South Africa. Everyone I am meeting is so nice and it is a neat place to be living for a while. One of my favorite things about the house where I am staying is Eunice! If I give her my dirty clothes in the morning, they are clean on my bed when I get home, she makes my bed every day, sets out everything for meals, and then clears the table- no one has to lift a finger to do any house work! I am becoming so spoiled with that, I can't stop talking about it!

July 31

2006-07-31T00:43:00.000-07:00

Great day! Glad to be here! Glad to be a lone American!
Work was great today; we decided that it would be better for me to do a lot of surveys instead of interviews because of time and logistical constraints. I am so glad! I just happened to bring along a survey I had done for an early rough draft of my proposal, so I made 180 copies and stabled the packets together. I also spent several hours reading this great book about the AIDS problem in South Africa. I was just busy enough all day. When I got home no one was there, but I found on my bed the laundry I had given Eunice this morning! She also makes my bed everyday. I’m getting even more spoiled having daily maid service. Soon David came and picked me up (fetched me) and took me up to their church for “Alpha” (have you ever heard of it?). It is an introductory to Christianity class that church members invite their friends to. It was started in the UK by an Anglican pastor and apparently it has spread rapidly around the world. Tonight’s meeting was just a sign up meeting with no pressure to continue attending. There was a finger supper provided. Get this, though: I about died and I wanted to take pictures: they had WINE (real alcohol wine) AT A CHURCH FUNCTION! I told them how shocked I was (as a good southern Baptist girl) and they said they wanted to meet the people coming “where they are at.” Good thinking. Also at the meeting were Neal, his sister, and two guys my age they are friends with. I hung out with them all night and it was sooooo great to hang out with people my age in such a nice environment. I think we are all going up the coast this weekend. I had talked about going with Janet and Sarah to a private all boys high school rugby match rivalry on Saturday so it would ruin those plans. I am not sure what to do, part of me thinks Janet would be glad not to have to “baby-sit” me for a weekend, and part of me thinks I should stick to my first “commitment.” Suggestions?

July 30

2006-07-30T00:43:00.000-07:00

This morning I went to church with the Hotchkiss’ early because everyone was involved in some sort of set up (tea duty, sound system, choir- I opted for tea duty). After church I “fellowshipped” with a very nice girl and had tea. After that we picked up Janet’s mom from a nursing home and went back to their house to have lunch. After lunch we scattered about the house and I was able to use their dial-up Internet for a while. Later that afternoon we had tea and then went on a walk with the dogs through a sugar cane field- such beautiful valleys and hills here. Then we watched this “Heartline” series on TV that is so neat. It is an 8-week “campaign” promoting 8 values (forgiveness, love, grace, etc). Eight movies illustrate them (one a week) and then a discussion is held after words. They all target the AIDS problem and it is so amazing to see such Christian values be played out over public television (like on our NBC or ABC).
Due to the weather and the need to wear “work” clothes I have begun an inventive outfit rotation with two long sleeve tops, two short sleeve white shirts, two pants, and two skirts.
I am picking up so many new South African phrases: robot (traffic light), shame, costume (bathing suit), fetch (pick up in a car), boot (car trunk), and many more!

July 29

2006-07-29T00:43:00.000-07:00

I thought I would end up spending all day on the couch reading; however, I luckily did not. I had breakfast, then rode with Sarah and her dad to Sarah’s church choir practice, then home, where I sat on the couch outside (with a beautiful jungle, valley view) and read until Sarah came home. Then she invited me to come along shopping with her, her friend, Charlene (20), and Charlene’s brother Neal (22). Neal has dread locks and has hitchhiked through many states including Texas, Arkansas, Mississippi, and Tennessee. I enjoyed talking about all that with him. We went to a big mall with cheap stores and then to Meltz Factory Outlet (like a huge TJ Maxx, but cheaper and it had more of a warehouse feel). Everyone bought something but me, I don’t need anything and I don’t want to have to lug anything around for 3 more months. When we got home I helped Janet fix dinner (I tried at least). Then 2 black boys (16 & 17), from the valley (aka rural township), who go to their church joined us for dinner. I was able to interview them and I learned a lot of interesting things. Once again, I must learn to be more grateful for all God has blessed me with.
After dinner Sarah, the 2 guys, and I went to their church for youth group (aka play pool, fussball, and ping pong). It was just us, Neal, and another young guy. It is nice to be included and I was so glad Neal was there so I wasn’t the oldest by 4 years.

July 28

2006-07-28T00:43:00.000-07:00

I am so thankful for the safety and freedom we have in America! We can drive safely; walk (many) streets at night safely. Be thankful!
The weather is PERFECT here- cool at night and in the morning and beautifully sunny in the 70’s during the day.
I woke up a million times last night, had "cream of wheat" (made by their live-in maid/housekeeper, Eunice) with Muesli (that's the way you do it here) for breakfast , and was driven to Focus on the Family (Focus on iThemba) at 8am. I met up with Shanno (a woman) who is in charge of interns (I guess that is the closest category I fit into) and we went to a prayer meeting, then at 9:30 am I met with the Curriculum Manager of the No Apologies abstinent program and we discussed what I will be doing for the next 3 weeks. Everyone is VERY nice, helpful, and accommodating. Transportation is a bit tricky because I have to be driven everywhere (I can’t drive stick-shift and no one has automatics) and public transportation is not an option. I don’t think they were expecting a naïve-looking blonde girl! I was able to look through the abstinence curriculum today and to also speak with some of the educators. All that did not take very long though. I also got 3 tours of this place- Focus is in an old Bible College and it has a lot of land with several houses (where they hope to house foster kids and parents), old class and dorm rooms, a radio station, and then the main offices. I am so glad to be seated at an office desk with Internet. I feel like I did my first day at Dallas Fan Fares where I sat and stared at a computer screen in between figuring out something to do with myself.
They drink tea all the time and it is quite lovely. Also, the “compound” backs up to a gorgeous valley where all the poor shacks are. “Bev” from the bookstore took me home and we stopped at clicks (South African Walgreen’s) for her to pick up a few things and then I was dropped up. Bev reminded me of all the safety issues I have been hearing about. She is concerned when she has to stop to make turns because she is weary of car jacking. Everyone reading this- thank God that you live in America (if you do, I don’t think I have any international readers… yet). I can’t imagine living without the safety (which equals personal liberties) we have at home. I am hoping I don’t go stir crazy in 3 weeks not being able to walk or run anywhere outside the home or office.
When I got in only Jade was home so we chatted over tea (of course) and waited for Sarah (17, junior in high school, who goes to boarding school, M-F) and her dad to get home from the city where her school is and Tim to come back from tutoring a kid whose teacher comes to school drunk. We had Pizza for dinner and ice cream with Milo on top. Milo is like Ovalteen or Nesquick- interesting. The children are very talented- Tim is an amazing artist and Sarah is very musical, perhaps I would have been more talented if I stayed inside my house and if we didn’t have cable.
I was told tonight that “so fun” is not proper- its “such fun” which is a bit of a problem because I am all the time saying “so- whatever.”
I wasted some precious minutes on my expensive international phone to check my voice mail on my cell at home and it was SO great to hear 3 messages from friends (thanks Emily and Katie!) It made me feel loved and missed and it was just great! It is Friday night and Sarah is practicing on the piano, Tim and Jade are packing to leave for UCT, David (the dad) is on the computer, Janet (the mom) is in Durban on an overnight mission, and I have retreated to my room (thank goodness I have my own room to retreat to). I am sorry if I am making this experience sound negative. It is not at all, it is just stretching me out of my comfort zone, but its not too far stretching (it is only my first real day), it’s pretty easy all things considered. And I am so glad to have this opportunity and experience

July 27

2006-07-27T02:48:00.000-07:00

Durban- Hillcrest- the Hotchkiss'
I had another huge breakfast (I have got to lay off the carbs), although the hotel staff is plentiful and overattentive. After checking out I ran into the waterfront to use cheaper internet than what is at the hotel, from there I got picked up by an airport shuttle. The man who drove me was very nice and I hope to hire him to drive Sydnee and I around for a day to see the remoter areas of the Cape. He also made an interesting statement that he would be worried about the blacks in hostels, in America he would be considered black, but here he is considered coloured, which are appropriate terms to use for people from the aparthied times.
The flight to Durban (via Port Elizabeth) was through an airline called Kulula Air. They were very entertaining- comedy in their pre-flight instructions. When I arrived at the airport Mrs. Hotchkiss greeted me with a huge hug and then Mr. Hotchkiss arrived from Jo'burg (well timed arrivals). We then drove roughly 30 minutes to their home in a growing town called Hillcrest. It was dark coming in so I didn't see much. Her son Tim and his girlfriend Jade (20) are home on holiday from Varsity (college). They attend the University of Cape Town (convenient). The family is so nice and I really enjoyed talking with Tim and Jade. Mrs. Hotchkiss made sweet tea, which was such a treat for me! Tim drank some and said- what is this? and I told them it is a delicacy where I am from. Their house is very nice and spacious. I have my own room. Once again, I can't believe I am here, spending the next three weeks in this home on the other side of the world from my home. The family is very nice about wanting me to feel at home.

July 26

2006-07-26T02:21:00.000-07:00

Cape Town
1. It is winter in Cape Town- literally- picture December. (and on Monday I was experiencing one of the hottest summers central Europe has had in years)
2. They drive on the other side of the road (I won't say wrong side, since it is right to them and the British).
3. Cape Town is VERY racially and economically diverse- every color of people and homeless sleeping on cardboard only miles multi-million-Rand beachside villas.
4. They have 11 national languages- really- and English isn't everyone's primary language, in Cape Town, Afrikaan is another predominate language, in Durban, Zulu ( I think), the languages with clicking in it, is spoken by the rural population.

All day I kept thinking: "How am I here? How did I end up all by myself in South Africa?"

After nearly missing breakfast from sleeping too late, I ran downstairs to an abundance of food. Around noon, I was ready to start my day, I went to the front desk to ask for a map of the city. They asked me where I wanted to go? -I want to see the city. Then I was recommended to do a hop-on-hop-off bus tour of the city. I ran upstairs to grab my fleece jacket and put on my tennis shoes (warmer than flip flops) and went to the bus stop just in time. I boarded the double Decker bus, sat up top for optimal view, and took in the 3 hour tour of the city center, gardens, Table Mountain, Camps Bay and other deserted beaches (its winter), and finally back to the Waterfront where we started.
From my bus tour I went to an information office to arrange my airport shuttle for tomorrow (I'm going to Durban to do my Richter Fellowship study on the effectiveness of abstinence education in preventing the spread of AIDS- more about that below). Then I decided I was hungry, so I sat down at a Pancake House and decided against ostrich meat and a sausage of unknown origin and went with the chicken option. It was chicken and mushroom wrapped in a pancake- interesting. To help me warm up, I also had South African Rooibos tea- it is very good- I definitely recommend it- I know it can be found stateside. I had planned to walk to the city center from the waterfront (against the hotel travel desks instructions), but I got intimidated by the bustle of the city and decided to stick to the touristy waterfront. Just when I was starting to think there wasn't much to the waterfront I discovered a huge mall, which I happily wondered in for hours. It had multiple grocery stores, a movie theatre (no I did NOT see another movie), a market area, food court, hair salon, drug store, and generally lots to look at. As I've said, it's winter here, so it gets dark early, which made me not so adventurous and I turned in early.
*I can't wait for Sydnee to come back so I can properly enjoy this city. I think I over-estimated my independence.
Also, if you want to come to Cape Town- summer is probably better than winter because there are so many beaches to be enjoyed, but if you do come in summer then you don't get to see the whales from Antarctica (and maybe not the seals or penguins- not sure if they are seasonal animals). 2010 will be a crazy time, as Cape Town will host the World Cup- plan accordingly :).
*For the next three weeks I will be in Durban, living with a family, and trying to do some research, so I am not sure if I will be able to keep up the daily blogging, so don't get worried if you don't hear anything for several days!

July 25

2006-07-25T02:47:00.000-07:00

After a restless night in the Prague Airport, I was the first to check in (5 am, I was already up) and I went to the gate to “lie down” and take a little nap before the flight left. My first leg was from Prague to Amsterdam, it was a quick hour long flight, with a disappointing breakfast- a ham sandwich (weird, and no coffee). The flight was a little delayed so I speed walked through the huge Amsterdam Airport (which I am very excited to spend more time at in my layovers to come) to get to my gate to leave for Cape Town. I was right on time for the boarding call. The flight was packed and the plane was huge. It left at 10 am and arrived in Cape Town 11 hours later. We flew over the entire continent of Africa- it was amazing. I had questioned KLM’s judgment on having an 11 hour flight during the day, but now I am so glad it was that way. From the Mediterranean above Africa to the southern part of Africa there was nothing but sand. Miles and miles of endless desert sand and every time I would look out the window there would be nothing, no sign of life. Another AWESOME part about the flight was that everyone had individual TVs with numerous movies, TV shows, games, flight tracker, music, and more. I watched several movies, played tetris, and thoroughly enjoyed my flying experience (even with a smelly Dutch teenage boy next to me).

July 24

2006-07-24T02:45:00.000-07:00

Trial run on being alone.
Sydnee’s flight left early this morning, so after seeing her off (and being sad to see her go), I went back to sleep until the lady that owns the apartment woke me up and told me it was time to check out. I left my bag with her and headed out to walk parts of Prague we hadn’t seen yet, but after about an hour of navigating with my map I became content to wander down familiar streets without constantly trying to get my bearings. Sydnee and I have a joke about becoming an heir to the “Doner Kabob throne” and I think I made real headway when ordering my falafel gyro: the guy working behind the counter asked me if we were in Prague or Paradise because I must be an angel. I chuckled at his line and he repeated his question; I thanked him for my falafel and moved on.

July 23

2006-07-23T02:43:00.000-07:00

Bohemian bagel again for breakfast, International Church of Prague, movie popcorn for dinner, sitting in the square, watching tourists. As Sydnee’s last real day in Prague (and Europe), it was fairly uneventful and bittersweet.

July 22

2006-07-22T06:07:00.000-07:00

Slept in, went to Bohemian Bagle for breakfast/lunch/American-fix (bagels and bottomless coffee). Here we ran into two guys we had befriended in Dubrovnik. We couldn't believe the coincidence, so we all ate together and caught up on the past two weeks. After bagels we went back by way of a famous clock in Prague that has special hourly chimes and saw the 12 disciples rotate through at 1pm. Near our room we found a place to do laundry- I love clean clothes! I also love showers and I was much in need of one after doing laundry. After showers, Syd and I walked from our room ALL the way to Mrs. Bonnie's hotel (we are on opposite sides of town and we usually metro there). We then had a very nice, very long dinner up on a hill by the castle with an excellent view of the whole city. While enjoying dinner we watched the city light up in chronological order (like Paris does).
Mrs. Bonnie leaves for a bike tour tomorrow, so we said goodbye after dinner and then Syd and I walked and metroed home.

July 21

2006-07-21T05:22:00.000-07:00

Syd and I got to meet Mrs. Bonnie for breakfast again at her hotel and it was great!!! Then she went on to a manicure and Jewish Quarter Tour and we went back to our room (which feels like it has AC- wonderful!) and tried to decide what we wanted to do. We made appointments at a local gym for a $20 hour long massage and after enjoying our third massage of the week we went to another Lonely Planet Guidebook suggested Indian restaurant for lunch/dinner. It was in a less touristy, although pedestrian area and we walked around there for a while after eating. Then we walked up this "Paris" street where all the high designer fashions are and into the InterContinental Hotel (another 5star, but not that neat). After walking a while we met Mrs. Bonnie at the end of Charles bridge and joined her for dinner at a quaint Czech restaurant with loud, live Czech music.

July 20

2006-07-20T00:44:00.000-07:00

After sleeping forever I got up and got ready and Sydnee and I walked to this coffee/internet cafe I had read about in the guidebook called Kava.Kava.Kava. (Sounds fun, right?) It was nice, then we attempted to walk around and see some sights, but guess what- it was record high temperatures- the hottest day in 145 years (seriously, that is what the news said)- and Sydnee and I realized that we weren't able to enjoy any of the buildings if it was too hot to cross the street to the unshaded side to be able to see them better, so we just went to the Four Seasons early (only about 45 minutes early) to meet Mrs. Bonnie for afternoon tea (it was about 3pm by this point). Tea was delightful! After that we all walked to a main pedestrian square where we went into a Moser crystal store and Sydnee bought a surprise for Blake (don't tell him if you talk to him!) We walked around a bit more and then caught a metro to a big IMAX/Cinema/Mall area, we checked that out, went to Charles Bridge, a big, crowded pedestrian bridge with a great view of the city, walked Mrs. Bonnie to her hotel, and then Syd and I went back to ours.

July 19

2006-07-19T00:44:00.000-07:00

Last stop in Europe.
We slept alright on our overnight train, it was very cool (temperature). From the train station we went to Mrs. Bonnie's hotel (she is my old roommate, Margi's mom and she is travelling through Europe). We joined her for a wonderful breakfast and for a tour of the old town- castle, cathedral, etc. Our overnight train caught up to us around noon and we went back to the hotel- I showered, Syd napped. While Syd was waking from her nap and showering I tried to figure out where we would stay. We called a guuy we had met at the train station that morning and he got us a wonderful apartment room for five nights- only 1,500 crowns ($13 a night per person). From there we went for lunch/dinner at a great vegetarian/chill/swanky/inexpensive restaurant. Mine was great. Then we walked the "La Rambla" (as I like to call it) of Prague. I never got a nap and I have not yet recovered!

July 18

2006-07-18T04:34:00.000-07:00

Jewish Quarters and the Pope is from Krakow.
Krakow used to house thousands of Jews until World War II, now less than 100 Jews live here. Kameriz, the Jewish Quarter, is a reminder of the Nazi horror, as buildings still remain empty. After walking through that area and seeing Schindler's Factory (from Schindler's List) we went to the Krakow Galleria, similar to Auburn's Colonial Mall, but with a movie theatre. We actually watched "She's the Man"- a stupid, silly movie. Then we went back to the hostel, checked out, and went to ANOTHER movie, Tsotsi, an academy award winning South African movie. Apparently, whatever language is spoken in South Africa is not understandable to the American English speaker and Polish subtitles did not help! Hopefully the movie will nave no similarities to my experience in South Africa. Dinner was a huge, thick piece of pizza, and then we went to the train station. Right now we are in a sleeping compartment by ourselves. Pray it will stay that way the whole way to Prague.

July 17

2006-07-17T08:32:00.000-07:00

Our overnight train wasn't so bad, especially after the young German student left at 11pm and we had the coachette to ourselves and were able to lay down. we arrived at the Krakow train station at 5:45 am, bought a ticket on to Prague for the next night, and walked to our hostel. we were so early we had to wait an our for breakfast, but Syd used the computer and I napped on the couch. After carb loading at breakfast, we walked to Wawel Castle and took a tour through, to the cathedral, tombs, and state rooms. The castle and grounds were very beautiful. After that we went back to our hostel and were able to get in our beds (they were occupied when we arrived). I showered and then napped. After a much needed rest and a sub-par doner kabab we walked around the city square. It is the largest medieval square in Europe. Krakow seemed very touristy this afternoon, despite its few attractions. Syd and I ran out of things to do, since we are speedy site-see-ers with much practice, so we watched (my favorite) a street performance (this time break dancing), people, and found dinner before we called it a night.

July 16

2006-07-17T05:27:00.000-07:00

Glorious Day!
Sydnee and I found the International Baptist Church of Budapest, which met in a high school. The preacher was a southern baptist preacher from south Georgia. It was so wonderful to go to church- sing great praise music and hear a challenging sermon. I was very thankful for our morning there.
After Asian (again!) for lunch we went for a walk (most places are closed on Sunday in Budapest- however the Chain Bridge is open for pedestrian and vendors only) and used the internet at a bike shop. From there we got our packs to head to the train station to catch an overnight train to Krakow, Poland! We compiled our remaining Forint and had just enough change (with the help of 15- from a departing traveller) to get two McDonalds ice creams and a snickers bar (great dinner, huh?) Then we attempted to catch our train and had to search one long unmarked row of train cabins to find our train before it left. Third time's the charm.

July 15

2006-07-16T06:02:00.001-07:00

After breakfast in our apartment, we went to a long pedestrian-only shopping street called Vaci Ucta. We walked around there a while and window shopped. We also stopped at a fabulous coffeehouse called Gerbauds. We were serenated by street performers as I sipped on my cappaccino. Then we headed to leafy Andrassy street. It is tree-lined and beautiful. We walked along, passing by the beautiful Hungarian Opera House. Then we went to the House of Terror, a museum in what was once the headquarters of the dreaded AVH secret police. It focuses on the crimes and atrocities committed by Hungary's fascist and Stalinist regimes. We really enjoyed it, but it could have used more English subtitles. Continuing on Andrassy, we went to Hero's Park. It also contains some beautiful, magnificent monuments and buildings. The park also has an amusement park/circus which is similiar to the Miracle Strip in Panama City.
From Hero's Park we walked to this Thai Massage place. Massages and Baths are the thing to do in Budapest- cheap and great! I know it is funny to be getting a thai massage in Budapest, since I will be going to Thailand, but it was a good option for us. I had never had a Thai Massage before- it was not very relaxing, but I did enjoy it. The masseure stretches and contorts your body and pops all your joints (I know- sound maybe like torture, but actually you feel very loose afterwards). We had eaten at an Indian restaurant for lunch, so we decided to end our tour of Asia in Budapest by having Chinese for dinner.

July 14

2006-07-16T05:51:00.000-07:00

Buda
Today Sydnee and I walked to one of the many Hungarian baths. It was in the north part of Buda (Budapest is two cities- hilly, old Buda, Danube River divides it from flat, cosmopolitan Pest). We got a local's experience! We went to all these thermal baths that are set to various temperatures. Here- modesty doesn't translate into Hungarian, so it was great that Fridays are women only at the spa. From the baths we got a 30 minute massage (for only $15), which was amazing! Then we walked Buda through the Castle District and to the most famous and touristy bath/hotel, the Gellert.
From Buda we went to the Market (which was less clean than Spain's) in south Pest. Budapest is the most stately and grand city Syd or I have ever seen. Every building is magnificent, you can really imagine the splendour of the city in its prime.
I have been meaning to talk about the Hungarian language, it is an "orphan" language, only distantly related to Finnish, so not a romance or germanic language. It is pretty much impossible to try to guess the meaning of words like you can in German or Spanish, so it is good practice for the Arabic or Asain languages we will encounter. Young people usually speak some English, but the older generations speak German if they know another language (once again, fun to try out my Deutsch).

July 13

2006-07-16T05:50:00.000-07:00

Guest Author: Sydnee shares about our day at Herend, Hungary
Being in the whole "camp" mode, we got an early start to the bus station. We stopped for breakfast which turned out to be rye bread. Tip... when in Hungary, go for the light brown bread, not the darker! We loaded a bus that had been around since probably 1940 and were off to Herend, Hungary. I was really anxious about the trip having my only information coming from the web site. We arrived to a town that appeared to house the "Chinette" manufactory, not the world renowned Herend china! At this point I was really nervous that I had dragged us 2 hours from the lake and another 3 from our ulimate destination, Budapest. However, when I saw the wooden sign, my fears were releived and we headed to the factory. It was really amazing! We saw first hand the casting, buidling, and painting of the china. The journey totally proved itself worthy. The guidebook lead us to believe that the prices were 50% less than the states, but that certainly was not the case, altough I now have a better understanding of the demanding high prices. The guide was describing one table setting that took 3 months to complete! Post factory tour, we ate at an authentic Hungarian restraunt where we were happy to have a chicken option. After lunch we headed to the bus station for Budapest. It started raining as it does here in the afternoons too, and we were pretty tired after a long day of travel. After much hostel hunting, we settled on yet another "zimmer."

July 12

2006-07-15T10:43:00.000-07:00

*to any daily readers out there, sorry for the delay, we've been busy!
After our bus ride where we did manage to get a few hours of sleep, we put our packs in a locker and set out to see Zagreb before we took an afternoon train to Hungary.
As our guide book said, "Zagreb is not very impressive at first glance." We couldn't have agreed more, but our walk to the major buildings was worth doing. Our real goal of the day was to try "struki"- a traditional Croatian dish that Zagreb is famous for. We found a great 5 star hotel to taste struki (described in our book as boiled cheesecake). We split a serving which was very rich, but not very sweet. We were glad to have tried it, but don't think we need any again. Upon leaving the hotel there was a police escort with the Prime Minister of Germany's, Gerhard Schroeder's fourth wife, Doris. We (of course) didn't know who she was by looks, but on our way out I asked the German equivalent of a Secret Service Agent what was going. We was more than happy to tell us all the answers we were looking for and wanted to know where he could find us tonight... (no thanks).
After our day in Zagreb we got on a train to take us to Lake Balaton, known as the Hungarian See, it is 77 km long, the biggest in central Europe. We stopped in a crazy lake town called Siofok. Leaving the station we headed to the lake to find a "zimmer" to crash in. Syd refers to our room as Camp Balaton because it is like staying in camp cabins- screened-in windows, bugs, by a lake, etc.
As we left Croatia I tried to gather some observations of the country:
*Pizza is everywhere and one of the few decent (budget) food options
*the coastal towns are very different from Zagreb
*Many (thousands) of Croatian Americans return to the coast each summer (many of their parents moved to America in the past 10-15 years)
*It rains every afternoon, but blows over quickly
*This could be our own observation, but bug bites are hard to avoid.

July 11

2006-07-12T02:39:00.000-07:00

Mama no shoppin.
'Mama' had a rough morning because one of her tennants some how soaked a bed through the mattress and she was just in a fit all morning. She hadn't shopped for breakfast, so she pulled out some things lying around the kitchen, Sydnee (and I to a lesser extent) were starting to get a pretty grossed out by the lack of cleanliness in this house. There are cats everywhere (mom- I didn't have any problems with my allergies) and during breakfast Mama and this man that lives in the house (son, husband, brother- not sure) brought 4 little baby chicks into the kitchen. Sydnee and I both do not like animals and this action was more than we could handle. Mama also told us we had to be out of our room by 10 am, but that we could use the downstairs shower since we weren't leaving Dubrovnik until 9 pm (the man didn't like this and kept trying to tell us that if we were in a hotel we would have to check out at a certain time, at least we think that was what he was trying to communicate).
We put on our bathing suits and cleared out of our room. We went to the ocean for a couple of hours, the library (for their internet), split a pizza for a late lunch, and tried to make some decisions about our travel plans from Dubrovnik.
We went back to Mama's house for showers (quickly before the man kicked us out). As we were about to start our treck to the bus station (more on that later) a serious storm started brewing. A few blocks into our walk we saw people stopped in the street staring up at the mountain where lightening had set a patch of grass on fire. The fire would shortly be put out, because just as we ducked into an awning, all "hail" broke loose- literally. A torrential rainstorm poured down, hail and all. We waited it out (only about 20 minutes) and then continued to walk to the station. On our way, soaking wet by the way, we saw that the streets were flooded (until they drained into the ocean)- at least 3/4ths of the way up the car tires and we had to tromp through. We were laughing and squeeling the whole time, of course, though.
Now I have to eat my words about the overnight bus thing. Our best option to get from Dubrovnik to Zagreb was an 11 hour overnight bus, so we had to go with it. Sydnee and I had been dreading it all day, although I think we had forgotten the full extent of the misery from our last overnight bus. This time we both took sleeping pills, our sleeping bags, in addition with our neck pillows and eye masks. However- this bus ride was nothing like our last- we were on a very nice, huge double decker bus. Sydnee and I were both able to lay down completely and the ride was as good as any overnight bus trip can be (better even than I thought possible).

Our five minutes in Bosnia.

July 10

2006-07-11T04:28:00.000-07:00

PEDIKURS and FIREWORKS
Sydnee and I had breakfast with 'Mama' and then went to our beach spot to try to lay out and hopefully fall asleep again- we were tired from the night before!
We didn't fall back asleep, but we did swim and jump off rocks for a while. Then the moment came that we had been waiting for- Pedicures. After all our walking in flip flops for weeks our feet had gotten pretty gross! The pedicure was pretty similiar to ones in America and the people working didn't really speak english.
After that we walked around the Old Town and found a library to use for some internet time. By that time we opted for an early dinner at Fresh- the wrap place and went back to the house to take showers.
Sydnee was pretty tired so she stayed in, but I followed an Aussie girl into town for this huge festival (what else?). We met up with the other Aussie guys from the past nights and went to the pier to watch the fireworks- it was no 4th of July, but still pretty impressive. I was grateful to have the Aussie guys be real gentlemen and walk me home after the night was over.

July 9

2006-07-10T07:12:00.000-07:00

More great suggestions.
After Mama's breakfast we set out to find the beach. On our way we ran into a Canadian guy who showed us this really secluded rocky ledge where we could lay out and swim. It had an amaying view and we enjoyed swimming there. When we got ready for lunch we walked into old town. After lunch we went to find another of Nick's suggestions- Cold Drinks- it is a outdoor cafe bar that overlooks the water and has great areas to lay out and swim as well. The water is really deep by the edge even, so people were jumping off ledges of all heights. Of course, I had to jump too (wait until you see the pictures). After that great afternoon (where we happened to run into the Princeton guys) we walked back to our room. On the walk back we ran into the Aussie guys and made plans with them to do a repeat of the night before for the World Cup Championship. After getting ready to go out we met the guys at Fresh this time and watched the game and headed to the Latino Club again. It was such a perfect day!

July 8

2006-07-10T06:54:00.000-07:00

Korcula to Dubrovnik
Sydnee and I got up this morning and discovered abandoned Museli in the apartment where we are staying's kitchen, left by some travellers from the day before. We ate the cereal and set out to see Korcula. It was a beautiful morning, it had rained the night before, so it was very pleasant outside. The town is pretty small; its claim to fame is Marco Polo's birthplace. We visited a small museum in his honor and wondered what Korculain decided to make sure their town had a claim on Marco's birthplace.
We boarded a bus to Dubrovnik that afternoon. Luckily we arrived safetly in Dubrovnik, despite the very narrow winding streets that cut into the mountains and despite the fact that at one of the stops the bus driver drank a beer before entering the city. While on the bus we made friends with two Aussies and two guys from Princeton. As we were getting off the bus we were attacked once again by aggressive Zimmer-Room offers. This was THE most aggressive crowd yet and Sydnee and I couldn't take it so we ran away from them and headed to a house that a friend of mine from school, Nick, recommended (we were trailed by one lady for 10 minutes). Once we arrived at "Mama's" house, Mama hugged and kissed us and showed us to our room. We are so glad that Nick's suggestion came through for us. We put our bags down and walked back into the Old Town. After dinner at Fresh (a place started in Korcula that we discovered- wonderful wraps and smoothies) we bumped into one of the Aussie's and he told us where everyone was watching the third place World Cup match. We went to the Irish pub and joined our friends from the bus. They were such nice guys to hang out with and we enjoyed our night out with them and the pub and then at Club Latino.

July 7

2006-07-08T02:10:00.000-07:00

Kayaks, Kastles, and Korcula
Sydnee and I had a big morning today! We rented real kayaks (not just sea kayaks, but the kind where you wear skirts and your legs are inside, pedals control the rudder) from a company here in Hvar. We spent all morning paddling across the ocean to another island and then floating/paddling back. It was a great workout, fun to be braving the waves, but a little scary when a big boat would wiz past us (sending waves our way in their wake).
After a morning of kayaking we walked up to a castle that is just a 20 minute walk up a hill behind the town. It had an amazing view of the town, the ocean, the boats, and other little islands off the coast.
From the castle we checked out of our great room and went to a popular bar/chill out place with cozy couches and views of the promenade and sea. We waited there until it was time to board a ferry to another island, Korcula. As we were walking down the plank we had our game plan in mind on how to counter the bombardment of Zimmer-Sobe-Room offers. We would only accept offers on our terms- private room, 90 Kuna (less than $18), less than two minute walk, and breakfast. We bargained successfully and we are staying in a great apartment for the night.

Pictures that wouldn't fit on July 27, 28, and 29

2006-07-06T13:32:00.000-07:00

Pretty fruits at the Market in Barcelona(?)

Arc de Triomph in Barcelona

The Wörthersee in Klagenfurt

The festival in Klagenfurt

Welcome to Croatia (I think)

July 6

2006-07-06T13:05:00.000-07:00

More of the same.
Laying out, vegging, I had to replace my broken sunglasses, tried to be a stowaway on one of the yachts, the usual on a vacation at the beach.

July 5

2006-07-06T01:12:00.000-07:00

Another busy day!
Today we layed out all morning and afternoon. As is typical with me on my first full day of laying out I like to test the sun to see how strong it is, so I have a little color, but I am not totally burned thanks to the base tan I got while I was home before the trip. The water here is so blue and clear, we borrowed some guy's float laying out by us to lay in the water and watch little fish swim underneath us.
We did a repeat of last night- joining our Irish friend, Johnny (and a Scottish couple this time), to cheer on our team of choice (Portugal for Syd and me, France for Johnny).
All that laying out in the sun can wear you out, so after the game we called it a night.

4th of July

2006-07-05T10:48:00.000-07:00

A VERY BUSY DAY
Today was so busy, we woke up, went grocery shopping, had breakfast, did laundry, and layed out all afternoon. We could harldy catch our breath. (I'm joking!)
HAPPY FOURTH OF JULY!
Sydnee and I celebrated our fouth of July by joining the other tourists at this outdoor cafe and watching the Italian v. Germany World Cup game. This city is a big Italian vacation destination, because it is so close, so any Germany fans were greatly out numbered. The place was pretty crowded and we joined some Mexicans and an Irish guy to watch the game with. Sydnee studied abroad in Dublin, Ireland and agrees that the Irish are very ''southern.'' Since Italy won, the crowd was going crazy, singing their songs and cheering.
Sydnee and I had to make our own firework noises, because that holiday was somhow overlooked here.

July 3

2006-07-04T07:41:00.000-07:00

7am wake up call we didn't ask for.
This morning at 7am "Old Man Zimmer" (the person we rented our room from- we named him) burst into our room telling us we needed to be out by 8am- needless to say we were quite surprised. We took our showers and got out of there.
What would it be like to walk around all day with out backpacks on?
After our early departure we walked around some (had breakfast, Sydnee hunted for sunglasses), used the free internet at the local library, sat at lunch for a while and then got on a ferry to the island of Hvar.
Walking off the plank of the ferry, we were bombarded by offers of "Sobe, Zimmer, Room, Apartmenti" from old women who rent out rooms in their houses (it seemed like a pretty competitive sport). We spotted a young girl with a hostel sign and decided to follow her. Once in the hostel we realized we would be in a co-ed room and paying 20 Kuna more than a private room. We thought we would just stay there a night and find better accomedations but after walking around the town we found an awesome room with bathroom, balcony, and refrigerator. It is great and very centrally located! We got out of our hostel arrangement and will be here for 4 nights. It will be so great to be able to chill at the beach and our balcony overlooks the ocean and is a beautiful view. We couldn't have asked for anything better.
We have met so many people here already. It is a very European vacation destination. Syd and I are beyond ourselves excited to stay put a few days in this great place.

July 1 AND 2

2006-07-03T02:06:00.000-07:00

The longest "day" ever.
After breakfast in our hostel in Ljubljana, we walked through town and saw the largest outdoor market I have ever seen, it took up blocks and blocks of the city. Also, there were tons of street performers- bands, parades, dressed-up characters, I was even called from the crowd to hold up a curtain for a puppet show (at least what I saw was a puppet show, since it was all in Slovene, they could have been saying anything). When my 15 minutes of fame was up in Ljubljana, we checked out of the hostel and went to the train station to go to Rejika, two and a half hours away. Once in Rejika, Croatia, we discovered there weren't any cheap accomodations or much to do/see there and we decided to go ahead and take an overnight BUS to Split (which is further down the Croatian coast and close to the islands we want to visit). We had about 5 hours in Rejika before our bus left, so we joined the town at an outdoor cafe, which had set up a big screen TV for the England v. Portugal and France v. Brazil World Cup games. We enjoyed watching that until we had to board our bus.
At 10:30 pm we got on the bus. Armed with my blow-up neck pillow, earplugs, and eye mask, I headed to my seat in the very back row, far left by the window. Sydnee was next to me, then an open seat, then 2 more people. I attempted to get comfortable sitting up, pinned in by Sydnee and the reclined seat in front of me, but I got clostrophobic instead and opted to stare out the window. About an hour into the trip, the two seats by Sydnee opened up so she was able to lay down. That was when I decided to crawl over her and find two seats to myself farther up the bus (thank goodness it was not full, I can't even imagine the torture of that). About midnight, I managed to move myself into two seats mid way up the bus. From then until 2 am I attempted to get comfortable by trying out 650 different positions. Finally, I decided #139- back to the window, seat reclined, legs straight out, leaning against the window and reclined seat- was the most comfortable option. Close second was position #451- lay down across both seats, head by the window, feet resting on seat across from you (must make sure not to bother isle-mate), arm rest can be a problem. I could also discribe all the super uncomfortable things I tried, but this is already pretty boring.
*If you ever have to take an overnight bus, these are the two positions I recommend. If you have ANY other option rather than take the bus, I say go with that other option.
6 am the next morning, we stumbled off the bus into the waiting arms of an old couple wanting to rent us a room in their home. The thought of searching for a better deal was out of the question, so we happily followed them to their apartment and crashed into our comfortable beds. Around noon we managed to wake up long enough to walk around town, eat breakfast/lunch/dinner and see the beach. We took another nap in the heat of late afternoon (it reminded me of Kamp) and ventured out again that night. Today was the perfect day to sleep through, though, because most stores and the tourist offices are closed on Sunday.

June 30

2006-06-30T12:51:00.000-07:00

Klagenfurt and Ljubljana.
After breakfast and checkout, we went to the station to catch a noon train to Ljubljana, Slovenia. Sydnee has been here before and raved about the hostel she stayed in (it's breakfast and free internet). We checked in and then set out to see this city. I liked it; it is very picturesque, coblestone streets, a river running through the town, and a castel up on a hill near the center. Also, it is a very new city because it has only been it's own country for about 9 years (before it was communist and part of Yugoslavia) -history lessons are free with travel. After climbing down from the castle and wandering through the city, we came upon a street performance. We stopped to watch an Australian woman perform on a trapeze and do some moves similiar to a Cirque de Sole show.
This internet in this hostel is the first time this blog site has been in English, so I can actually figure out how I have been putting up my posts. Hopefully, all the smaller Eastern European countries that we go to will not have all websites translated into their language and I will be able to figure out how to post some pictures (because many are better than I can explain).

June 29

2006-06-30T11:29:00.000-07:00

Klagenfurt.
We didn't get to sleep until late last night because of the time the bus dropped us off at our hotel, so after breakfast Sydnee went back to sleep, but I had my coffee so I set off to explore our surroundings until we had to check out (we were moving to a different place, a pension that is more than we like to spend, but less than the hotel we were staying in). I just walked around the city center, the town is so quaint, clean, and beautiful.
After Sydnee and I settled into our new location we decided to walk through the city square (to see the dragon statue that is the symbol of the town) and then on 4km to the Wörthersee (the thermal lake). When in the square we noticed a lot of activity with vendors and stages being set up, so we made a mental note to come back to that at night. On our way to the lake a fifteen minute rain pour forced us to seek shelter at this gas station, but the store clerk assured us it would blow over soon. Eventually we made it to the lake and it was BEAUTIFUL, clear, blue water (that apparently is drinkable-didn't test that out) and Alp-sized mountains behind it. There is a university near the lake and a "Europark" (amusement park) with models of famous buildings from all over Europe. The little community by the lake was so charming and we even got an offer to go out on the lake in a sail boat if it wasn't for the fact that a storm was a-brewing. Luckily we caught a bus back just in the nick of time before a torrential rainstorm poured down.
By the time we were back in the city center it had stopped raining and was dinner time, so we decided to head to the "Neuer Platz" where we had seen people setting up for the festival. A few blocks away we were already able to hear the music and people. We found a wonderful Doner Kabap stand (which are EVERYWHERE and becoming a staple in my diet) which was only €1.25 and we found a seat in front of the stage at a picnic table with local Austrians all around us.
I'm getting ahead of myself, and I really need to explain this festival. Klagenfurt is the capital of the small, southern-most state of Austria (according to our guidebook, home of a controversial far-right politician, apparently meaning there are still some Nazi sentiments in this area). It has about 90,000 people, so it really is pretty small. I would like to equate it to Montgomery and the festival to Jubilee City Fest (Sydnee thought I should equate it to the Loachapoka Syrup Soppin'). We sat through a local folk band perform (he led the audience in clapping and singing along) and a solo performer (and his attempt at comedy). Although my German is limited, I was able to understand some of the songs (which are still running through my head), some titles include: "We are all Indians" and "I was once a Casanova" (which seem to carry the same tune), also the crowd pleaser- a song I would equate to "Sweet Home Alabama" (it was about the beauty and love of their land).
I really enjoyed our day in Klagenfurt- at the lake and being engrossed in Austrian culture through their summer celebration.

June 28

2006-06-29T01:34:00.000-07:00

Random events are what this trip is all about.
Our last morning in Spain we had another wonderful breakfast at the market, checked out of our pension, walked to the bus station, and boarded a bus that would take us to the Girona-Barcelona Airport. We had a fairly uneventful (although somewhat bumpy) flight. Europeans always clap when we have safely landed, which is a nice way of showing the relief of being on the ground.
After waiting outside in the heat of late afternoon for an overcrowded bus to take us into the Treviso, Italy city center, we discovered that any train or bus that would take us closer to our destination (Rejika, Croatia) would dump us somewhere near midnight, so we decided to stay in Treviso for the night (or so we thought). We started walking in the direction of a few lodging options when we came to a city square (open areas all over cities in Europe) where tables were set up with Strudel and drinks. We were beckened over for free Strudel (which we could not pass up) and cold drinks (again, could not pass up, rememeber it is 6:30 pm, we are hot, and have been travelling all day) by travel representatives from a town in Austria. They begged us to sit down, take a load off, enjoy the food and drink (which we did). We started talking to these people and they explained they were in Treviso all day with this group of children who do a dancing and singing performance. Somehow we were invited to join this group on their bus to go back to Klagenfurt, Austria with them. While still in Treviso, they called a hostel and reserved a room for us. (Let me take a moment to ease any fears of those reading to say that Sydnee and I thoroughly assessed the safety and sanity of this situation, there were adult men and women, very nice, many children, a large coach bus, and I promise we would not get ourselves into any kind of bad situation). So, we rode for three hours from Treviso to this lovely town of Klagenfurt (slight detour, but trains leave from here to Croatia, so no big deal). The kids (ranging in age from 5 or 6 to 15) loved to try out their English on us and I loved trying out my minimal amount of German with them (of course they were way better at English than I was at German). We may end up spending a few days here because there is a very nearby lake that is supposed to be wonderful and warm (which must be rare in the Alps because they kept telling us the exact temperature like it was a big deal), there is also some sort of amusement park.
The bus dropped us off out our hotel and now we are in Austria!

June 27

2006-06-27T12:30:00.000-07:00

Last night in Spain...
After a late start this morning and what I will call brunch at the market, Sydnee and I walked to the 1992 Olympic site and explored that area. There were plenty of neat buildings and Olympic monuments. The only thing really worth noting is that I believe the Auburn University pool is larger than the one here. After that long walk/hike we decided that "when in Spain" we should siesta too.
We people watched on La Rambla for a couple of hours and then went to this really cool "travellers bar" that caters to a variety of english-speaking nationalities. We split a €1 meal (talk about saving money) and tried to pick a team to root for in the Spain v. France World Cup game.

As a farewell to Spain, I would like to share some of the observations I have made while here:
*no gender discrimination here- I have seen just as many men wearing capris as women, men push the baby stroller just as much as women, and we have seen many women street sweepers and butchers
*there are two foods that are EVERYWHERE- number 1- HAM (jamon is spanish), 2- more of a drink, but it is called Orchata (earth almond) and is a nasty, milky drink everyone seems to love and need
*loud noises are constant- from church bells, to firecrackers, to people or music, there are always loud noises
*food is cheaper if eaten at the bar
*fresh squeezed orange juice is everywhere and very tasty
*the siesta aka break from work aka everything is closed - very much still part of life here
*broken arms, no kidding- I think I see someone with their arm in a cast about once an hour, maybe 1 in 200 people has a broken arm here at any one time (i would very much like to know the cause of this "broken arm disease" as Sydnee and I refer to it)
*Last but most importantly, when all the guide books say that the best time to visit Spain is in April, May and September- THEY ARE NOT JOKING, peak season (June, July, and August) IS NOT a good time to come- it is too hot and too crowded and the prices are higher than they should be. Please take this advice if you plan a trip- it is the type of advice that I would listen to but decide I'd rather do what I want anyway, but I'm telling you, it is better off-peak season!!!

June 26

2006-06-26T10:49:00.000-07:00

After a hostal breakfast of Cocoa Puffs (the only option), we checked into a nearby Pension that has private rooms and a better price. We then walked around the biggest market in Spain- it was so colorful with its fruit and vegetable displays, but everything from meat and cheeses to bread and pasta was sold there. Next we went to this Chocolate Museum and then I had Doner Kabab for lunch (which I had been craving) and Syd ate at this Vegan place that made us feel like we were in Austin, TX.
Then we hiked up to this other Goudi Museum, all in all we walked about 11 miles today (according to the pedometer).
We ran into these backpackers from Colorado who had just arrived and we shared with them some travel secrets we have learned so far. Some bars down La Rambla were going crazy tonight because Australia was playing their world cup game and there are so many Aussies around.
I wish I had more to add to the details today, but there isn´t much else to tell except that Sydnee and I have been giggling nearly nonstop since I got here.

June 25

2006-06-25T14:15:00.000-07:00

This morning we left Valencia and took a never ending train to Barcelona (never ending thanks to the squirmy-screaming children and Spanish chatter). Once in Barcelona we began our hostal search (which is still ongoing at this point). We discovered the current, cheapest option (with breakfast- the deciding factor) and decided we could handle a sauna for a roomshared with 6 other girls in the Arab part of town for one night until we find something better tomorrow.
We walked down La Rambla- it is a bustling street with crowds, performers of all kinds, vendors, restaurants, and those costume frozen-still people. We walked all around there and gawked at the sights.
We foolishly decided to repeat our afternoon tea at the Ritz hotel here, which could not compare to our experience in Madrid. It did rejuvenate us enough to walk to see some sights, such as Goudi´s architecture- very interesting, unique buildings.
I like Barcelona, I've never been to New Orleans, but Sydnee says it reminds her of the Big Easy. There is tons to see and too much good food to eat. It is a little more crowded than I would prefer but it was fun walking through this one "hip" area because England was playing in their World Cup game so all the English were milling in and out of pubs catching the game.
Gotta go, I am trying to have a conversation with the 2 Brazilians, 2 French, and 1 Canadian in our room (their grasp of English puts me to shame). And I may try to join the group of guys watching the World Cup game downstairs...

June 24

2006-06-25T14:07:00.000-07:00

Freak show
Let me just start off with a description of breakfast, since I have been re-living it all day. At Valor, the Chocolateria, we had churros and hot chocolate that was like the richest melted chocolate ever. You dip the churros in the melted chocolate and it is to die for!!!
After breakfast and an hour at the internet cafe we walked through the park/garden I mentioned yesterday to these massive architectural structures that housed an IMAX, a planetarium, an oceanagraphy place, and much more. One building kind of looked like the Sydney Opera House. We wondered through that area and saw all there was to see of it. We think the Pope is coming to speak there next week but the signs are in Spanish so it is hard to tell.
We walked back to the city center, through the park- which I just love- so bike/pedestrian friendly, but so hot in unshaded areas. We found a cool Chinese restaurant to rejuvenate ourselves in and then went back to take a siesta (along with what seemed to be the rest of the city).
Tonight we went to the city center, sat on a park bench and watched a gay pride parade take place. It made for some excellent people watching. Not only did we see drag queens, etc, but we saw all kinds of people- young, old, all nationalities, all types of dress, just milling about the square.
Then there also was a parade of some sort with drums and women in traditional dresses. It seems that every where we go there is a festival or celebration of some kind.