Gee, what a cold night. My face was icecold and I (Nicole) sometimes had to put my head under the blanket. No wonder, the thermometer only showed 8 degrees Celsius!
Today we drove to the inland and did a lot of kilometer. The landscape in Australia has still a lot to offer but compared to seven years ago it is not as attractive to me anymore. The places along the East Coast are too touristy; the tourists we meet are much younger and only think of partying all the time. You don't realise an Australian culture - is there one at all?
However, we enjoy being independant with our campervan. We are no longer dependant on buses and trains and thus can drive and stop where we want. When it comes to food we are more than happy. After the long time in Asia we here feel like in cockaigne!
I was quite bored during the whole day and I read a lot about Panama and Costa Rica. I´m really looking forward to that.
We stopped in Gladstone and went to the Scenic Lookout! But what's here to see? A few islands but even closer you look at the industry harbour. Really nice!
Next stop was at Agnes Water - we went to the beach. Again one of these kilometer long beaches and hardly anyone is there. We could only spot a few surfers in the water.
We wanted to stay overnight at the Rest Area near Childers. Thus, we still had to drive a bit. But we were stopped. By the police and Ramona had to use the breathalyser. It was a normal control and of course, Ramona hadn't drunken anything and we could drive further to Childers.
Friday, April 30, 2004
Wednesday, April 28, 2004
Airlie Beach - Mackay
We were picked up at 7am by a big bus. Whether we will really be 150 people on the boat?! Please not! ... In the end we were about 80 on the fun boat. Luckily not everybody wanted to go diving.
We divers had to fill in a form and Ramona and I - honest as we are - filled in that we were taking anti malaria tablets. This however was almost fate as the dive master wanted to check first whether we were allowed to go diving at all. It wasn't of interest to him that we dived only three weeks ago. Fortunately though, the nurse on the boat allowed us to dive.
At 10am we got our first briefing and a few minutes later we arrived at Reefworld. This is a station anchored at the reef where activities like snorkelling, diving, helicopter flight, boat with glass bottom, ... are offered.
There was an extra corner for us divers and everything had already been prepared. Two dive masters could say at first glance which size we need. Same for the weight. They even put the weight belts on. With fins and masks in our hands we went downstairs straight into the water. Gee, that is cold!
We had been a group of four divers plus Dive Master. Very good! But that's about it. The sight was more than poor, the corals were neither colourful nor were there a lot of different fishes. It in fact got really boring.
Diving was quite disappointing for us - we had imagined the greatest reef of the world differently. Even the buffet which was included in the price didn't make up for it. There is no need to mention the second dive at all. :(
At about 5pm we were back at the caravan park where we had a quick shower. Then we were off on the road again - but not far. Ramona stopped the van. What's going on? She hesitated, didn't want to answer .... Come on, tell me! Before having a shower she had put her wet clothes and towel over the buffer bar and forgot to take them off. Now her bikini was missing and she had to run back to find it.
We then drove to the rest area near Mackay and after a delicious piece of bread with cheddar cheese we had an early night.
We divers had to fill in a form and Ramona and I - honest as we are - filled in that we were taking anti malaria tablets. This however was almost fate as the dive master wanted to check first whether we were allowed to go diving at all. It wasn't of interest to him that we dived only three weeks ago. Fortunately though, the nurse on the boat allowed us to dive.
At 10am we got our first briefing and a few minutes later we arrived at Reefworld. This is a station anchored at the reef where activities like snorkelling, diving, helicopter flight, boat with glass bottom, ... are offered.
There was an extra corner for us divers and everything had already been prepared. Two dive masters could say at first glance which size we need. Same for the weight. They even put the weight belts on. With fins and masks in our hands we went downstairs straight into the water. Gee, that is cold!
We had been a group of four divers plus Dive Master. Very good! But that's about it. The sight was more than poor, the corals were neither colourful nor were there a lot of different fishes. It in fact got really boring.
Diving was quite disappointing for us - we had imagined the greatest reef of the world differently. Even the buffet which was included in the price didn't make up for it. There is no need to mention the second dive at all. :(
At about 5pm we were back at the caravan park where we had a quick shower. Then we were off on the road again - but not far. Ramona stopped the van. What's going on? She hesitated, didn't want to answer .... Come on, tell me! Before having a shower she had put her wet clothes and towel over the buffer bar and forgot to take them off. Now her bikini was missing and she had to run back to find it.
We then drove to the rest area near Mackay and after a delicious piece of bread with cheddar cheese we had an early night.
Monday, April 26, 2004
Bilyana Rest Area - Peter Faust Dam
It was still raining when we woke up. Whether it will stop raining at one point? We are in Australia!
We drove to Townsville and had breakfast near to the beach. Although in the car as it was still raining. We then went off to get some information about diving here. But this all was out of question - far too expensive!
Thus we drove further - direction Airlie Beach - and stopped in Bowen as it's supposed to be nice. It was 4.45pm, still raining. But we didn't care. Let's go swimming! We quickly changed to our bikinis and ran into the water. Again here they had stinger nets. But we were on our own - and the waves belonged to us! We had a hell of fun, but with every wave we lost parts of our bikini. If one had seen us ... that person would have had a lot of fun, too.:)
After our swim we had a shower at the beach. We then parked our van a bit outside the village in order to stay overnight. Ramona has just found two programs in our TV (yes, we even have a TV in our van) and we ate the rest of our potato salad and meat balls when someone knocked at our door.
We are not allowed to stay overnight here. OK, we only had dinner and we'll drive further now. What a shame! Do we really have to leave now? It's already 10.30pm.
The next rest area on which we were allowed to stay overnight is about 100 km from here. It's good that we've hardly any petrol left in our tank. It took us at least 15 minutes to get out of Bowen and we luckily found a petrol station. Thus, we could easily drive to the rest area.
We drove to Townsville and had breakfast near to the beach. Although in the car as it was still raining. We then went off to get some information about diving here. But this all was out of question - far too expensive!
Thus we drove further - direction Airlie Beach - and stopped in Bowen as it's supposed to be nice. It was 4.45pm, still raining. But we didn't care. Let's go swimming! We quickly changed to our bikinis and ran into the water. Again here they had stinger nets. But we were on our own - and the waves belonged to us! We had a hell of fun, but with every wave we lost parts of our bikini. If one had seen us ... that person would have had a lot of fun, too.:)
After our swim we had a shower at the beach. We then parked our van a bit outside the village in order to stay overnight. Ramona has just found two programs in our TV (yes, we even have a TV in our van) and we ate the rest of our potato salad and meat balls when someone knocked at our door.
We are not allowed to stay overnight here. OK, we only had dinner and we'll drive further now. What a shame! Do we really have to leave now? It's already 10.30pm.
The next rest area on which we were allowed to stay overnight is about 100 km from here. It's good that we've hardly any petrol left in our tank. It took us at least 15 minutes to get out of Bowen and we luckily found a petrol station. Thus, we could easily drive to the rest area.
Saturday, April 24, 2004
Cairns - Cape Tribulation
We got already up at 7.30. Great, thus we can soon get our car. We want to hire a wicked camper van and drive through Australia for the next two weeks.
Two hours later we sat in our new home for the next two weeks. In this vehicle we'll not only drive but also sleep and cook! It's great not to live out of a backpack anymore ... but out of a car! :)
We aimed at driving to Cape Tribulation, recommended by Helen from Sydney. There, the oldest rain forest (in fact older than the Amazone) meets the Ocean (Great Barrier Reef).
We stopped in Daintree in order to do a one hour boat cruise. What a good idea - we saw crocodiles, snakes and different species of birds.
At Cape Tribulation we parked our car and went on a night tour through the rain forest. Of course with a guide. Everybody got a raincoat (yellow!) and a big torch. It was great what Jo our tourguide could tell us. We saw so many different crickets, spiders, rats (they look different in the rain forest) - not to mention all the different plants. And Jo could just tell about everything. We've learned a lot and we had a fantastic time in the rain forets.
Two hours later we sat in our new home for the next two weeks. In this vehicle we'll not only drive but also sleep and cook! It's great not to live out of a backpack anymore ... but out of a car! :)
We aimed at driving to Cape Tribulation, recommended by Helen from Sydney. There, the oldest rain forest (in fact older than the Amazone) meets the Ocean (Great Barrier Reef).
We stopped in Daintree in order to do a one hour boat cruise. What a good idea - we saw crocodiles, snakes and different species of birds.
At Cape Tribulation we parked our car and went on a night tour through the rain forest. Of course with a guide. Everybody got a raincoat (yellow!) and a big torch. It was great what Jo our tourguide could tell us. We saw so many different crickets, spiders, rats (they look different in the rain forest) - not to mention all the different plants. And Jo could just tell about everything. We've learned a lot and we had a fantastic time in the rain forets.
Thursday, April 22, 2004
Ramona: Hughenden - Cairns // Nicole: Cairns
Ramona: Hughenden - Cairns
At 6am we left. Our last day on the bus. The desert we had already left behind and slowly there were more and more trees. The rivers carried water again and everything was green. It really looked pretty! The first stop was at the littlest pub in Australia. 1.4m x 0.5m. Two people and the pub is full.
In the afternoon we reached the Tablelands. It looked just like in Germany. Vineyards everywhere and black and white cows. Looked very strange. It didn´t really fit in here.
Our last stop we had at Woorooneran National Park. A rainforest. A 2Km walk lead to a huge waterfall where we had a refreshing dip.
At 6pm we arrived in Cairns. Now I only had to find Nicole. Luckily we have the internet. Nicole had sent me the adress of her hostel. I started walking. Gee, that was a long way with my heavy backpack. Nicole was already waiting for me at the reception. Although, I had to leave her one more time. Our tourgroup got a free farewell dinner at the youth hostel. I can´t miss it if it´s for free. In the end it was not too much fun and I left early and walked back to the hostel.
Nicole: Cairns
As Freddie and I only got to bed at 5.30am we didn't want to hire a car in the morning. We only got up at 10.30am and during breakfast got to know Chantal, a Dutch girl. Philipp convinced us to yet hire a car.
I was the driver. Gee, it was in August since I've last driven a car. Whether I can still do it? And on the wrong side? But it all went smoothly, I didn't have any problems.
The four of us (Freddie, Chantal, Philipp and I) drove direction Port Douglas. We stopped at Ellis Beach where we were interviewed by local TV regarding the stinger in the sea. We had heard of it and that the stingers can be deadly and therefore one should only swim in so called stinger nets. But we hadn't aimed at swimming anyway.
In Port Douglas we changed our mind. Nothing could stop us from running into the stinger net and thus into the sea. The waves were huge and we really enjoyed.
We strolled around in the small town of Port Douglas and then drove to Mossman. It's supposed to be really nice there. Well, we cannot confirm that...
Philipp drove us back and we arrived the hostel at 7.30pm. Ramona hadn't checked in yet and I was just about to check my email for news from her when she entered!
Unfortunately, she couldn't join us for dinner as they had a last dinner with the group. Ramona checked in and I drove her to the restaurant.
Philipp, Chantal, Freddie and I drove again to Woolshed. Not because of the drinks but because of the food we get for free. We got a voucher from our hostel. Food wasn't really good - but for free!
Later we met Regi and some of his employees to have a drink. It again was a nice and late evening.
At 6am we left. Our last day on the bus. The desert we had already left behind and slowly there were more and more trees. The rivers carried water again and everything was green. It really looked pretty! The first stop was at the littlest pub in Australia. 1.4m x 0.5m. Two people and the pub is full.
In the afternoon we reached the Tablelands. It looked just like in Germany. Vineyards everywhere and black and white cows. Looked very strange. It didn´t really fit in here.
Our last stop we had at Woorooneran National Park. A rainforest. A 2Km walk lead to a huge waterfall where we had a refreshing dip.
At 6pm we arrived in Cairns. Now I only had to find Nicole. Luckily we have the internet. Nicole had sent me the adress of her hostel. I started walking. Gee, that was a long way with my heavy backpack. Nicole was already waiting for me at the reception. Although, I had to leave her one more time. Our tourgroup got a free farewell dinner at the youth hostel. I can´t miss it if it´s for free. In the end it was not too much fun and I left early and walked back to the hostel.
Nicole: Cairns
As Freddie and I only got to bed at 5.30am we didn't want to hire a car in the morning. We only got up at 10.30am and during breakfast got to know Chantal, a Dutch girl. Philipp convinced us to yet hire a car.
I was the driver. Gee, it was in August since I've last driven a car. Whether I can still do it? And on the wrong side? But it all went smoothly, I didn't have any problems.
The four of us (Freddie, Chantal, Philipp and I) drove direction Port Douglas. We stopped at Ellis Beach where we were interviewed by local TV regarding the stinger in the sea. We had heard of it and that the stingers can be deadly and therefore one should only swim in so called stinger nets. But we hadn't aimed at swimming anyway.
In Port Douglas we changed our mind. Nothing could stop us from running into the stinger net and thus into the sea. The waves were huge and we really enjoyed.
We strolled around in the small town of Port Douglas and then drove to Mossman. It's supposed to be really nice there. Well, we cannot confirm that...
Philipp drove us back and we arrived the hostel at 7.30pm. Ramona hadn't checked in yet and I was just about to check my email for news from her when she entered!
Unfortunately, she couldn't join us for dinner as they had a last dinner with the group. Ramona checked in and I drove her to the restaurant.
Philipp, Chantal, Freddie and I drove again to Woolshed. Not because of the drinks but because of the food we get for free. We got a voucher from our hostel. Food wasn't really good - but for free!
Later we met Regi and some of his employees to have a drink. It again was a nice and late evening.
Wednesday, April 21, 2004
Nicole: Cairns // Ramona Boulia - Hughenden
Nicole: Cairns
It was already 10.30am when I got up and it really was a day to hang around. I could forget about renting a bike as it was still raining cats and dogs. Philipp and Frederica joined me in doing nothing.
Only about 3pm I went to town with Frederica who had to do her chores. At least it wasn't raining any longer. Freddie also wanted to go to a travel agent to get to know a friend of a friend of hers. I also got to know Regi and we spent the evening together.
Regi made Pizza for us and it was interesting for me to watch him. His appartement - a piece of jewelry - already made us believe that he is not a poor man. During the evening I then learned that as a 20 years old Regi played for Juventus Turin in Italy's Premier League. Today he has a travel agency in Cairns and Papua New Guinea. In addition to that he is an actor; he played in Braveheart (yes, we all have seen his naked bump), Gladiator, ... He still seems to be a normal person who loves it to cook for others.
Regi's friend Reno who lives around the corner joined us for dinner. Reno is a music producer from Sydney and is currently producing the Australian girl group Shakaya; they recently won Platinum.
This evening Shakaya performed in Reno's posh disco in Cairns and we got in for free. The music and their performance though was definitely not my taste. Still we had a very nice evening.
Ramona Boulia - Hughenden
At 7am we had breakfast. The bus stood already in the driveway. But unfortunately not repaired yet. The machanic was on his way. We had lots of time to kill. The kanguru was happy about that, because it had so many friends to play with.
At 8.45am the bus was finally running again. We spent the whole day on the road. In Willington we had lunch, BBQ. Mmmh! At 3pm we had to swap busses with a group who came from Cairns. We stopped at a junction and waited for the others. The luggage was quickly swapped and off we were again. Why all that? I have no clue!
The next stop was in a village called Winton. Here we could have a refreshing swimm in the village pool. Unfortunately only for one hour and we had to hit the road again. At 7pm we reached Hughenden. Our stop for the night. We got a room at the Grand Hotel. Sounds like first class travellers, doesn´t it? But it was just a normal hostel, nothing posh.
It was already 10.30am when I got up and it really was a day to hang around. I could forget about renting a bike as it was still raining cats and dogs. Philipp and Frederica joined me in doing nothing.
Only about 3pm I went to town with Frederica who had to do her chores. At least it wasn't raining any longer. Freddie also wanted to go to a travel agent to get to know a friend of a friend of hers. I also got to know Regi and we spent the evening together.
Regi made Pizza for us and it was interesting for me to watch him. His appartement - a piece of jewelry - already made us believe that he is not a poor man. During the evening I then learned that as a 20 years old Regi played for Juventus Turin in Italy's Premier League. Today he has a travel agency in Cairns and Papua New Guinea. In addition to that he is an actor; he played in Braveheart (yes, we all have seen his naked bump), Gladiator, ... He still seems to be a normal person who loves it to cook for others.
Regi's friend Reno who lives around the corner joined us for dinner. Reno is a music producer from Sydney and is currently producing the Australian girl group Shakaya; they recently won Platinum.
This evening Shakaya performed in Reno's posh disco in Cairns and we got in for free. The music and their performance though was definitely not my taste. Still we had a very nice evening.
Ramona Boulia - Hughenden
At 7am we had breakfast. The bus stood already in the driveway. But unfortunately not repaired yet. The machanic was on his way. We had lots of time to kill. The kanguru was happy about that, because it had so many friends to play with.
At 8.45am the bus was finally running again. We spent the whole day on the road. In Willington we had lunch, BBQ. Mmmh! At 3pm we had to swap busses with a group who came from Cairns. We stopped at a junction and waited for the others. The luggage was quickly swapped and off we were again. Why all that? I have no clue!
The next stop was in a village called Winton. Here we could have a refreshing swimm in the village pool. Unfortunately only for one hour and we had to hit the road again. At 7pm we reached Hughenden. Our stop for the night. We got a room at the Grand Hotel. Sounds like first class travellers, doesn´t it? But it was just a normal hostel, nothing posh.
Tuesday, April 20, 2004
Ramona: Alice Springs - Boulia // Nicole: Sydney - Cairns
Ramona: Alice Springs - Boulia
At 6am my next tour started. From Alice Springs to Cairns. This time though with less highlights. We spent most of the time on the bus. But as a flight would have cost the same amount, I thought it would be nicer to travel by bus. At least I see something of the country. The country was really amazing! Every few hours it looked different. The further we got to the east, the more plants there were. We left the desert behind.
There was no real road in this part of the outback. Only a gravelroad. But that didn´t seem to bother the busdriver much. He was speeding like a Formula 1 driver. Just before sunset, he stopped abruptly. What had happened? A flat tire? No, it was more complicated than that. I don´t know what it was exactly, but the left side of the bus was laying on the tire. The driver tried to repair it, but without success. What now? Do we have to stay here until tomorrow or even longer? No, he called the farm people where we were supposed to stay tonight and they came with their cattle truck and picked us up. What an adventure! It was so noisy on the truck. How does the cattle put up with that? Luckily it was only 50Km to the farm. We got out rooms and had dinner.
Among dogs, sheep, pigs and cows, there were also 2 little kangurus. How cute! Aboriginals are still hunting kangurus for food (legal) and when they kill a mother kanguru, they take the baby to this farm. Here they raise them and set them free in a National Park. The 2 kangurus were 1.5 years and 6 Months old. The little one still had to be fed with a baby bottle. The big one had lots of fun stealing our food from our plates. Pretty strong for his age.
Nicole: Sydney - Cairns
Already at 8am I was picked up to be taken to the airport. I want to fly to Cairns where I will meet up again with Ramona on 22 April.
I've been to Cairns 7 years ago and the city has become much more commercial. I strolled around and had a look but there's still not really a lot to see. In the evening I met Philipp, a German, and Frederica, an Italian girl, with whom I went to Woolshed.
Woolshed is THE backpackers pub. On Tuesdays one gets 5 drinks for AUD 11, we'll have to make use of that. But to be honest there I really felt old! It was obvious what everybody wanted: Party, Party, Party!
Frederica and Philipp left about 11.15pm and as I still hadn't had my 5 drinks - I've started to drink slowlier (the slowliest :)) after my notorious evening in Sydney :) - I stayed and wanted to take the bus at midnight. Do I have to mention that I missed it? Well, I wanted to walk but it was raining cats and dogs. Thus, I preferred to stay... at 4.15am I feel into my bed.
At 6am my next tour started. From Alice Springs to Cairns. This time though with less highlights. We spent most of the time on the bus. But as a flight would have cost the same amount, I thought it would be nicer to travel by bus. At least I see something of the country. The country was really amazing! Every few hours it looked different. The further we got to the east, the more plants there were. We left the desert behind.
There was no real road in this part of the outback. Only a gravelroad. But that didn´t seem to bother the busdriver much. He was speeding like a Formula 1 driver. Just before sunset, he stopped abruptly. What had happened? A flat tire? No, it was more complicated than that. I don´t know what it was exactly, but the left side of the bus was laying on the tire. The driver tried to repair it, but without success. What now? Do we have to stay here until tomorrow or even longer? No, he called the farm people where we were supposed to stay tonight and they came with their cattle truck and picked us up. What an adventure! It was so noisy on the truck. How does the cattle put up with that? Luckily it was only 50Km to the farm. We got out rooms and had dinner.
Among dogs, sheep, pigs and cows, there were also 2 little kangurus. How cute! Aboriginals are still hunting kangurus for food (legal) and when they kill a mother kanguru, they take the baby to this farm. Here they raise them and set them free in a National Park. The 2 kangurus were 1.5 years and 6 Months old. The little one still had to be fed with a baby bottle. The big one had lots of fun stealing our food from our plates. Pretty strong for his age.
Nicole: Sydney - Cairns
Already at 8am I was picked up to be taken to the airport. I want to fly to Cairns where I will meet up again with Ramona on 22 April.
I've been to Cairns 7 years ago and the city has become much more commercial. I strolled around and had a look but there's still not really a lot to see. In the evening I met Philipp, a German, and Frederica, an Italian girl, with whom I went to Woolshed.
Woolshed is THE backpackers pub. On Tuesdays one gets 5 drinks for AUD 11, we'll have to make use of that. But to be honest there I really felt old! It was obvious what everybody wanted: Party, Party, Party!
Frederica and Philipp left about 11.15pm and as I still hadn't had my 5 drinks - I've started to drink slowlier (the slowliest :)) after my notorious evening in Sydney :) - I stayed and wanted to take the bus at midnight. Do I have to mention that I missed it? Well, I wanted to walk but it was raining cats and dogs. Thus, I preferred to stay... at 4.15am I feel into my bed.
Monday, April 19, 2004
Nicole: Sydney // Ramona: Alice Springs
Nicole: Sydney
Today is Al's last day. He is flying home today after one year of travelling. Gee - Ramona and I still have three months left!
Al didn't want to do a lot today so we just went to the Aquarium. It's quite good in Sydney even though some tanks are not big enough or in some tanks there are too many fish.
In the evening I took Al to the airport and went straight back to the hotel. I wanted to have an early night as I have to get up early again.
Ramona: Alice Springs
Today was a real lazy day!!! Oh, how wonderful it was. Got out off bed, lay down at the pool, got up at the pool, lay down in the parc and so on. Inbetween I had some food. And like this the whole day passed.
Today is Al's last day. He is flying home today after one year of travelling. Gee - Ramona and I still have three months left!
Al didn't want to do a lot today so we just went to the Aquarium. It's quite good in Sydney even though some tanks are not big enough or in some tanks there are too many fish.
In the evening I took Al to the airport and went straight back to the hotel. I wanted to have an early night as I have to get up early again.
Ramona: Alice Springs
Today was a real lazy day!!! Oh, how wonderful it was. Got out off bed, lay down at the pool, got up at the pool, lay down in the parc and so on. Inbetween I had some food. And like this the whole day passed.
Sunday, April 18, 2004
Ramona: Red Center Safari // Nicole: Sydney
Ramona: Red Center Safari
At 6am we got up. A quick breakfast and we were on our way to Kings Canyon. It looked gigantic! The cliffs were cut as if with a knife. Hundreds of meter deep. On the top of the cliffs it looked like on another planet. Everywhere red molehill like hills. We walked through the gorges and came to an oasis. The garden of eden, it´s called. Full of palm trees and bushes and in the middle a lagoon. Just like a dream! Unfortunately we only had 3 hours for the tour. I could have walked around the canyon for days!
In the evening, back at Alice Springs, we hat a farewell dinner at the restaurant of the Melanka Hostel and after there was a big party. Thank god I can have a lay in tomorrow.
Nicole: Sydney
We had stayed overnight at Helen's place and started the day with a nice breakfast on the balcony with a view on Sydney water. Fantastic - for Helen almost every day starts like that.
Helen wanted to take two ferries with us to go to Watson Bay but the first ferry was too late and we missed the second one. Thus, we took the bus. Watson Bay really is beautiful and good for relaxing and walking. A great idea to come here.
Then Helen got a call from some friends who have bought a boat only a week ago. Great, they can come and pick us up and we'll have our private boat. :) The friends in fact fetched us and we had fish and chips on deck.
We were then taken to Darling Harbour where the Rainbow Warrior from Greenpeace lied. Today it was free to have a look around on the boat and get some information about Greenpeace.
After our good-byes to Helen in the evening Al and I went to the observatory (Observer Tree :)). Here, I got to see the stars through a telescope for the first time in my life. I even saw the Jupiter. Really nice and interesting!
At 6am we got up. A quick breakfast and we were on our way to Kings Canyon. It looked gigantic! The cliffs were cut as if with a knife. Hundreds of meter deep. On the top of the cliffs it looked like on another planet. Everywhere red molehill like hills. We walked through the gorges and came to an oasis. The garden of eden, it´s called. Full of palm trees and bushes and in the middle a lagoon. Just like a dream! Unfortunately we only had 3 hours for the tour. I could have walked around the canyon for days!
In the evening, back at Alice Springs, we hat a farewell dinner at the restaurant of the Melanka Hostel and after there was a big party. Thank god I can have a lay in tomorrow.
Nicole: Sydney
We had stayed overnight at Helen's place and started the day with a nice breakfast on the balcony with a view on Sydney water. Fantastic - for Helen almost every day starts like that.
Helen wanted to take two ferries with us to go to Watson Bay but the first ferry was too late and we missed the second one. Thus, we took the bus. Watson Bay really is beautiful and good for relaxing and walking. A great idea to come here.
Then Helen got a call from some friends who have bought a boat only a week ago. Great, they can come and pick us up and we'll have our private boat. :) The friends in fact fetched us and we had fish and chips on deck.
We were then taken to Darling Harbour where the Rainbow Warrior from Greenpeace lied. Today it was free to have a look around on the boat and get some information about Greenpeace.
After our good-byes to Helen in the evening Al and I went to the observatory (Observer Tree :)). Here, I got to see the stars through a telescope for the first time in my life. I even saw the Jupiter. Really nice and interesting!
Saturday, April 17, 2004
Nicole: Sydney // Ramona: Red Center Safari
Nicole: Sydney
Again we had a lie-in and spent our morning/early afternoon to do our chores i.e. finish the film of the camera we had bought yesterday, get pictures developed, ...
In the late afternoon we met up with Helen, a good friend of Al, who has lived in Sydney for two years. With her and her boy-friend Andy we went for a curry in the evening and had a nice evening together.
Ramona: Red Center Safari
We had to get up early in order to see the sun rise at Ayers Rock. At 5am we packed up, had a quick breakfast and left for the rock. Just befor 7am the sun came up. The rock looked like a huge gold bar. After this nice event, we went to the aboriginal culture center. But that was more than dissapointing! Not one aboriginal worked here. There were only a few pictures on the wall and some text. A strange video was shown of aboriginals who did some traditional dances. But it looked more as if it was only made for tourists. Nothing showed how they really lived and there was noone to ask any questions.
After the culture center we went to Kata Tjuta = The Olgas. A collection of 36 round Rocks, the highest 500m tall. They can be seen from Ayers Rock. We went on a 9Km walk round the Olgas. It looked so amazing!
Our camp for the night we set up in near Kings Canyon, which we wanted to visit tomorrow. Again we slept in swags round the campfire unter the clear starry sky.
Again we had a lie-in and spent our morning/early afternoon to do our chores i.e. finish the film of the camera we had bought yesterday, get pictures developed, ...
In the late afternoon we met up with Helen, a good friend of Al, who has lived in Sydney for two years. With her and her boy-friend Andy we went for a curry in the evening and had a nice evening together.
Ramona: Red Center Safari
We had to get up early in order to see the sun rise at Ayers Rock. At 5am we packed up, had a quick breakfast and left for the rock. Just befor 7am the sun came up. The rock looked like a huge gold bar. After this nice event, we went to the aboriginal culture center. But that was more than dissapointing! Not one aboriginal worked here. There were only a few pictures on the wall and some text. A strange video was shown of aboriginals who did some traditional dances. But it looked more as if it was only made for tourists. Nothing showed how they really lived and there was noone to ask any questions.
After the culture center we went to Kata Tjuta = The Olgas. A collection of 36 round Rocks, the highest 500m tall. They can be seen from Ayers Rock. We went on a 9Km walk round the Olgas. It looked so amazing!
Our camp for the night we set up in near Kings Canyon, which we wanted to visit tomorrow. Again we slept in swags round the campfire unter the clear starry sky.
Friday, April 16, 2004
Ramona: Alice Springs - Red Center Safari / Nicole: Blue Mountains
Ramona: Alice Springs - Red Center Safari
At 6am the tour to Ayers Rock started. Our tourguide Janine, nickname Goie, was really funny. Really a goie person. Mid fourties and still has ants in her pants! We were 24 people on the bus. We went straight to Ayers Rock. Round lunchtime we arrived. Because the rock was closed so often because of security reasons, Goie wanted to check if it was open today, so if not, we would still have the chance of going tomorrow. It was open.
Half of our group descided to climb the rock. Including me. The climb was ever so steep. With the nose one scratched along the floor, that steep. It took 30 minutes to get up the steep part. It was boiling hot! On the top we had an amazing view! We could see for 100Km in all directions! Incredible! The surface of the rock was marked by uncountable gullies which were washed out by the rain. When it rains on the rock, it changes to a huge waterfall. That must look unbelievable!
As we got back down, it was time for the sun set. Ther was a special place to watch it. The rock glimmered like fire. Really pretty!
It got dark and we went to our camp for the night. The camp was just a fireplace and a lamp. Nothing else. The fire wood we had already collected in the afternoon and now the guys tried to set it on fire. The rest of the group prepared dinner. Later we got our swags out and spread round the fireplace. Now we watched the stars. It was so beautiful! We could even see the milky way! And so many shooting stars!
Nicole: Blue Mountains
I still didn't feel well when I woke up. The red wine really had harried me. We therefore changed our plans and only went to the Blue Mountains for a day.
At Sydney's station I was quite indignant as clear signposting and signposting here are two different things. It happened what had to happen - we didn't know where to go and missed our train for three minutes. In addition to that we both had forgotten our cameras. Really! One could think we are still first week travellers!
We arrived in Katoomba about 2pm and first bought a disposable camera. Then we got persuaded to take a tourist bus. Gee, we really must have been drunk yet. Only tourists - and we are amid. No, no, no! We jumped off and walked.
The walking trails and the view over the blue mountains was amazing and eventually we started to enjoy the day. It didn't matter that we wouldn't catch the bus to the train station. Then we'll walk!
Before we took the train back to Sydney we saw a very nice sunset. A wonderful closing of our day trip to the blue mountains.
At 6am the tour to Ayers Rock started. Our tourguide Janine, nickname Goie, was really funny. Really a goie person. Mid fourties and still has ants in her pants! We were 24 people on the bus. We went straight to Ayers Rock. Round lunchtime we arrived. Because the rock was closed so often because of security reasons, Goie wanted to check if it was open today, so if not, we would still have the chance of going tomorrow. It was open.
Half of our group descided to climb the rock. Including me. The climb was ever so steep. With the nose one scratched along the floor, that steep. It took 30 minutes to get up the steep part. It was boiling hot! On the top we had an amazing view! We could see for 100Km in all directions! Incredible! The surface of the rock was marked by uncountable gullies which were washed out by the rain. When it rains on the rock, it changes to a huge waterfall. That must look unbelievable!
As we got back down, it was time for the sun set. Ther was a special place to watch it. The rock glimmered like fire. Really pretty!
It got dark and we went to our camp for the night. The camp was just a fireplace and a lamp. Nothing else. The fire wood we had already collected in the afternoon and now the guys tried to set it on fire. The rest of the group prepared dinner. Later we got our swags out and spread round the fireplace. Now we watched the stars. It was so beautiful! We could even see the milky way! And so many shooting stars!
Nicole: Blue Mountains
I still didn't feel well when I woke up. The red wine really had harried me. We therefore changed our plans and only went to the Blue Mountains for a day.
At Sydney's station I was quite indignant as clear signposting and signposting here are two different things. It happened what had to happen - we didn't know where to go and missed our train for three minutes. In addition to that we both had forgotten our cameras. Really! One could think we are still first week travellers!
We arrived in Katoomba about 2pm and first bought a disposable camera. Then we got persuaded to take a tourist bus. Gee, we really must have been drunk yet. Only tourists - and we are amid. No, no, no! We jumped off and walked.
The walking trails and the view over the blue mountains was amazing and eventually we started to enjoy the day. It didn't matter that we wouldn't catch the bus to the train station. Then we'll walk!
Before we took the train back to Sydney we saw a very nice sunset. A wonderful closing of our day trip to the blue mountains.
Thursday, April 15, 2004
Nicole: Sydney // Ramona: Coober Pedy - Alice Springs
Nicole: Sydney
Today we had a lazy start. Well, this doesn't mean that we had stressful days before. But it's Al's last week and he certainly won't want to have stress. Good for me! :)
We spent the morning looking for a suitable Internet-Cafe or looking for an Internet place at all. In Manly there were plenty but here in Paddington?!? We walked along Oxford Street but in the wrong direction. Eventually we turned and walked back - and a bit further - and well, we found a place to go online!
After a few hours of writing reports and emails we went back to the hotel in order to do the laundry and have some breakfast. Toast with tomatos and melted cheese. Yammy!
Then I had to call my sister Kerstin whose birthday it is today. For AUD 10 I can call to Germany for almost an hour. Fantastic, that is cheap!
At 6.30pm we went to the movies. In fact, we managed to get tickets for the opening of the German film festival. They showed 'The miracle of Bern' and I was quite excited!
The reception - a catastrophe, we clearly didn't wear smart casual! Still we enjoyed it. And Jo Baier, the German director was there as well. :) We both really liked the film and after that we had beer and red wine as well as some snacks - for free!
At midnight we were asked to leave! Why?? I still wanted to have some of this delicious red wine. Al though was probably quite happy that I couldn't get anything anymore. I've had 5 glasses and I felt like having drunken a whole cart load.
Ramona: Coober Pedy - Alice Springs
At 4.15am we had to get up. The hostel bus to the busstation leaves at 4.45am. I was still so tired! The bus to Alice Springs was supposed to be here at 5am, but was half an hour late. I was lucky on the bus and got 2 seats for myself, so I could lay down and sleep.
Just on time for the sunrise I woke up again. It looked wonderful. The sun was up and out came the kangurus. Unfortunately some of them had been jumping arround by night and got run over by trucks. Their dead bodies were now eaten by big wedge tail eagles. The biggest eagles in Australia. Their wings spread up to 2m.
At 2.30pm we arrived in Alice Springs. I took a room at the Melanka Backpackers. Then I went for a stroll through town. Gee, it was hot here. At the end of the town, ther was a small hill, the Anzac Hill. I climbed up. Half way up I came across a group of aboriginals. They were all drunk and argued. I passed them quickly. A few meters later I turned round to see what they were up to, and I couldn´t believe what I saw! The man was sitting on the elderly woman and punched her with his fist in her face and screamed: I kill you, I kill you! I stood there paralysed. What should I do? If I interfear, they might jump on me, if I do nothing, he might really kill that woman!!! To my relief 2 of the younger guys jumped up and pulled the man off the woman. Gee, what an experience. So this is now my first impression of the aboriginals. I just hope they are not all like that. The view from the hill was really nice.
Back at the hostel, I had some noodles for dinner and packed my bags for the Ayers Rock tour tomorrow.
Today we had a lazy start. Well, this doesn't mean that we had stressful days before. But it's Al's last week and he certainly won't want to have stress. Good for me! :)
We spent the morning looking for a suitable Internet-Cafe or looking for an Internet place at all. In Manly there were plenty but here in Paddington?!? We walked along Oxford Street but in the wrong direction. Eventually we turned and walked back - and a bit further - and well, we found a place to go online!
After a few hours of writing reports and emails we went back to the hotel in order to do the laundry and have some breakfast. Toast with tomatos and melted cheese. Yammy!
Then I had to call my sister Kerstin whose birthday it is today. For AUD 10 I can call to Germany for almost an hour. Fantastic, that is cheap!
At 6.30pm we went to the movies. In fact, we managed to get tickets for the opening of the German film festival. They showed 'The miracle of Bern' and I was quite excited!
The reception - a catastrophe, we clearly didn't wear smart casual! Still we enjoyed it. And Jo Baier, the German director was there as well. :) We both really liked the film and after that we had beer and red wine as well as some snacks - for free!
At midnight we were asked to leave! Why?? I still wanted to have some of this delicious red wine. Al though was probably quite happy that I couldn't get anything anymore. I've had 5 glasses and I felt like having drunken a whole cart load.
Ramona: Coober Pedy - Alice Springs
At 4.15am we had to get up. The hostel bus to the busstation leaves at 4.45am. I was still so tired! The bus to Alice Springs was supposed to be here at 5am, but was half an hour late. I was lucky on the bus and got 2 seats for myself, so I could lay down and sleep.
Just on time for the sunrise I woke up again. It looked wonderful. The sun was up and out came the kangurus. Unfortunately some of them had been jumping arround by night and got run over by trucks. Their dead bodies were now eaten by big wedge tail eagles. The biggest eagles in Australia. Their wings spread up to 2m.
At 2.30pm we arrived in Alice Springs. I took a room at the Melanka Backpackers. Then I went for a stroll through town. Gee, it was hot here. At the end of the town, ther was a small hill, the Anzac Hill. I climbed up. Half way up I came across a group of aboriginals. They were all drunk and argued. I passed them quickly. A few meters later I turned round to see what they were up to, and I couldn´t believe what I saw! The man was sitting on the elderly woman and punched her with his fist in her face and screamed: I kill you, I kill you! I stood there paralysed. What should I do? If I interfear, they might jump on me, if I do nothing, he might really kill that woman!!! To my relief 2 of the younger guys jumped up and pulled the man off the woman. Gee, what an experience. So this is now my first impression of the aboriginals. I just hope they are not all like that. The view from the hill was really nice.
Back at the hostel, I had some noodles for dinner and packed my bags for the Ayers Rock tour tomorrow.
Wednesday, April 14, 2004
Ramona: Coober Pedy // Nicole: Sydney
Ramona: Coober Pedy
At 5.20am we arrived in Coober Pedy. Here I wanted to stop over to see the Opal town. Hopefully there are still some hotels open this late at night. Otherwise I will need to sleep on the streets. But I was lucky, there was a hostel owner waiting for another guest. I asked him if he would have some space for me and he said yes. Perfect. I had a nice surprise as we got to the hostel. It was exactly that one I read in Adelaide about. Ain´t that nice! The hostel was built under ground. It looked so wicked! I shared the room with Ana from England, who was also on my bus. We went to sleep for a few hours.
At 1pm we went on a tour through and arround the Opal town. It was so interesting. The area looked like a different planet. Everywhere little sand hills, one next to the other. That were the opal mines. They miners dig deep holes to search for opal. When they are finished with one area and move to the next, the hole has to stay open for safety reasons. This way they become more and more. At a shut down mine we got to look for opal ourselves. Of course there was nothing to find. But you never know. One might have been lucky.
In the evening I went to a pizza place with Ana. Mmmh, delicious. And already the day was over.
Nicole: Sydney
After our 3 days on the beach we had enough and decided to move to see other parts of Sydney. We searched the internet for new accomodation and then had a list of numbers to phone. After a few calls we managed to find a new place on the other side of town near the harbour in Paddington. For once we don't have a Lonely Planet and easy jobs like this take so much longer!
A 20 minute walk, a ferry, a bus and another 20 minute walk with huge backpacks and we got to our new place. In the afternoon we had a picnic in the Royal Botantical Gardens surrounded by large white cockatiels.
In the evening we enjoyed the bars of central Sydney.
At 5.20am we arrived in Coober Pedy. Here I wanted to stop over to see the Opal town. Hopefully there are still some hotels open this late at night. Otherwise I will need to sleep on the streets. But I was lucky, there was a hostel owner waiting for another guest. I asked him if he would have some space for me and he said yes. Perfect. I had a nice surprise as we got to the hostel. It was exactly that one I read in Adelaide about. Ain´t that nice! The hostel was built under ground. It looked so wicked! I shared the room with Ana from England, who was also on my bus. We went to sleep for a few hours.
At 1pm we went on a tour through and arround the Opal town. It was so interesting. The area looked like a different planet. Everywhere little sand hills, one next to the other. That were the opal mines. They miners dig deep holes to search for opal. When they are finished with one area and move to the next, the hole has to stay open for safety reasons. This way they become more and more. At a shut down mine we got to look for opal ourselves. Of course there was nothing to find. But you never know. One might have been lucky.
In the evening I went to a pizza place with Ana. Mmmh, delicious. And already the day was over.
Nicole: Sydney
After our 3 days on the beach we had enough and decided to move to see other parts of Sydney. We searched the internet for new accomodation and then had a list of numbers to phone. After a few calls we managed to find a new place on the other side of town near the harbour in Paddington. For once we don't have a Lonely Planet and easy jobs like this take so much longer!
A 20 minute walk, a ferry, a bus and another 20 minute walk with huge backpacks and we got to our new place. In the afternoon we had a picnic in the Royal Botantical Gardens surrounded by large white cockatiels.
In the evening we enjoyed the bars of central Sydney.
Tuesday, April 13, 2004
Ramona: Adelaide // Nicole: Sydney
Ramona: Adelaide
Today I had a lay in. At 9am I got up. What a night! One of the room mates was snoring his head off! Not even my earplugs helped. I went for breakfast and later for a stroll through the town. A different part this time. And what was that??? A market!!! Everywhere they sold cheese, meat, freshly baked bread and fruits. Uh, how delicious it smelled! I could have bought the whole place! But tonight my trip to Alice Springs starts and on the bus I can't eat anyway. :-( With my head hanging down I went back to the hostel.
At 6.30pm I sat in the bus to Alice Springs. It was already dark, so a video was shown to entertain the people. At 10pm we had a long stop to collect some parcels. These busses were also the postman in the Outback. When we got back on the bus, an Aboriginal had taken my seat. No problem, so I'll sit with the guy in front, that seat was still free. But then another aboriginal man came and set nextto me. The busdriver said it was ok, the other man could take the free seat in the back. Well, he did not agree with that. He totally freaked out. He will not move, he had paid for that seat and he will have that seat! What a jerk! So I went in the back. That's when I met an aboriginal woman for the first time. Unfortunately we could not communicate as she didn't speak any english and I didn't speak aboriginal either. She just kept asking me: you ok? She was a little big and was squashing me a bit when she fell asleep. And when she woke up she was a little worried about me. How sweet. Eventually I fell asleep too.
Nicole: Sydney
After fried potatoes for breakfast we went to go snorkelling. Al had already told me that the water here is a bit colder than in Bali but I was already freezing cold when only knee-deep in the water. Still I was tough and we spent quite a while in the water. It was amazing how many fishes we sould see, we even saw a flatfish!
After relaxing on the beach (a bit cold when the clouds covered the sun) we had some hot chocoloate and went back for more cooking.
Today I had a lay in. At 9am I got up. What a night! One of the room mates was snoring his head off! Not even my earplugs helped. I went for breakfast and later for a stroll through the town. A different part this time. And what was that??? A market!!! Everywhere they sold cheese, meat, freshly baked bread and fruits. Uh, how delicious it smelled! I could have bought the whole place! But tonight my trip to Alice Springs starts and on the bus I can't eat anyway. :-( With my head hanging down I went back to the hostel.
At 6.30pm I sat in the bus to Alice Springs. It was already dark, so a video was shown to entertain the people. At 10pm we had a long stop to collect some parcels. These busses were also the postman in the Outback. When we got back on the bus, an Aboriginal had taken my seat. No problem, so I'll sit with the guy in front, that seat was still free. But then another aboriginal man came and set nextto me. The busdriver said it was ok, the other man could take the free seat in the back. Well, he did not agree with that. He totally freaked out. He will not move, he had paid for that seat and he will have that seat! What a jerk! So I went in the back. That's when I met an aboriginal woman for the first time. Unfortunately we could not communicate as she didn't speak any english and I didn't speak aboriginal either. She just kept asking me: you ok? She was a little big and was squashing me a bit when she fell asleep. And when she woke up she was a little worried about me. How sweet. Eventually I fell asleep too.
Nicole: Sydney
After fried potatoes for breakfast we went to go snorkelling. Al had already told me that the water here is a bit colder than in Bali but I was already freezing cold when only knee-deep in the water. Still I was tough and we spent quite a while in the water. It was amazing how many fishes we sould see, we even saw a flatfish!
After relaxing on the beach (a bit cold when the clouds covered the sun) we had some hot chocoloate and went back for more cooking.
Monday, April 12, 2004
Nicole: Sydney // Ramona: Adelaide
Nicole: Sydney
We were quite excited because our accomodation included a kitchen, this meant for the first time in months we were able to cook. Next stop the supermarket and excitement at the products and food that I hadn't seen in a while. So our mission: to cook potato salad (the one we didn't have on Christmas Eve), Linguini with Tuna, garlic bread, vanilla yogurt, toast with tomato, onions and melted cheddar cheese,...... over the next days.
We took the shopping back to our room and in the afternoon walked to a nearby cliff to look for whales and dolphins. Although we spent quite a while up there we didn't see any!
After the sunset we headed back and started our cooking mission. The evening we spent either cooking or eating (and some drinking) - all delicious!
Ramona: Adelaide
Today the city was just as deserted as yesterday. Although, a few shops were open. And so was a travel shop. I went to ask about tours to Ayers Rock. In the end I spent about 3 hours there, to book all my transfers from Adelaide over Ayers Rock to Cairns. Everything was set. On April 22nd I will arrive in Cairns and meet again with Nicole.
Now it's time for sightseeing. I went to the Adelaide Goal, the first prison in Australia. In the beginning it was only a ship, later they built concrete blocks and it got bigger and bigger. The prison had been in use until 1988. Over 50 prisoners were hanged, among them even two women. Pretty creepy. I would not have liked to live in those tiny cells.
The rest of the afternoon I strolled up and down the streets of town. For dinner I had a delicious sandwich. And already my bed was calling me.
We were quite excited because our accomodation included a kitchen, this meant for the first time in months we were able to cook. Next stop the supermarket and excitement at the products and food that I hadn't seen in a while. So our mission: to cook potato salad (the one we didn't have on Christmas Eve), Linguini with Tuna, garlic bread, vanilla yogurt, toast with tomato, onions and melted cheddar cheese,...... over the next days.
We took the shopping back to our room and in the afternoon walked to a nearby cliff to look for whales and dolphins. Although we spent quite a while up there we didn't see any!
After the sunset we headed back and started our cooking mission. The evening we spent either cooking or eating (and some drinking) - all delicious!
Ramona: Adelaide
Today the city was just as deserted as yesterday. Although, a few shops were open. And so was a travel shop. I went to ask about tours to Ayers Rock. In the end I spent about 3 hours there, to book all my transfers from Adelaide over Ayers Rock to Cairns. Everything was set. On April 22nd I will arrive in Cairns and meet again with Nicole.
Now it's time for sightseeing. I went to the Adelaide Goal, the first prison in Australia. In the beginning it was only a ship, later they built concrete blocks and it got bigger and bigger. The prison had been in use until 1988. Over 50 prisoners were hanged, among them even two women. Pretty creepy. I would not have liked to live in those tiny cells.
The rest of the afternoon I strolled up and down the streets of town. For dinner I had a delicious sandwich. And already my bed was calling me.
Sunday, April 11, 2004
Adelaide - Sydney
As I wanted to meet with Al again before he finishes his travelling, and I have previously visited Uluru, I would leave Ramona in Adelaide & fly to Sydney whilst she visited Uluru, we would then meet again in Cairns.
After I had said my goodbyes to Ramona I went in search of my flight to Sydney. As it was a domestic flight I headed for the domestic terminal - a 2km walk from the international terminal that we had arrived in!
What do you mean, the flight goes from the International Terminal - how stupid! A 2km walk back with my trolley past all the things and people that I had just seen ten minutes before!! At last check-in.
After the 2 hours in the air, I had a wonderful suprise at Sydney airport. Al, who was supposed to be away camping with friends for the Easter weekend, was in the crowd to greet me from the plane!
We took a train, ferry and taxi and ended up in Manly, 'one of Syndey's famous beaches'.
We wandered around and only gradually I got used to the fact that all these people belong here and not all of them are tourists. I hadn't seen so many westerners since we left Helsinki back in August.
We decided to walk barefoot along the beach with the water gently flowing over our feet - this was pretty stupid on a beach known for its surfing. It wasn't long before a big wave broke next to us and soaked my white trousers covering them in water and sand.
As we were quite tired from our walking (me from the 30 hours it had taken to get from Bali to Sydney) we watched a video in the evening and had an early night.
After I had said my goodbyes to Ramona I went in search of my flight to Sydney. As it was a domestic flight I headed for the domestic terminal - a 2km walk from the international terminal that we had arrived in!
What do you mean, the flight goes from the International Terminal - how stupid! A 2km walk back with my trolley past all the things and people that I had just seen ten minutes before!! At last check-in.
After the 2 hours in the air, I had a wonderful suprise at Sydney airport. Al, who was supposed to be away camping with friends for the Easter weekend, was in the crowd to greet me from the plane!
We took a train, ferry and taxi and ended up in Manly, 'one of Syndey's famous beaches'.
We wandered around and only gradually I got used to the fact that all these people belong here and not all of them are tourists. I hadn't seen so many westerners since we left Helsinki back in August.
We decided to walk barefoot along the beach with the water gently flowing over our feet - this was pretty stupid on a beach known for its surfing. It wasn't long before a big wave broke next to us and soaked my white trousers covering them in water and sand.
As we were quite tired from our walking (me from the 30 hours it had taken to get from Bali to Sydney) we watched a video in the evening and had an early night.
Thursday, April 08, 2004
Kuta
After breakfast we went immediately to the beach. We had again planned to spend a day on the beach. As we didn't manage the last one in Thailand ... will we manage today?
There was hardly anyone on the beach, which is about 8km long. Only a few surfers were in the water and it was fun watching them. A few locals have earned their money since more than 15 years. Every day they sell fruits, sarongs, hats, give massages, offer pedi and manikuere ... However, it is not even half as annoying as in Thailand. Here, they are only allowed to offer their services in certain areas and only a few are allowed to walk along the beach to sell things.
We had a massage for 30 minutes and spent the rest of the day relaxing and reading.
There was hardly anyone on the beach, which is about 8km long. Only a few surfers were in the water and it was fun watching them. A few locals have earned their money since more than 15 years. Every day they sell fruits, sarongs, hats, give massages, offer pedi and manikuere ... However, it is not even half as annoying as in Thailand. Here, they are only allowed to offer their services in certain areas and only a few are allowed to walk along the beach to sell things.
We had a massage for 30 minutes and spent the rest of the day relaxing and reading.
Tuesday, April 06, 2004
Moni - Maumere
I (Nicole) got already up at 5.35am. I wanted to go to the church. To the church? Yes, Al, who had been here three years ago, told us that here in Moni the singing in the church is really nice. I wanted to listen to it. Every morning at 6am people attend mass. Here, they are really (roman-catholic), however, this morning only 5 people were in the church. This changed though and in the end there may have been 20, only 3 men. Of course, I didn't understand what the pastor was praying (it was in Indonesian) but still it was interesting to watch. I only missed the choir as I could neither see nor hear them. :(
On Mondays and Tuesdays there is a market in Moni. Gee, there are so many people in this little village. As if everything was for free! People sell almost everything. Even fresh tobacco and betel nuts. You remember the Philippino chewing gum? We've seen it a lot here in Flores and here we had to be careful not to be spit at. :) We even bought an Indonesian sarong and bargaining with the ladies was great fun!
At 12.15pm we jumped on the bus to Maumere. Luckily, we were allowed to sit on the roof again. The journey was up- and downhill all the time, around narrow bends on narrow streets and we had to watch out for the perches and leafs which were hanging over the street in order not to be hit by them. People, above all children, seem to be very happy to see foreigners (white?). We felt like stars as everybody waved at us, they laughed pointed with their fingers at us.
In Maumere we made an exception and chose a *****-Hotel. Two beds with comfy mattresses, a fan which was really working, a Western-Toilet and a shower out of which there was also water running.
We bought a flight ticket for tomorrow to go to Denpasar/Bali as we didn't want to travel overland again. Then we explored the city, had PopMie for dinner - yammy - and eventually replied to all our emails.
On Mondays and Tuesdays there is a market in Moni. Gee, there are so many people in this little village. As if everything was for free! People sell almost everything. Even fresh tobacco and betel nuts. You remember the Philippino chewing gum? We've seen it a lot here in Flores and here we had to be careful not to be spit at. :) We even bought an Indonesian sarong and bargaining with the ladies was great fun!
At 12.15pm we jumped on the bus to Maumere. Luckily, we were allowed to sit on the roof again. The journey was up- and downhill all the time, around narrow bends on narrow streets and we had to watch out for the perches and leafs which were hanging over the street in order not to be hit by them. People, above all children, seem to be very happy to see foreigners (white?). We felt like stars as everybody waved at us, they laughed pointed with their fingers at us.
In Maumere we made an exception and chose a *****-Hotel. Two beds with comfy mattresses, a fan which was really working, a Western-Toilet and a shower out of which there was also water running.
We bought a flight ticket for tomorrow to go to Denpasar/Bali as we didn't want to travel overland again. Then we explored the city, had PopMie for dinner - yammy - and eventually replied to all our emails.
Sunday, April 04, 2004
Bajawa - Moni
At 6.20am the bus picked us up in front of our room. As there weren't a lot of people in the bus yet we sat down on the back seats. It was in fact the coldest place as the door was always open but here we also had the most room for our feet. Still! Though after a journey of 5 hours we arrived in Ende. End? Is this the end of our journey? No, there are only more people joining the ride. Gee, they all want to get in here? We had no choice. Next to backpacks we sat squeezed on the back seats, in front of us our feet on big boxes. Our feet also served as a seat for the others, our shinbones were the backrests. Backpacks slipped on me, the bump hurt already from the long journey ... luckily the ride to Moni is only another 2 hours. :)
Moni is a small village, nicely located and surrounded by mountains. We checked in the Watugana Bungalows. Though we got a room and not a bungalow. They don't seem to rent these anymore as tourists probably prefer a bed to a mattress on the floor. We don't understand that but ...
As it was raining cats and dogs we had a cup of tea first. Coffee and tea is for free during the whole day.
When it stopped raining, we explored Moni. There was obviously not much to see and thus it was just a nice walk.
We went for dinner to the restaurant opposite of our hotel. Spaghetti Cheese and a fruit juice please. They can't serve fruit juice yet as they only have electricity from 6pm onwards. Well, I'll have a coke then. Coke? Out off stock. Grrrrr .... well, and Spaghette we don't have anymore. No problem we'll go to the restaurant next door.
What a good decision. Not only the coke was icecold and cheaper but also the Spaghetti Cheese were delicious! The cook even joined us for dinner and told us about her life in Moni.
Moni is a small village, nicely located and surrounded by mountains. We checked in the Watugana Bungalows. Though we got a room and not a bungalow. They don't seem to rent these anymore as tourists probably prefer a bed to a mattress on the floor. We don't understand that but ...
As it was raining cats and dogs we had a cup of tea first. Coffee and tea is for free during the whole day.
When it stopped raining, we explored Moni. There was obviously not much to see and thus it was just a nice walk.
We went for dinner to the restaurant opposite of our hotel. Spaghetti Cheese and a fruit juice please. They can't serve fruit juice yet as they only have electricity from 6pm onwards. Well, I'll have a coke then. Coke? Out off stock. Grrrrr .... well, and Spaghette we don't have anymore. No problem we'll go to the restaurant next door.
What a good decision. Not only the coke was icecold and cheaper but also the Spaghetti Cheese were delicious! The cook even joined us for dinner and told us about her life in Moni.
Friday, April 02, 2004
Labuanbajo - Bajawa
At 6am we were woken up by the hotel employee Victor, who also served us breakfast in our room. What a service!
Today we’ll take the bus to Bajawa – where we’ll stay for two nights on our way to Moni and the Kelimotu mountain. Again eight or nine, if not 10 hours in the bus.
The bus picked us up at 6.30am. We were the first to get in and could thus choose the front seats. But where the hell does that smell come from? Gee, half of the bus is loaded with fish. This is worse than on a fish market!
A few more people joined us and at 6.50 am we could eventually start. The journey was more or less “halsbrecherisch”, on narrow and overgrown streets, again and again up and down, hairpin bends, serpentines … hopefully, we’ll survive this.
We only got to Bajawa around 5pm. Bajawa lies on 1,100m and the temperature was cool. We checked-in and went for a walk through the little town. Also here, it does not seem as if there were a lot of tourists as everybody is just staring at us. Or do we really look that strange?
Today we’ll take the bus to Bajawa – where we’ll stay for two nights on our way to Moni and the Kelimotu mountain. Again eight or nine, if not 10 hours in the bus.
The bus picked us up at 6.30am. We were the first to get in and could thus choose the front seats. But where the hell does that smell come from? Gee, half of the bus is loaded with fish. This is worse than on a fish market!
A few more people joined us and at 6.50 am we could eventually start. The journey was more or less “halsbrecherisch”, on narrow and overgrown streets, again and again up and down, hairpin bends, serpentines … hopefully, we’ll survive this.
We only got to Bajawa around 5pm. Bajawa lies on 1,100m and the temperature was cool. We checked-in and went for a walk through the little town. Also here, it does not seem as if there were a lot of tourists as everybody is just staring at us. Or do we really look that strange?
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